Patchface

Basic Information

Name:Patchface Alias: Patches Allegiances: House Baratheon House Baratheon of Dragonstone Born: 262–275 AC Essos Patchface, nicknamed Patches,[1][4] is Lord Stannis Baratheon's court fool and jester at Dragonstone. His face is tattooed in motley, by which he received his name.[1] His given name is unknown.

Appearance and Character

Patchface takes his name from the tattoos covering his broad face, which is patterned with squares of green and red motley.[1][5] These tattoos are the practice of the the Free City of Volantis, where the faces of slaves are marked to display their status and their profession.[1][3] The obese fool is dough-soft and slump-shouldered.[1][5] Patchface has lost his memory and much of his wits. The fool suffers from twitches and trembles, and he is often incoherent. He has an unusual sideways walk.[1] Some consider him a simpleton.[6] The fool wears a mock helm fashioned from an old tin bucket, with a rack of deer antlers strapped to the crown and hung with cowbells.[1] The bells ring frequently, as Patchface seldom remains still[5] and often hops back and forth.[4] Patchface only speaks in songs and rhymes. Some of his words seem to be of a prophetic nature, though none of his listeners understand them. (See Patchface/Theories.)

History

Patchface was a jester slave in Volantis. He was a clever and skilled boy, with astonishing wit. He was reportedly "nimble as a monkey", could juggle and tell riddles and do magic tricks, and could sing well in four languages. Patchface's freedom was bought by Steffon Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End, who was impressed with the boy during his trip to the Free Cities. Steffon wrote to his maester, Cressen, saying he believed his son Robert would be delighted with Patchface, and that he hoped the fool might be able to make his serious son Stannis laugh.[1] However, while Lord Steffon was returning to Westeros, his ship was struck by a sudden storm in Shipbreaker Bay. Steffon's eldest sons, Robert and Stannis, watched from the parapets of Storm's End while the Windproud was smashed against the rocks of the bay. All aboard the ship were believed killed, including Lord Steffon, his wife Cassana, and over a hundred soldiers and sailors. Patchface washed up among the dead three days later, naked, his skin white and wrinkled. Maester Cressen believed him to be dead as well, but when the Baratheon's servant Jommy grabbed him to put him on the burial wagon, Patchface coughed up water and sat up. Jommy would swear for the rest of his life that the boy's flesh was clammy cold. What happened to Patchface during the two days he was lost in the sea is unknown, but the fisherfolk around Storm's End often tell a story that a mermaid had taught him to breathe water in return for his seed. Though Patchface had survived the shipwreck, he was broken in mind and body; the ordeal had taken his memories, and half his wit. He matched none of what Lord Steffon had written in his letter, and was only recognized by his tattooed face. It was suggested by Ser Harbert, the castellan of Storm’s End, that it would be kindest for Cressen to euthanize the mad boy with milk of the poppy, but the maester refused to do so.

History

Despite his condition, Patchface is employed as court fool and jester at Dragonstone, the castle of Lord Stannis Baratheon. He spends most of his time with Shireen Baratheon, Lord Stannis's daughter. He offers strange insights and stranger songs, sometimes touching upon what may have really happened to the boy at the bottom of the bay.

History -Recent Events - A Clash of Kings

Patchface accompanies Shireen Baratheon when she visits Maester Cressen in his chamber at Dragonstone to see the white raven that had arrived from the Citadel to announce the end of summer. Later that day, when Cressen arrives at the castle's dinner feast, a dancing Patchface accidentally collides with the maester and knocks him over. Melisandre, a red priestess of R'hllor and adviser to King Stannis Baratheon, helps Cressen stand up, but after he dismisses her religious beliefs, she places Patchface's tin helm on Cressen's head, jesting about "a clever fool and a foolish wise man." The maester returns the helm to Patchface, but when Cressen again disparages the power of R'hllor, Queen Selyse Florent orders him to wear the fool's helm once more, and Stannis assents to his wife's command. Cressen attempts to kill Melisandre by sharing a cup of poisoned wine with her, but her magic causes the poison to have no affect on her. As Cressen dies, he hears the bells of Patchface's helm ring in his antlers, and imagines them saying "fool, fool". Patchface is in attendance when Stannis Baratheon and Melisandre burn the statues of the Seven on Dragonstone's beach, singing about smoke and flames under the sea.[7] At the Red Keep, the small council meets to deal with Stannis's proclamation that the children of Queen Cersei Lannister were not fathered by her husband, the late King Robert I Baratheon, but rather her brother, Ser Jaime Lannister. Lord Petyr Baelish suggests spreading a false tale that Shireen, whose face is disfigured by greyscale, was fathered by Patchface instead of Stannis, saying that the smallfolk will believe that Patchface's tattoos caused her disfigurement.[8] Renly Baratheon insults Stannis by mentioning the rumor during their parley at Storm's End.[9] Davos Seaworth delivers Stannis's proclamation throughout the realm, but often finds that the rumor about Selyse and Patchface has arrived before he has, casting doubt on the true tale of Cersei's adultery.

History -Recent Events - A Clash of Kings

He tells Stannis that people gleefully share the rumor, whether they believe it or not.[10]

History -Recent Events - A Storm of Swords

When Davos Seaworth is rescued from being marooned on the spears of the merling king after nearly drowning during the battle of the Blackwater, he hopes he has not gone mad like Patchface. Later, when Davos returns to Dragonstone, he finds Patchface playing monsters and maidens with Shireen and her cousin, Edric Storm.[4] Maester Pylos prevents Patchface from attending Shireen's lessons, as the bells of his fool's helm constantly ring loudly. During the lessons, Patchface waits faithfully outside the maester's chamber door.

History -Recent Events - A Dance with Dragons

When Stannis sails north to help the Night's Watch defend the realm from the wildlings and the Others, Patchface accompanies Shireen and Selyse to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. The castle's commander, Cotter Pyke, writes to Jon Snow, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, that Patchface is a simpleton. At Eastwatch, Patchface receives a motley cloak of beaver pelts, sheepskins, and rabbit fur. His horned fool's helm now includes long brown flaps of squirrel fur that hang down over his ears. When Selyse's entourage arrives at Castle Black, she does not bother to introduce Patchface to Jon Snow, but Jon recognizes the fool from Cotter Pyke's letters. The giant Wun Wun is fascinated with the fool and his singing and dancing, but when Wun Wun reaches for him, Patchface backs away in alarm. The giant laughs loudly after Patchface falls into a snowdrift.[6] Patchface attends the wedding of Sigorn and Alys Karstark, and Owen the Oaf dances with him during the feast. Melisandre tells Jon that she feels Patchface is dangerous. She says that she has often glimpsed the fool in her flames, sometimes with "skulls about him, and his lips are red with blood."[11] When Jon brings Val to meet with Queen Selyse, Patchface is dancing in the queen's chambers. On Selyse's command, Patchface takes Shireen to her room.[12] When Jon announces a ranging to rescue free folk at Hardhome, Patchface enthusiastically volunteers to lead it.

Quotes by Patchface

The shadows come to dance, my lord, dance my lord, dance my lord. The shadows come to stay, my lord, stay my lord, stay my lord.[1] —Patchface to Cressen Under the sea, smoke rises in bubbles, and flames burn green and blue and black. I know, I know, oh, oh, oh.[7] —Patchface during the burning of the Seven on Dragonstone Fool's blood, king's blood, blood on the maiden's thigh, but chains for the guests and chains for the bridegroom, aye, aye, aye.[4] —Patchface to Davos Seaworth Under the sea the old fish eat the young fish. Up here the young fish teach the old fish.[5] —Patchface to Davos Seaworth In the dark the dead are dancing. I know, I know, oh oh oh.[6] —Patchface at Castle Black Under the sea the mermen feast on starfish soup, and all the serving men are crabs.[11] —Patchface at Castle Black The crow, the crow. Under the sea the crows are white as snow, I know, I know, oh, oh, oh.[12] —Patchface to Jon Snow Malegorn: Lord Snow, who will lead this ranging? Jon: Are you offering yourself, ser? Malegorn: Do I look so foolish? Patchface: I will lead it! We will march into the sea and out again. Under the waves we will ride seahorses, and mermaids will blow seashells to announce our coming, oh, oh, oh.[13] —Malegorn, Jon Snow, and Patchface

Quotes about Patchface

We have found the most splendid fool. Only a boy, yet nimble as a monkey and witty as a dozen courtiers. He juggles and riddles and does magic, and he can sing prettily in four tongues. We have bought his freedom and hope to bring him home with us. Robert will be delighted with him, and perhaps in time he will even teach Stannis how to laugh.[1] —Steffon Baratheon writing to Cressen The girl was the only one who laughed at him now, the only one who cared if he lived or died.[1] —thoughts of Cressen The wretch is mad, and in pain, and no use to anyone, least of all himself. The kindest thing you could do for that one is fill his cup with the milk of the poppy. A painless sleep, and there's an end to it. He'd bless you if he had the wit for it.[1] —Harbert to Cressen Petyr: In my experience, the more bizarre and shocking a tale the more apt it is to be repeated. Stannis keeps an especially grotesque fool, a lackwit with a tattooed face. Pycelle: Surely you do not mean to suggest that Lady Selyse would bring a fool into her bed? Petyr: You'd have to be a fool to want to bed Selyse Florent. Doubtless Patchface reminded her of Stannis. And the best lies contain within them nuggets of truth, enough to give a listener pause. As it happens, this fool is utterly devoted to the girl and follows her everywhere. They even look somewhat alike. Shireen has a mottled, half-frozen face as well. Pycelle: But that is from the greyscale that near killed her as a babe, poor thing. Petyr: I like my tale better, and so will the smallfolk.[8] —Petyr Baelish and Pycelle, as Petyr devises a rumor to slander Stannis Baratheon As to your daughter, I understand. If my wife looked like yours, I'd send my fool to service her as well.[9] —Renly Baratheon, to Stannis Baratheon Davos was reminded of Patchface, Princess Shireen's lackwit fool. He had gone into the sea as well, and when he came out he was mad. Am I mad as well?[4] —thoughts of Davos Seaworth That creature is dangerous. Many a

Patchface MBTI

Patchface is most commonly typed as ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving). This suggests Patchface is Passion-fueled, Visionary dreamer, Playful & youthful spirit and Creative rebel & rule-breaker. As an ENFP, Patchface likely relies on cognitive functions like Extraverted Intuition (Ne) and Introverted Feeling (Fi). This unique combination of cognitive functions influences how Patchface processes information, makes decisions, and interacts with the world. These traits might manifest in Patchface's approach to problem-solving, communication style, and personal relationships.

Patchface Enneagram

Patchface is most commonly typed as 7w6 (The Enthusiast, The Adventurer) in the Enneagram system. This suggests Patchface is energetic, optimistic, and versatile, and is pleasure seekers and often avoid pain and discomfort. These traits shape Patchface's worldview and behavioral patterns, influencing how they navigate challenges, connect with others, and pursue their goals. Understanding these traits provides insight into Patchface's motivations, strengths, and potential growth areas. The Basic Fear of Patchface is being deprived or trapped in pain, which drives them to avoid certain situations or behaviors that trigger this fear. Conversely, their Core Desire is to be free and to experience joy and excitement, guiding their aspirations and actions in pursuit of fulfillment. This dynamic between fear and desire often shapes Patchface's life choices and personal development journey.

About Patchface

Patchface, nicknamed Patches, is Lord Stannis Baratheon's court fool and jester at Dragonstone. His face is tattooed in motley, earning his name. His given name is unknown.

ENFP Description

ENFPs are extroverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving. They are also known as "The Campaigner" or "The Encourager". ENFPs are known for being imaginative, open-minded, and future-focused. They are also known for being good at understanding others and solving problems. Strengths Social: ENFPs enjoy social interactions and are good at understanding others Creative: ENFPs are full of ideas and are good at problem solving Flexible: ENFPs are spontaneous and prefer to keep their options open Intuitive: ENFPs let their intuition guide decision-making Open-minded: ENFPs are not afraid to venture beyond their comfort zone Weaknesses Dislike routines: ENFPs dislike routines, schedules, and strict rules Focus on the future: ENFPs tend to focus more on the future than the present Avoid conflict: ENFPs like to keep the peace and avoid conflict Other characteristics Gregarious Fun-loving Supportive Good at understanding what people are feeling Drawn to authentic emotional intensity Easily bored by the mundane

Enneagram Description

The Enneagram type 7w6 personality is often called "The Entertainer" or "The Pathfinder". People with this personality type are typically enthusiastic, responsible, and adventurous. They are also known for being optimistic and loyal. Positive traits Enthusiastic: They are full of energy and excitement, and enjoy trying new things Responsible: They are more committed to their duties than other type 7s Loyal: They are committed to their relationships Optimistic: They are able to see the positive side of situations Fun-loving: They bring energy and excitement to social gatherings Challenges Fear of missing out: They have a deep-rooted fear of missing out on experiences Internal anxiety: They may struggle with internal anxiety and try to distract themselves with experiences and possessions Self-doubt: They may exaggerate underlying fears and become more flighty Indecisiveness: They may feel guilty when they are irresponsible and may feel obliged rather than freed by their commitments.