Gyles Belgrave
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 Gyles Belgrave as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in Fire & Blood. | ||||
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| Title | Ser | |||
| Allegiances | ||||
| Culture | Westerosi | |||
| Died | In 131 AC, King's Landing[1] | |||
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Gyles Belgrave was a knight from House Belgrave and a member of Aegon II Targaryen's Kingsguard.[1]
History
Ser Gyles served King Aegon II Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons. Following the defeat of Lord Borros Baratheon of Storm's End and his army at the Battle of the Kingsroad, Gyles commanded the Aegon's escort after his meeting with the small council. The fatigued-looking king drank a cup of Arbor red and before closing the curtains to keep out the chill, ordered Ser Gyles to take his palanquin to the Red Keep's sept.
When Aegon did not respond after they arrived at the sept, Gyles threw back the hangings and found Aegon dead with blood dribbling from his lips.[2] When the victorious riverlords arrived at the capital two days later, Gyles and four other Kingsguard were present as Aegon's body was laid on a bier beneath the Iron Throne.[3]
During the Hour of the Wolf, Gyles and three other white cloaks who had been present when Aegon died were accused of treason. Lord Cregan Stark of Winterfell, the Hand of the King, accused Gyles of either poisoning the king's wine himself or failing in his duty to prevent it from happening.[3]
On the day scheduled for the executions, most of those condemned chose to take the black. Gyles, however, accepted death as he had failed in his duty to protect Aegon. The knight was personally executed by Lord Stark, who took his head off with Ice. The heads of Gyles and Lord Larys Strong, who was accused of leading the conspiracy against Aegon, were put on pikes by the gates to the Red Keep.[3]
Legacy
It is disputed if Gyles was the poisoner of King Aegon II Targaryen. Some claim he was the culprit because of his proximity to the king, while others insist Gyles was a loyal Kingsguard and that Ummet, Aegon's food taster, was to blame. It is believed that the murderer was following the instructions of Lord Larys Strong.[2]
It is unconfirmed if Gyles was the same individual as the Kingsguard remembered as Gyles Greycloak.[4]
Quotes by Gyles
You were not wrong, Lord Stark. A knight of the Kingsguard should not outlive his king.[3]
—Gyles to Cregan Stark
Quotes about Gyles
No knight of the Kingsguard should outlive his king when that king dies by violence.[3]
—Cregan Stark to Gyles
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Fire & Blood, Aftermath - The Hour of the Wolf.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 16, Jaime II.
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