12 Things You Didn’t Know About the Kingsguard

The Kingsguard is a prestigious order that has existed for hundreds of years. Their service was invaluable and has undeniably changed the course of history in Westeros. Here are fifteen facts about them that you may or may not know, but will definitely enjoy.

Who Formed the Kingsguard?

The Kingsguard was formed during the reign of Aegon ‘The Conqueror’ Targaryen, the first Targaryen king to sit on the Iron Throne. It was at the suggestion of Visenya Targaryen, his sister and wife, that a group of royal guards was formed after a Dornish assassin attempted to kill him and Aegon as they walked the streets of Kings Landing in 10 AC. He consciously modeled the oath of the Kingsguard on that of the Nights Watch, an ancient cap of order formed during the Age of Heroes.

Seat of the King’s Guard

The White Sword Tower in the Red Keep, in Kings Landing, located atop Aegon’s Hill is where the Kingsguard resides. It consists of four floors and is a sleek building overlooking the bay. The bottom holds their armor and weapons. It has a meeting room for the King’s Guard where a large table, carved from shield-shaped weirwood, and seven chairs. The Lord Commander had his apartment on the top floor and the rest of the Kingsguard had small guest rooms on the second and third floors.

Lifetime Vow

To become a member of the Kingsguard, a man must kneel or bow before the king and swear an oath. Once this is said, either the Commander of the Kingsguard or the Hand of the King will bestow upon him a white robe.

The King’s Guard is sworn in for life, despite physical and mental injuries as well as illness or age, which is why the oath is not made just like that. As per their oath, members of the Kingsguard must surrender their lands, claims, and titles – if they own them or wish to inherit them. They could no longer have any rights over them, unless they were dismissed from the king’s service.

Various Roles of the King’s Guard

Per their oath, the Kingsguard were not allowed to marry, father children, or own land. However, they are allowed to defend and hold certain titles. Lords Commander Criston Cole and Ryam Redwyne act as Hands of the King to their respective kings, while Lewyn Martell Aemon Targaryen still uses the ‘prince’ style.

Protect the Royal Family

The King’s Guard must prioritize the royal family above anyone else. The king’s wives, children, family – and sometimes even concubines and illegitimate children – received the protection of the King’s Guard.

This is why Arthur Dayne and the rest of the Kingsguard are at the Tower of Joy, protecting Lyanna Stark – Rhaegar Targaryen’s wife – and her newborn son Aegon Targaryen – who we all know better as the northern bastard, Jon Snow.

Dismissal of a King’s Guard

Only a king can dismiss a member of the King’s Guard; when Joffrey became king he dismissed Ser Barristan Selmy because he was too ‘old’ and when Tommen became king he dismissed his real father, believed to be his uncle, Jaime Lannister in order to lead his armies and regain Riverrun.

Transfer of Tasks and Assignments

If a member of the Kingsguard is unable to perform his duties or duties for reasons of age or mental or physical health, another member of the Kingsguard will take over.

Unsworn Assistance

Sometimes the King’s Guard has to rely on others to protect the king and the royal family. Prince Joffrey has Sandor ‘The Hound’ Clegane as his sworn shield, Queen Cersei Lannister has Vylarr and her Red Cloak to protect her.

Lord Commander of the Kingsguard

The Commander of the Kingsguard has a seat on the Small Council based on his position. His role on the council was to provide military advice to the king regarding warfare. The other members of the Kingsguard must guard the Small Council, one must stand outside the door while the council is in session and another at the end of the bridge in Maegor’s Holdfast.

Robes and Sigils of the Kingsguard

Only members of the Kingsguard can use pure white shields without flames. No one else in the Seven Kingdoms can. The Kingsguard has its own standards; it is a golden tree, surrounded by seven silver swords on a white background.

White Paper

Created during the reign of Aegon I Targaryen, the White Book is an unbroken history of all the members of the Kingsguard. Each member has a page that defines who they are and what deeds they have performed in the service of their respective king. The book is kept in the White Tower and it is up to the Master Commander to update the book.

Regicide

Throughout the history of the Kingsguard order, only one member of the prestigious order has ever attacked their king and killed him; Jaime Lannister. Although he had good reason to, as Aerys ‘The Mad King’ Targaryen planned to burn the entire city of Kings Landing and its inhabitants to the ground.