What is the plot?

The episode "Histories & Lore: The Great Tourney at Harrenhal" begins with a narration that sets the stage for the Great Tourney, held at the ruins of Harrenhal, a once-mighty castle now overshadowed by its tragic history. The event takes place in the year 281 AC, drawing knights and lords from across the realm, eager to compete for glory and the favor of the beautiful Lady Lyanna Stark.

As the tourney commences, the camera pans over the grand spectacle, showcasing the colorful banners of the competing houses fluttering in the wind. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and anticipation, as knights prepare for their jousts. Among the notable participants are Ser Arthur Dayne, known as the Sword of the Morning, and Ser Gregor Clegane, the Mountain, both of whom are renowned for their combat skills.

The first joust features Ser Arthur Dayne against a lesser-known knight. The two knights charge at each other, and Dayne's skill is evident as he deftly unseats his opponent with a powerful strike. The crowd erupts in cheers, and the camera captures the admiration in the eyes of the spectators, particularly the women, who are captivated by the knights' prowess.

Next, the focus shifts to the interactions among the key characters. Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, the crown prince, is introduced, and his presence commands attention. He is seen speaking with Lyanna Stark, who is seated with her family. Their chemistry is palpable, and the tension in the air suggests a deeper connection between them, despite the fact that Rhaegar is already married to Elia Martell.

As the tournament progresses, Rhaegar wins several jousts, showcasing his exceptional skill. After one of his victories, he rides up to the stands where Lyanna is seated. In a bold and romantic gesture, he places the winner's crown of laurel on her head, an act that stirs controversy and gossip among the attendees. This moment is pivotal, as it ignites rumors of a potential romance between Rhaegar and Lyanna, setting the stage for future conflict.

The tournament continues with various knights competing, and the narrative highlights the camaraderie and rivalries that develop among them. The camera captures the tension between the Starks and the Lannisters, particularly between Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister, who share a disdainful glance during the festivities. This foreshadows the brewing animosity that will later escalate into violence.

As the final joust approaches, the atmosphere is charged with excitement. The last match features Ser Arthur Dayne against a formidable opponent. The two knights engage in a fierce battle, exchanging blows with skill and precision. Dayne's agility and technique ultimately lead him to victory, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest knights in the realm.

The episode culminates in a dramatic moment when the tournament concludes, and the aftermath of the events begins to unfold. The focus shifts back to Rhaegar and Lyanna, whose connection has deepened throughout the tournament. The implications of their relationship become increasingly significant, hinting at the tragic events that will follow.

The episode ends with a sense of foreboding, as the joyous celebration of the tournament contrasts sharply with the dark fate that awaits the characters involved. The Great Tourney at Harrenhal, while a spectacle of chivalry and honor, serves as a backdrop for the personal and political intrigues that will shape the future of Westeros.

What is the ending?

In the episode "Histories & Lore: The Great Tourney at Harrenhal," the ending focuses on the aftermath of the tournament, particularly the significant events that lead to the rise of tensions and conflicts among the noble houses of Westeros. The tournament concludes with a moment of triumph and tragedy, setting the stage for future conflicts.

As the tournament draws to a close, the final moments are filled with excitement and anticipation. The champions of the tournament are celebrated, but the atmosphere is tinged with underlying tensions. The key participants, including Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, are highlighted, showcasing their motivations and emotional states. Rhaegar, in particular, is depicted as a noble yet conflicted figure, whose actions will have far-reaching consequences.

The episode culminates in a pivotal moment when Rhaegar crowns Lyanna Stark as the Queen of Love and Beauty, a gesture that sparks jealousy and anger among other noble houses, particularly the Baratheons and Starks. This act is laden with implications, as it signifies Rhaegar's deep feelings for Lyanna, which ultimately leads to the tragic events of the rebellion against the Targaryens.

The episode concludes with a sense of foreboding, as the audience is left to ponder the implications of Rhaegar's choices and the brewing conflict that will engulf the realm. The fates of the main characters are intertwined with the events of the tournament, foreshadowing the chaos that will follow.


As the Great Tourney at Harrenhal unfolds, the grand setting is filled with the sounds of cheering crowds and the clashing of swords. The camera pans over the massive stone walls of Harrenhal, a castle steeped in history and shadowed by its past. Noble houses gather, their banners fluttering in the wind, each vying for glory and honor.

The tournament begins with a series of jousts, showcasing the skills of various knights. Among them, Ser Arthur Dayne, known as the Sword of the Morning, stands out with his exceptional prowess. His confidence and skill are palpable as he rides into the lists, drawing admiration from the crowd. The tension builds as knights clash, their horses thundering across the field, lances splintering upon impact.

As the tournament progresses, the focus shifts to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, who watches intently from the sidelines. His demeanor is contemplative, revealing a man burdened by the weight of his royal lineage and the expectations placed upon him. Rhaegar's internal conflict is evident; he is torn between duty and desire, particularly as he casts his gaze upon Lyanna Stark, who is present at the tournament.

The pivotal moment arrives when Rhaegar, in a bold and unexpected move, rides forth to crown Lyanna as the Queen of Love and Beauty. The crowd gasps, and the atmosphere shifts dramatically. Rhaegar's choice is not merely a gesture of admiration; it is a declaration of his feelings for Lyanna, a choice that ignites jealousy and anger among other noble houses, particularly the Baratheons and Starks.

As the tournament concludes, the celebration is overshadowed by the implications of Rhaegar's actions. The camera captures the faces of those affected: Lyanna, who is both honored and bewildered; Robert Baratheon, whose rage simmers beneath the surface; and Ned Stark, who feels the weight of his family's honor and the impending conflict.

The episode closes with a sense of inevitability, as the camera pulls back from the festivities at Harrenhal, revealing the dark clouds gathering on the horizon. The fates of Rhaegar, Lyanna, and the other key players are intertwined with the events of the tournament, setting the stage for the tragic consequences that will unfold in the realm of Westeros. The audience is left with a haunting reminder of how a moment of glory can lead to a cascade of conflict, forever altering the course of history.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In the episode "Histories & Lore: The Great Tourney at Harrenhal," there is no post-credit scene. The episode focuses on the rich history and lore surrounding the Great Tourney held at Harrenhal, detailing the events, characters, and significance of the tournament within the larger narrative of Westeros. It provides insights into the relationships and rivalries among key figures, but it concludes without any additional scenes or content after the main feature.

What was the significance of the Great Tourney at Harrenhal in the context of the Targaryen civil war?

The Great Tourney at Harrenhal was a pivotal event that showcased the splendor and power of House Targaryen, serving as a backdrop for the political tensions brewing in Westeros. It was a celebration that attracted the nobility of the realm, but it also foreshadowed the impending conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons. The tournament highlighted the relationships and rivalries among key characters, such as Prince Daemon Targaryen, who was a central figure in the event.

Which characters were the most prominent participants in the tournament, and what were their motivations?

Prominent participants included Prince Aemon Targaryen, Ser Criston Cole, and Prince Daemon Targaryen. Aemon, motivated by honor and duty, sought to prove himself as a worthy knight. Ser Criston Cole, a lesser-born knight, aimed to elevate his status and win the favor of the nobility, while Daemon, known for his rebellious spirit, sought glory and to assert his dominance over his rivals.

What were the key events that transpired during the tournament, and how did they impact the characters involved?

Key events included the jousting matches, where knights showcased their skills, and the climactic moment when Prince Daemon unhorsed his opponents, gaining admiration and envy. The tournament also featured the infamous moment when the 'Queen Who Never Was,' Rhaenys Targaryen, was slighted, which deepened the rift between factions within House Targaryen and set the stage for future conflicts.

How did the outcome of the tournament influence the relationships between the characters?

The outcome of the tournament intensified rivalries and alliances among the characters. For instance, Ser Criston Cole's victory and subsequent attention from Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen created a love triangle that complicated loyalties. Additionally, Daemon's triumph and his interactions with Rhaenyra sparked romantic tensions that would have lasting implications for the Targaryen lineage.

What role did the setting of Harrenhal play in the tournament and its aftermath?

Harrenhal, with its imposing ruins and dark history, served as a dramatic backdrop for the tournament, symbolizing the grandeur and decay of House Targaryen. The setting added an air of foreboding, reflecting the underlying tensions among the characters. The castle's haunted reputation also foreshadowed the tragic events that would unfold in the wake of the tournament, as it became a focal point for the ensuing civil war.

Is this family friendly?

The episode "Histories & Lore: The Great Tourney at Harrenhal" from Game of Thrones contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers.

  1. Violence: The tournament features jousting and combat, which, while part of the festivities, can be intense and may depict injuries or the potential for death.

  2. Themes of Betrayal and Ambition: The underlying motivations of characters often involve betrayal, ambition, and the quest for power, which may be complex and unsettling for younger audiences.

  3. Romantic Tensions: There are references to romantic entanglements and rivalries that may include themes of unrequited love or jealousy, which could be confusing or distressing for some viewers.

  4. Dark Atmosphere: The overall tone of the series, including this special, often carries a sense of foreboding and tension, which may not be suitable for all children.

  5. Mature Themes: The episode touches on themes of honor, loyalty, and the consequences of choices made by characters, which may be heavy for younger viewers to fully grasp.

These elements contribute to the mature nature of the series and may not be appropriate for all audiences.