Danelle Lothston

appearance and character

Danelle had long red hair. She wore tight-fitting black armor. Allegedly, she was a magic practitioner. After her time, misbehaving children were told a story that on moonless nights, giant bats would fly from Harrenhal and take the bad children back to Mad Danelle for her cookpots. Other stories were told about mad Lady Lothston bathing in blood, and presiding over feasts of human flesh.

story

When Lord Brynden Rivers, the Hand of the King to Aerys I Targaryen, marched on Whitewalls to quash the Second Blackfyre Rebellion, Lady Danelle was among the riverlords who came in support, marching in great strength. She led her men herself, wearing black armor. Lady Danelle turned to the black arts during the reign of Maekar I Targaryen, causing madness and chaos and the downfall of the Lothston line. Brienne of Tarth carries a Lothston shield taken from Harrenhal, and is told by Ser Illifer the Penniless that his great-great grandfather took part in the destruction of Lady Danelle and the last of the Lothston line. To have the shield repainted, Brienne gives the shield to the sister of the captain of the guards at Duskendale, who tells Brienne her mother would frighten her with tales of Mad Danelle. Upon returning to Harrenhal, Ser Jaime Lannister recalls hearing stories about mad Lady Lothston bathing in blood and presiding over feasts of human flesh.

personality

Psychotic and Unstable: Danelle is depicted as a psychotic figure, with legends surrounding her suggesting that she engaged in horrific acts, such as cannibalism. The tales told about her include sending giant bats to capture misbehaving children for her cookpots and bathing in blood. These stories contribute to her image as a madwoman who revels in chaos. Dark Arts Practitioner: During the reign of King Maekar I Targaryen, Danelle turned to the black arts, which led to further madness and chaos within her life and ultimately contributed to the downfall of House Lothston. This shift indicates a willingness to embrace darkness and power at the expense of morality. Fearsome Leader: Despite her madness, Danelle was also a formidable leader during the Second Blackfyre Rebellion. She rode into battle clad in black armor and commanded respect from her peers, showing that she possessed strength and determination alongside her more sinister traits. Cultural Figure of Fear: Danelle’s legacy extends beyond her actions; she has become a cultural figure used in stories to frighten children into good behavior. The tales of Mad Danelle serve as cautionary folklore within the narrative universe, illustrating how deeply ingrained her fearsome persona is in the collective consciousness of those living near Harrenhal.