Who Was Maelys the Monstrous? - ASOIAF
Summary
This episode explores the lore of Maylis Blackfyre, the last male-line Blackfyre pretender, and the War of the Ninepenny Kings. It details Maylis’s physical deformities, his brutal rise to power, and his alliance with the Band of Nine to invade Westeros. The narrative culminates in his death at the hands of Sir Barristan Selmy, while also examining the war’s impact on major houses and the potential existence of a surviving female-line Blackfyre heir.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Bittersteel's deathbed command
The Golden Skulls and the decline of House Blackfyre
Maelyse's physical deformity and superhuman strength
The duel with Daemon and the kinslayer reputation
Formation of the Band of Nine and the Ninepenny Kings
Profiles of the other eight members of the Band
Maelyse's dragon dreams and lack of an heir
Maelyse's rule, brutality, and the sword Blackfyre
Invasion of the Stepstones and the Targaryen response
The first major battle and Ormond Baratheon's death
Veterans of the war and seeds of future rebellion
Lannister command changes and the Red Lion
Sir Barristan the Bold slays Maelyse in single combat
Aftermath of the war and fates of the Band of Nine
The last male Blackfyre and potential female line heirs
Maelyse as a parallel to Maegor and Gregor Clegane
Conclusion and future Barristan POV chapters
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