Tournaments and Feasts

Tourneys in Westeros vary according to the region in which the tourney is held, the desires of the hosting lord, and the rules devised by the lord's master of the games. They may be held to celebrate a marriage, such as the War for the White Cloaks at the Golden Wedding. Many forms of competition are known, including jousting (also called the lists), mock battles between teams of knights, archery competitions, or the melee, in which many warriors fight individually in one large battle. Tourneys can be small events focusing on one competition held on a single day, or they can be large events that take several days and may include several different competitions.

The central event of many Westerosi tourneys is jousting, in which two armored knights aim to knock each other off their mounts with a jousting lance, continuing on foot with a variety of blunted weapons. The loser of a joust must often forfeit his horse and armor to the winner, thus jeopardizing a considerable part of his possessions.

Many tourneys pit pairs of warriors in rounds, where the loser is eliminated and the winner proceeds to the next round. The winner of the last round is declared champion. This is similar to how many tournaments in real life were performed, with exception of the best-of-three rule. Some ladies allow contestants to wear their favors during a tourney. The queen of love and beauty can be chosen from the ladies by the competition's victor.

Some Westerosi tourneys are open only to anointed knights, whose privileges are jealously guarded. Indeed, tourney culture is closely connected to chivalric tradition and its spiritual basis, the Andals' Faith of the Seven. These traditions dominate southern and central Westeros, especially in the Reach, but they are uncommon in the North, where many follow the old gods. However, the rules for entering tourneys vary with time and place, and there have been many events where freeriders, squires, or followers of the old gods have entered the lists.

Tourney at King's Landing (174 AC)
In celebration of the announcement of Queen Baela I Targaryen's pregnancy. Saw Ser Allard Templeton raised to the Queensguard.

Tourney at King's Landing (178 AC)
In celebration of the marriage of Princess Daenaerys Targaryen and Rhaegar Velaryon.

Tourney at White Harbour (179 AC)
In celebration of the marriage of Princess Alysanne Targaryen and Richard Manderly.

Tourney at Harrenhal (180 AC)
In celebration of the marriage of Princess Jaehaera Targaryen and Lyonel Strong.

Tourney at Riverrun (194 AC)
Part of the 194-195 Royal Progress made by Queen Daenaerys Targaryen.

Tourney at Lannisport (194 AC)
Part of the 194-195 Royal Progress made by Queen Daenaerys Targaryen.

Tourney at Highgarden (194 AC)
Part of the 194-195 Royal Progress made by Queen Daenaerys Targaryen.

Tourney at Rainport (195 AC)
Part of the 194-195 Royal Progress made by Queen Daenaerys Targaryen.

Tourney at Gulltown (195 AC)
Part of the 194-195 Royal Progress made by Queen Daenaerys Targaryen.

Tourney at King's Landing (195 AC)
In celebration of the marriage of Queen Daenaerys Targaryen and King Consort Durran Dondarrion.

Tourney at Oldtown (196 AC)
In celebration of the marriage of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Owen Costayne.

Tourney at Duskendale (200 AC)
Hosted by Lord Ambrose Darklyn and starting on the first day of the new year to celebrate the bicentennial of the Conquest of Aegon and to celebrate his 45th nameday later that year as well. Also known as the New Year's Tourney.

Tourney at King's Landing (200 AC)
In celebration of Queen Daenaerys' 40th nameday. Saw Prince Viserys Targaryen raised to the Queensguard.

Tourney at the Gates of the Moon (205 AC)
Hosted by Lord Matthos Arryn in celebration of his 60th nameday.

Tourney at Winterfell (211 AC)
Hosted by Lord Rickard Stark in celebration of his daughter's 16th nameday in absentia.

Tourney at Storm's End (211 AC)
In celebration of the marriage of Michael Baratheon and Lady Myriah Wyl.

Tourney at King's Landing (212 AC)
In the honour of Prince Aegon Targaryen and Princess Aella Targaryen's sixteenth nameday.

Tourney at Driftmark (213 AC)
In the honour of Princess Visenya Targaryen and Prince Valarr Targaryen's sixteenth nameday.

Tourney at Highgarden (214 AC)
In the honour of the visiting prince, Valarr Targaryen.