When it comes to the Seven Kingdoms, there are many castles that come to mind. From the formidable walls of the Red Keep to the towering heights of Winterfell, these structures are a testament to the power and wealth of their owners. But there is one castle that stands above them all, both in size and in infamy: Harrenhal.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to the Seven Kingdoms, there are many castles that come to mind. From the formidable walls of the Red Keep to the towering heights of Winterfell, these structures are a testament to the power and wealth of their owners. But there is one castle that stands above them all, both in size and in infamy: Harrenhal.
What is Harrenhal?
Harrenhal is a massive castle located in the Riverlands, built by Harren the Black during the reign of Aegon the Conqueror. Harren was a tyrannical ruler who sought to create a fortress that would be impervious to attack, but his plans were ultimately foiled by the Targaryen dragons. The castle was left in ruins, but was later restored by various lords of the Riverlands.
Why is Harrenhal so infamous?
Harrenhal is infamous for a number of reasons. Firstly, its size is unparalleled - it is said to be large enough to house all of the other castles in the Seven Kingdoms combined. Secondly, its history is steeped in tragedy - many of its owners have met with untimely ends, and it is said to be cursed. Finally, it is associated with some of the most brutal and notorious figures in Westerosi history, including Tywin Lannister and Gregor Clegane.
History
The history of Harrenhal is a long and complicated one. As mentioned earlier, it was built by Harren the Black during the Targaryen conquest of Westeros. Harren was a cruel and ambitious ruler who sought to create a castle that would be impervious to attack. He spent forty years building the fortress, using the labor of thousands of men and sacrificing countless lives in the process.
Despite his efforts, Harrenhal was no match for the Targaryen dragons. Aegon and his sisters flew their beasts over the castle's walls and set it ablaze. Harren and his sons were burned alive in their own tower, and the castle was left in ruins.
Over the centuries, Harrenhal was restored and rebuilt by various lords of the Riverlands. It passed through many hands, each leaving their mark on the castle's walls and halls. But despite their efforts, the castle remained a place of tragedy and misfortune.
Layout
Harrenhal is divided into several sections, each with its own purpose and history. The largest of these sections is the castle proper, which includes the great hall, the kitchens, and the lord's chambers. The castle also includes several towers, including the Widow's Tower and the Tower of Ghosts.
Outside of the castle proper, there is a village where the common folk who serve the castle reside. There is also a Godswood, a stable, and a tourney grounds.
Question and Answer
Q: Who currently owns Harrenhal?
A: As of 2023, Harrenhal is owned by Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger. He acquired the castle through a series of political maneuvers and manipulations.
Q: Is Harrenhal still cursed?
A: Many people believe that Harrenhal is still cursed, and that its owners are doomed to suffer misfortune and tragedy. Whether or not this is true remains to be seen.
Q: Has Harrenhal ever been successfully attacked?
A: Despite Harren's ambitions, the castle was ultimately unable to withstand the power of the Targaryen dragons. Since then, it has been attacked and taken by various lords, but has never fallen to an outside force.
Conclusion
Harrenhal is a castle that has captured the imagination of Westerosi people for centuries. Its size, history, and association with some of the most infamous figures in the Seven Kingdoms make it a place of both wonder and terror. Whether its curse is real or not, one thing is for sure - it will always be a part of the landscape of Westeros.
