Summary
In both theA Song of Ice and Firenovels and its subsequent television adaptationGame of Thrones, the Golden Company is introduced as a legendary mercenary group. Known for their unwavering discipline, military prowess, and unyielding loyalty, the Golden Company stands as a force to be reckoned with in the power struggles that define the realm.
The Golden Company, in essence, is a sellsword company that originated in the Free Cities of Essos, particularly in the mercantile hub of Myr. Established by exiled Westerosi lords a century ago, the company has since gained a fearsome reputation across the Narrow Sea. Their legacy is shrouded in tales of victories, betrayals, and a relentless pursuit of power and wealth, making them significant players in the power dynamics of the Seven Kingdoms.
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What is the Golden Company?
In Westerosi history, there exists a company like no other, a brotherhood forged from the crucible of defeat and exile, known as the Golden Company. Its origins harken back to a time of rebellion and fervent ambition, when a man by the name of Aegor Rivers, or “Bittersteel” as he came to be known, rallied behindthe banner of House Blackfyrein the First Blackfyre Rebellion. This uprising, aimed at seizing the coveted Iron Throne, would ultimately end in defeat, but Bittersteel possessed a tenacity matched only by the most resolute of souls.
In the wake of the Blackfyre army’s downfall, Bittersteel, steadfast in his resolve, led his loyal band of exiles to the mercenary haven of the Free Cities. There, he masterminded the creation of a formidable force, one that would serve as a steadfast bulwark for future rebellions yet to come. And come they did, though each, too, met with the harsh embrace of failure. Thedescendants of those Westerosi exiles, sons, and grandsons, continued to stand alongside their brethren, and newcomers, embittered by wars lost, flocked to their ranks, forging a diverse fellowship born of shared misfortune, bound together by the harsh tapestry of their history.
Unlike common sellswords of meager discipline and moral ambiguity, the men of the Golden Company would proudly assert their identity as a free brotherhood of exiles, rather than mere mercenaries. Their proficiency in the art of war, an extension of their unwavering discipline, distinguished them from the motley hosts ofhousehold knights and feudal levies. Notoriously swift in establishing orderly camps, they bore a motto that resounded with integrity: “Our word is good as gold.” Their war cry, “Beneath the gold, the bitter steel,” a reverent tribute to their indomitable founder, echoed through the annals of time, a constant reminder of their unyielding heritage.
Duringthe War of the Five Kings, the Golden Company stood as a beacon of martial prowess within the Free Cities, functioning not as seamen, but as an elite private army of unsurpassed repute. Their formidable forces comprised a force of 10,000 stalwart warriors, with a thousand horsemen at the ready, a thousand skilled archers taking aim, and an impressive infantry contingent numbering eight thousand. Their ranks were bolstered further by two thousand steeds and a cadre of war elephants, a force to be reckoned with indeed.
Among these ranks, fifty gifted archers of Summer Islander descent, renowned throughout the known world as the finest marksmen, loosed arrows from bows crafted from the rare and resilient Goldenheart wood. As a substantial private army, the Golden Company maintained its own unique command structure, replete with officers and serjeants who ensured that its reputation as an unwavering, resolute bulwark against adversity endured.
Who has the Golden Company fought for?
The Golden Company’s history is one marked by shifting allegiances and lucrative contracts. Over the years, they have lent their formidable military might to various factions and contenders in the relentless pursuit of power. Notably, the Golden Company fought for the Blackfyres, a rival house that contested the Targaryen dynasty’s rule, during the Blackfyre Rebellion. This rebellion, a pivotal event in Westeros’s history, showcased the Golden Company’s prowess on the battlefield, solidifying their status as a force capable of challenging even established powers.
In more recent times, the Golden Company featured prominently in the power struggles depicted in theGame of Thronestelevision adaptation. Under the leadership of the cunning and enigmatic Captain Harry Strickland, the Golden Company forged an alliance with Cersei Lannister, the calculating and power-hungry queen who sought to maintain her grip on the Iron Throne. Their arrival in Westeros during the final season of the show marked a pivotal moment in the battle for supremacy, signaling a new phase of conflict in the war-torn land.
However, despite their fearsome reputation and formidable strength, the Golden Company faced a decisive and crushing defeat at the hands of Daenerys Targaryen and her loyal forces. This clash highlighted the futility of relying solely on martial prowess in the face of dragons and unwavering determination.
In George R. R. Martin’s novel series, the Golden Company assumes a far more central and pivotal role than its depiction in theGame of Thronesadaptation. This storied mercenary organization, richly woven into the series' narrative, comes to the fore in later volumes, and its significance is unmistakable. Within the pages of Martin’s work, the Golden Company’s presence is keenly felt, particularly in chapters ofThe Winds of Winter. These chapters delve deep into the heart of the company’s involvement, offering readers a nuanced glimpse into their intricate machinations.
HBO’sGame of Thrones, widely praised for its adaptation of Martin’s epic, artfully introduced the Golden Company into its own complex narrative. Their arrival in Westeros during the final season added yet another layer of intrigue to the already multifaceted storyline. As they descended upon the Seven Kingdoms, the tension in the air crackled with anticipation, setting the stage for a climactic showdown that would reverberate through the annals of Westerosi history.
The fate of the Golden Company in the televised adaptation was a testament to the capricious nature ofpower dynamics in Westeros, underscoring the unpredictability that has been a hallmark of this captivating series. While their ultimate destiny may have left viewers with lingering questions, their legacy as a formidable mercenary group, deeply rooted in the lore of the Seven Kingdoms, endures as a testament to the intricacies and complexities that define Martin’s captivating world.
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