Duke Eddard
Game of Thrones: I Created the Weave
Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Eddard Stark 30 |
| Alias(es) | Ned 36 |
| Gender | Male 30 |
| Affiliation | House Stark; the Iron Throne during his service as Hand and regent 31 68 |
| Occupation/Role | Lord of Winterfell; Hand of the King; joint regent; later Warden of the North 31 68 89 |
| Status | Deceased; his severed head is displayed at King's Landing 271 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 30 30 |
Background and History
Eddard was Jon Arryn’s ward alongside Robert Baratheon. The two fought in the War of the Usurper after Jon refused to surrender them to the Mad King 15. Eddard later ruled Winterfell with his wife, Catelyn, and raised Jon Snow there as his bastard son 30.
When Robert came to Winterfell after Jon Arryn’s death, he asked Eddard to succeed Jon as Hand of the King. Eddard accepted reluctantly: he preferred ruling Winterfell, but would not refuse the king he had grown up beside 31.
Robert was killed by a giant Lizard-Lion in the Riverlands. Eddard led the charge that killed the beast, then resolved to fulfill his duty as Hand and prevent the realm from falling into chaos 66. Joffrey subsequently named him one of three joint regents, alongside Cersei and Tywin Lannister 68.
Eddard grew wary of court politics and wished to return north. Joffrey offered him the role of Warden of the North to organize its defense against the threat beyond the Wall, and Eddard agreed 81 89. He remained concerned for the children staying in King’s Landing, particularly Jon, whose parentage Eddard privately knew to be Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen 91.
Eddard later held the titles of Hand and regent while in the North, largely leaving southern affairs alone 134. A royal announcement called him a traitor and appointed Tywin as Hand in his place 258. His severed head was subsequently displayed on the battlements at King’s Landing 271.
Personality
Eddard places great weight on honor, oaths, and duty. At court, he opposes proposals he considers contrary to honor or tradition, making him ill-suited to the Red Keep’s political maneuvering 91 94. His distrust of southern politics does not erase his sense of obligation: he serves Robert as Hand and later accepts responsibility for defending the North 31 89.
He is protective of his family but does not always insist on keeping them beside him. Before leaving King’s Landing, he worries about his children’s safety yet respects their wishes to stay 91.
Equipment and Items
- Ice — the Stark greatsword handed to Eddard for an execution of a Night’s Watch deserter 273.
- Hand of the King brooch — Joffrey leaves it with Eddard when sending him north 89.
Relationships
- Robert Baratheon — fellow ward of Jon Arryn, longtime companion, and king. Eddard accepts the Handship for Robert’s sake and grieves his death 15 31 66.
- Jon Arryn — foster father who raised Eddard alongside Robert 15.
- Catelyn Stark — wife and mother of five of his children 30.
- Sansa Stark — eldest daughter; her betrothal to Joffrey ties House Stark to the royal family. Eddard worries about leaving her at court 31 91.
- Jon Snow — raised by Eddard as his bastard son. Eddard knows Jon’s parentage and fears what might happen if it becomes known 30 91.
- Joffrey Baratheon — appoints Eddard regent and later sends him north as Warden. Eddard remains uncertain how much of Joffrey’s court he can trust 68 89.
- Tywin Lannister — fellow regent whose views often differ from Eddard’s; later appointed Hand in Eddard’s place 68 114 258.