Catelyn I 

Welcome to another edition of Maggie Mae reads Game of Thrones. I'm going to say I've read this particular book at least 3 times already. However, this is by far my slowest reread. In this post, I plan to cover the very short  second chapter, "Catelyn." 

Character List: 

• Catelyn Stark, Lord Eddard's lady wife. 
• Ned Stark, Lord of Winterfell.

Characters mentioned but not actually present: 

• Brandon the Builder (deceased, a character from the Age of Heroes) 
• Arya Stark
• Sansa Stark
• Rickon Stark
• Mance Rayder, King-Beyond-the-Wall
• Old Nan
• Maester Luwin
• Jon Arryn (deceased)  - fostered Robert B and Ned Stark in their youth. Raised the banners against King Aerys rather than give up Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark. 
• Robert Baratheon
• Mad King Aerys II Targaryen
• Lord Hoster Tully - Cat's father
• Maester Pycelle - Maester at Kings Landing
• Lysa Arryn (formerly Tully) - Cat's sister, wed to Lord Hoster Tully 
• Bryden Tully (Cat's Uncle), "Knight of the Gate" 
• Ben Stark
• Lannisters of Casterly Rock
• Prince Tommen (7, same age as Bran Stark)
• "Lannister woman is our queen." 
• Jory

Takes Place In: 

The godswood at Winterfell. It is explained that all of the great houses have godswoods. Catelyn doesn't like the one at Winterfell. It is described as a "dark, primal place" in contrast to the one at Riverrun, where Cat grew up. 

Other Locations Mentioned: 

• Riverrun 
• Isle of Faces
• Valyria
• Eyrie

Short recap: 

Catelyn, Lord Eddard Stark's  wife, talks to him in the godswood. She tells him that Jon Arryn is dead and King Robert is coming to visit. 

Longer recap:

Cat gives the reader a lot of information about the world that they live in. In this chapter, we are introduced to some of the religion of Westeros.  I'll get more into that in my "Thoughts" section. After the information dump about the Seven and the First Men and weirwoods, Cat comes across her husband, cleaning Ice in the waters in the godswood. They talk about the children. The reader learns a little more about Valyria, the doom, and spellworked swords. Ned tells her that the deserter he executed was the fourth this year, and the strength of the Night's Watch is down below a thousand men. Ned thinks it's wildlings and Mance Rayder.  Catelyn thinks there are darker things beyond the Wall. Ned disagrees.  Finally, she breaks the news about Jon Arryn's death and Robert's imminent arrival. Ned is pleased that Robert is coming to Winterfell, but Cat is hesitant. And no one likes the Lannisters. 

Thoughts: 

• My Grammarly extension hates me. 
•  Sometimes when I click in this blog post, words and paragraphs disappear. It's annoying. 
• This chapter is so packed with world building. 
• Is the Faith of the Seven a sort of Catholic Church type reference? Later in the series we hear about the High Septum being corrupt. Plus the incense and the rituals. 
• The Old Gods don't seem to  be "gods" as much as meditation. 
• Ned's first question to Cat is about the children. That man loves children or is very concerned about children's safety. I wonder why. 
• Why would Ned need to go deal with Mance Rayder? 
• I always forget that Tommen is the same age as Bran
• We hear about the Doom really early! 
• Jon Arryn fostered Ned and Robert B. Then Ned and Jon married the Tully sisters. On the same day at the same place and time. I am not a fan of double weddings. 

I had hoped to finish the next chapter too since this one was short, but alas, not going to happen today. Oh well.