Paramour
A paramour is the unmarried lover of a noble.
Contents
About
In Dorne, it is common for lords and ladies to have paramours, chosen out of love and lust rather than political alliances. Dornishmen are not greatly concerned if a bastard is born to a paramour.[1] Dorne gives a degree of social status to paramours, despite the "unchaste" nature of the relationship. Outside of Dorne, a Dornish paramour's status is less certain. They may be afforded the esteem granted in their homeland by the diplomatic-minded, or they may receive treatment ranging from slight social disdain to moral condemnation.[2]
That same varying treatment also applies to paramours of non-Dornish nobles, even the mistresses of kings.[3] A paramour can be of the same sex as their lover. Each partner in a marriage can have their own paramour, though it depends on the rank of the partners.[4]
The Citadel does not allow its novices to keep wives or paramours, at least not openly.[5]
History
When Lord Lyonel Hightower was forbidden by the High Septon from marrying his widowed step-mother, Samantha Tarly, he kept her as a paramour and fathered six children on her, before the election of a new High Septon allowed their marriage. The relationship was deemed highly scandalous.[6]
It was a closely held secret that Prince Lewyn Martell kept a paramour despite the Kingsguard oaths of chastity.[7] Ser Barristan Selmy and his other sworn brothers were aware of this, but kept his secret.[8]
Recent Events
A Storm of Swords
A degree of social deference is given to Ellaria Sand by virtue of her relationship with Prince Oberyn Martell.[2] While esteemed as a high-ranking woman by the Dornishmen, in King's Landing her presence at the high table at the royal wedding of King Joffrey I Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell would be taken as an insult by the noblewomen seated near her. Ellaria is instead placed at a place of honor near the dais.[2] Olenna Redwyne refers to her as "the serpent's whore",[9] in reference to Prince Oberyn's nickname of "the Red Viper".
Some known paramours
- Mysaria, to Prince Daemon Targaryen[10][11]
- Ser Harwin Strong, to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (allegedly)[11]
- Unnamed paramour, to King Aegon II Targaryen[12]
- Sylvenna Sand, to Essie[1]
- Samantha Tarly, to Lord Lyonel Hightower (they eventually marry)[6]
- Lord Alyn Velaryon, to Princess Aliandra Martell (suspected, not confirmed)[13]
- Rue, to Lord Alyn Velaryon (possibly)[13]
- The nine mistresses of King Aegon IV Targaryen:[14]
- Lady Falena Stokeworth
- Megette
- Lady Cassella Vaith
- Bellegere Otherys
- Lady Barba Bracken
- Lady Melissa Blackwood
- Lady Bethany Bracken
- Lady Jeyne Lothston
- Lady Serenei of Lys
- Shiera Seastar, to Lord Brynden Rivers[15][16]
- Several unnamed paramours, to King Aerys II Targaryen[17]
- Unnamed paramour, to Prince Lewyn Martell[7]
- Unnamed draper's wife in King's Landing, to Ser Preston Greenfield[7]
- Unnamed paramour, to Lord Edgar Yronwood[2]
- Ellaria Sand, to Prince Oberyn Martell[2]
- Daario Naharis, to Queen Daenerys Targaryen[8]
Quotes
And this is Ellaria Sand, mine own paramour.[2]
Prince Lewyn was my Sworn Brother. In those days there were few secrets amongst the Kingsguard. I know he kept a paramour. He did not feel there was any shame in that.[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The World of Ice & Fire, Dorne: Queer Customs of the South.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV.
- ↑ So Spake Martin: ConJose (SAN JOSE, CA; AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 2) (August 29, 2002)
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 45, Samwell V.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 13, The Soiled Knight.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 59, The Discarded Knight.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 53, Tyrion VI.
- ↑ The Rogue Prince.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I.
- ↑ The Princess and the Queen.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: Braavos.
- ↑ The Sworn Sword.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.