Paramour
A paramour is the unmarried lover of a noble.
About
In Dorne, lords and ladies can have paramours, chosen for love and lust rather than for breeding or alliance. Dornishmen are not greatly concerned if a bastard is born to a paramour.[1] Dorne gives a degree of social status to paramours, despite the "unchaste" nature of the relationship. Outside of Dorne, a Dornish paramour's status is less certain. They may be afforded the esteem granted in their homeland by the diplomatic-minded, or they may receive treatment ranging from slight social disdain to moral condemnation.[2]
That same varying treatment also applies to paramours of non-Dornish nobles, even the mistresses of kings.[3] A paramour can be of the same sex as their lover. Each partner in a marriage can have their own paramour, though it depends on the rank of the partners.[4]
The Citadel does not allow its novices to keep wives or paramours, at least not openly.[5]
History
It was a closely held secret that Prince Lewyn Martell kept a paramour despite the Kingsguard oaths of chastity.[6] Ser Barristan Selmy and his other sworn brothers were aware of this, but kept his secret.[7]
Recent Events
A Storm of Swords
A degree of social deference is given to Ellaria Sand by virtue of her relationship with Prince Oberyn Martell.[2] While esteemed as a high-ranking woman by the Dornishmen, in King's Landing her presence at the high table at the royal wedding of King Joffrey I Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell would be taken as an insult by the noblewomen seated near her. Ellaria is instead placed at a place of honor near the dais.[2] Olenna Redwyne refers to her as a "whore".[8]
Some known paramours
- Mysaria, to Prince Daemon Targaryen[9][10]
- Ser Harwin Strong, to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (allegedly)[10]
- Unnamed paramour, to King Aegon II Targaryen[11]
- Sylvenna Sand, to Essie[1]
- The nine mistresses of King Aegon IV Targaryen[12]
- Shiera Seastar, to Lord Brynden Rivers[13][14]
- Several unnamed paramours, to King Aerys II Targaryen[15]
- Unnamed paramour, to Prince Lewyn Martell[6]
- Unnamed draper's wife in King's Landing, to Ser Preston Greenfield[6]
- Unnamed paramour, to Lord Edgar Yronwood[2]
- Ellaria Sand, to Prince Oberyn Martell[2]
- Daario Naharis, to Queen Daenerys Targaryen[7]
Quotes
And this is Ellaria Sand, mine own paramour.[2]
- Oberyn Martell to Tyrion Lannister
Prince Lewyn was my Sworn Brother. In those days there were few secrets amongst the Kingsguard. I know he kept a paramour. He did not feel there was any shame in that.[7]
- Barristan Selmy to Quentyn Martell
References
- 1 2 The World of Ice & Fire, Dorne: Queer Customs of the South.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV.
- ↑ So Spake Martin: ConJose (SAN JOSE, CA; AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 2) (August 29, 2002)
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 45, Samwell V.
- 1 2 3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 13, The Soiled Knight.
- 1 2 3 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 59, The Discarded Knight.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 53, Tyrion VI.
- ↑ The Rogue Prince.
- 1 2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I.
- ↑ The Princess and the Queen.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: Braavos.
- ↑ The Sworn Sword.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys I.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.