Arthur Dayne

Arthur Dayne's History

Arthur wielded the greatsword called Dawn as part of his office as Sword of the Morning, carrying it slung across his back. To defeat the Kingswood Brotherhood, he gained the trust of the smallfolk of the kingswood by paying for what he and his forces took and taking their grievances before King Aerys II Targaryen. In the end Arthur slew the Smiling Knight in single combat and ended the threat of the outlaws. Following that victory, he knighted Jaime Lannister, who would later become a sworn brother of the Kingsguard.

Arthur was the champion in the tournament in honor of Viserys's birth in 276 AC, defeating Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Arthur broke twelve lances against Rhaegar in the tourney at Storm's End, losing to the prince. At the tourney at Harrenhal in 281 AC, he was defeated by Rhaegar once again.

According to a semi-canon source, Arthur, along with his other sworn brother Ser Oswell Whent, aided Rhaegar in the kidnapping of Lyanna Stark near Harrenhal as the year of the false spring was ending. Robert's Rebellion began shortly after.

After the end of the rebellion, Arthur, Oswell, and Ser Gerold Hightower were found by Lord Eddard Stark at the tower of joy. Arthur died there, fighting Eddard and his companions, but the exact circumstances of his death are unclear. Bran Stark recalls his father, Eddard, describing Arthur as the finest knight he ever saw and elaborating further that Arthur would have killed him if not for Howland Reed. Stones from the tower were used to build his cairn upon a nearby ridge.

Arthur is remembered as not only a skilled fighter but a valiant and true knight. After Arthur's death, Eddard rode to Starfall, the seat of House Dayne, to return the sword Dawn to Arthur's sister, Lady Ashara Dayne, as a sign of respect.