Ned Stark was accompanied by six loyal companions when he arrived at the Tower of Joy: Howland Reed, Ethan Glover, Ser Mark Ryswell, Theo Wull, Martyn Cassel, and Lord William Dustin.
The Journey to the Tower of Joy
The Tower of Joy holds immense significance in the history of Westeros, particularly in the aftermath of Robert's Rebellion. After the major battles had concluded, Eddard Stark, driven by the urgency to find his sister Lyanna, traveled to this remote stronghold nestled in the Red Mountains of Dorne. He did not go alone but brought with him a select group of trusted men who had fought alongside him.
These companions were integral to one of the most defining and mysterious confrontations in the realm's history. Their presence underscores the importance of the mission and the formidable opposition they expected to face—three knights of the Mad King Aerys II Targaryen's Kingsguard.
Ned Stark's Companions
The men who stood with Ned Stark at the Tower of Joy represented various Northern houses and loyalties, united by their bond with Ned and their commitment to the Stark cause.
Here are the six companions who accompanied Ned Stark:
| Companion Name | Role/Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Howland Reed | Lord of Greywater Watch, a crannogman from the Neck. |
| Ethan Glover | A retainer and squire from House Glover. |
| Ser Mark Ryswell | A knight from House Ryswell of the Rills. |
| Theo Wull | A member of the Wull mountain clan. |
| Martyn Cassel | A retainer from House Cassel. |
| Lord William Dustin | The Lord of Barrowton, from House Dustin. |
Out of the seven men (including Ned Stark himself) who rode to the Tower, only Ned Stark and Howland Reed survived the encounter with the Kingsguard. The battle at the Tower of Joy was brief but brutal, shaping Ned's life and the future of the Seven Kingdoms in profound ways.
The Significance of the Event
The events that unfolded at the Tower of Joy were pivotal, not only for Ned Stark personally but also for the entire saga of Westeros. It was here that Ned discovered his sister Lyanna, and the secret she entrusted to him became one of the most heavily guarded truths, impacting the lineage and destiny of key figures in the realm. The mystery surrounding Lyanna's confinement and the true parentage of her child, which Ned protected with his honor and life, ultimately set the stage for much of the political intrigue and conflicts that followed for decades.
For more information on the Tower of Joy, you can explore resources like the Tower of Joy - Game Of Thrones Guide on IGN.
