Game of Thrones often twists or reimagines traditional fantasy elements. While the series includes swords and magic, they are presented with a unique and darker tone. However, amidst this, there are narratives in the Seven Kingdoms that feel like they are straight out of an adventurous tale. Enter the Kingswood Brotherhood, a band of outlaws whose story resembles a heroic saga.
Despite the controversial conclusion of Game of Thrones by HBO, the series still holds immense potential for spinoffs. Many beloved characters have rich backstories waiting to be explored. The journey of powerful knights from their humble beginnings to their esteemed positions or the personal legends that shaped individuals before their downfall could all make for captivating standalone films. While Game of Thrones may not be centered on these narratives, they are intricately woven into its vast lore.
The Origins of the Kingswood Brotherhood
The Kingswood Brotherhood emerged as a group of outlaws operating in the forest south of King's Landing. Their activities commenced during the reign of King Aegon IV Targaryen, known as 'Aegon the Unworthy' due to his self-indulgent and promiscuous lifestyle. The Brotherhood's origins trace back to a tragic event involving Ser Terrence Toyne, a renowned knight of Aegon IV's Kingsguard. Following Terrence's unjust death at the hands of the king, his brothers sought vengeance, setting off a chain of events that led to the formation of the Kingswood Brotherhood a century later under Simon Toyne's leadership. This band of outlaws engaged in kidnapping, robbery, and became a formidable presence in King's Landing.
Noteworthy Figures of the Kingswood Brotherhood
Simon Toyne stands out as a prominent member of the Kingswood Brotherhood, immortalized in tales recounted by knights and historians. While the specifics of his ties to the Toyne family are not extensively documented, he is among the last of House Toyne. Alongside Simon, several other outlaws gained notoriety, including:
- Fletcher Dick: A skilled archer from the Stormlands renowned for his marksmanship.
- Ulmer of the Kingswood: Known for a daring encounter with Kingsguard Commander Gerold Hightower, as recounted by his apprentice.
- The Smiling Knight: A mysterious and feared swordsman responsible for the death of a Lord's cousin.
- Wenda the White Fawn: Notable for branding her captives with her sigil.
- Big Belly Ben and Oswyn Longneck the Thrice-Hanged: Though little is known about them beyond their monikers, they were part of the Brotherhood.
The Fate of the Kingswood Brotherhood
The activities of Ulmer and the Smiling Knight drew attention, with incidents like noble abductions and robberies standing out. King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, eventually tasked Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning, with assembling a group to eradicate the outlaws. Ser Barristan Selmy and a young Jaime Lannister, then a squire, were part of this mission. Through his compassionate approach and support for the marginalized smallfolk, Ser Dayne garnered crucial intelligence and assistance from the locals. This alliance led to the downfall of the Kingswood Brotherhood, with key members meeting their fates in clashes with the crown's forces.
The Kingswood Brotherhood's exploits, while resembling a Robin Hood-esque narrative, showcased a nuanced perspective on class dynamics through Ser Dayne's actions. The heroic deeds of Jaime Lannister and Barristan Selmy, pivotal figures in the series, were influenced by their encounters with this band of outlaws. Game of Thrones may have a unique essence, but it still harbors tales of young heroes rising through the ranks by confronting challenges like the Kingswood Brotherhood.