“House of the Dragon 2”: The Story of Torrhen and Cregan Stark, the Guardians of the North You Didn’t Know

The second season of “House of the Dragon” gives a lot to talk about the scene of the assassination of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. In addition, two names have started to resonate on social networks, since they were little-known characters: Torrhen and Cregan Stark. Know who they really are.

The interaction between Jacaerys Velaryon and Cregan Stark in “House of Dragon 2”

First, it’s important to remember that at the end of season one, Rhaenyra Targaryen sent her two children, Lucerys and Jacaerys, to seek support from those houses that swore allegiance to her. Unfortunately, the former fails in his mission and ends up being devoured by Vhagar.

This event unleashes Rhaenyra’s wrath and in the first chapter of ‘House of the Dragon 2’ we see Jacaerys Velaryon arrive in the North to seek the support of the Starks. So Cregan Stark, head of said house, welcomes the prince to the Wall and explains the significance of this structure, which isn’t exactly made to stop the weather or wildlings, but rather “death”.

Cregan emphasizes that it is important to him that his men guard the Wall, but in order to fulfill his oath to support Rhaenyra as the rightful queen and heir to the Iron Throne, he offers Jacaerys two thousand old men with battle experience for the its purpose. , which he accepts.

In fact, series co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal explained that this support from the Starks to the Targaryens made Jacaerys see a great future leader and negotiator.

Who is Torrhen Stark and why was he nicknamed “the king who knelt”?

On the other hand, Jacaerys and Cregan’s conversation mentions Torrhen Stark, ancestor of the patron of the North, who started the tradition of making an offering at the beginning of winter, where one of ten men of his house is chosen to strengthen the team of the Night’s Watch.

Although they only mention this contribution, the reality is that this man is more important. According to Stark history, Torrhen was the ruler in the North when Aegon the Conqueror rose to power with his sisters. Seeing his dragons burning thousands of people alive and destroying homes, he decided not to face him in battle and instead surrendered to save the lives of his men. Thus, Toren Stark was henceforth known as “the king who knelt”.

This act of faith allowed Torrhen to keep his life and he was named the first Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, titles held by Ned Stark at the beginning of “Game of Thrones.” In addition, he helped Aegon defeat rebel groups and conquer the Iron Islands.

When he died, he was buried in the Crypts of Winterfell, and although some expressed their hatred for kneeling, many others believe that his act was noble and intelligent, as he and his army would likely have perished before the dragon’s wrath.

Did you already know these stories? Tell us in the comments.