In the Godswood

A Game of Thrones

Cateyln 1:

Nice little place to have in your backyard

Lady Catelyn Stark reflects on the differences between the godswood of the North when compared to her home in Riverrun. Born the noble daughter of Hoster Tully, Catelyn still feels out of place in the North. She finds her husband Eddard next to the weirwood tree, cleaning his blade after the execution of the Night's Watch deserter.

They discuss the man's reason for desertion, he has not been the first in the recent months. Cateyln wonders if this is the work of Mance Rayder and his Wildlings. Eddard muses that he may need to call his banners to deal with the "King Beyond the Wall".

Catelyn then brings Eddard news from King's Landing, the capitol of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King - second in power only to the king himself, has died. The man was Eddard Stark's foster father after his own father was killed and raised his banners to protect Eddard and the current king, Robert Baratheon, when the previous king called for their heads. Jon Arryn is also Catelyn's brother in law, wed to her sister Lysa Arryn. Though obviously deeply saddened, Eddard asks what became of lady Lysa and her son. Catelyn replies that they returned to the Eyrie, Lord Arryns home seat. She muses that they would be better in her home of Riverrun, with their family.

Eddard suggests that Catelyn take their children and visit Lady Lysa to help her and her child through these though times. Catelyn however states the letter she received also states that King Robert marches to Riverrun. Eddard is clearly overjoyed to hear this though his happiness is somewhat tempered by the news that the Queen's family is also joining them - the Lannisters. Eddard notes that the Lannisters were the last to join during Robert's Rebellion, something he has not forgiven them for. With King and his entourage already on their way, the Starks hastily begin to prepare for their arrival.

Commentary

Lady Cateyln is another character I'm not all too crazy about. It's not so obvious why in this chapter though. I suppose I could complain about how uncomfortable she is in the North, but that would be unfair. Since all we have seen of the series so far is the North, we are supposed to root for it. But their ways are certainly quite different from the rest of Westeros as we will soon see.

I sort of feel like we learn more about Eddard than we do Catelyn in this chapter. I mean sure we learn a bit about her family and all, but Eddard still seems to be the main focus. I especially liked the little bit showing despite Eddard being deeply affected by Jon Arryn's passing, he still first makes sure that Catelyn is doing alright. Also seeing how grim and stoic he has been so far, it is nice to see a genuinely happy reaction on hearing his friend, the king, is coming.

I'm watching you....

A big aspect of this chapter is also setting up the differences between the North and the rest of the realm. In the north they keep the nameless Old Gods, compared to the Seven, which most of the realm practices. The Seven seems to be your typical religion, such as Catholicism, complete with services, incense, etc. The Old Gods are much less ceremonial; those who keep them seem to worship in quiet contemplation. We also hear a bit about the Children of the Forest and the First Men, though they aren't so much elaborated. They'll come up time and again though.

We learn a bit more about the Wildlings. So far Mance Rayder is being set up as a major villain...not to spoil or anything but I wouldn't believe that for a second. As of now though he seems to be the biggest threat.

We also learn a bit about the Lannisters and Eddard's animosity towards them. I wonder if that'll be relevant at all? Hmm...

Also the youngest of the Stark children, Rickon, is three years old. Catelyn states that he is unsure if he wants a direwolf. Eddard's response? He should stop being afraid, he will not be three forever, Winter is Coming. You see in the Stark family three is the age where you stop pussyfooting around, grow up, and be a man God damn it.

Ron Swanson would make a perfect Stark