5 Facts About Gold Cloaks In Game Of Thrones

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The Gold Cloaks, also known as the City Watch of King's Landing, are a prominent group of characters in the popular HBO series Game of Thrones. As the guardians of the capital city, they play a crucial role in maintaining order and protecting the ruling family. Here are five fascinating facts about the Gold Cloaks that might have slipped your attention.

Origins of the Gold Cloaks

The Gold Cloaks were formed by King Maegor the Cruel, also known as Maegor the Unyielding, who ruled Westeros from 42 AC to 48 AC. Maegor, who was the half-brother of King Aenys I Targaryen, created the City Watch to serve as his personal bodyguards and enforcers. Initially, the Gold Cloaks were composed of soldiers who were loyal only to the king, but over time, their role expanded to include maintaining order and policing the city.

Recruitment and Training

To become a Gold Cloak, one had to be a skilled fighter and undergo rigorous training. The City Watch was known to recruit from the lower classes, often enlisting men who were desperate for a steady income and a sense of purpose. Once enlisted, the recruits would undergo training in combat, sword fighting, and crowd control. The Gold Cloaks were also trained to be fiercely loyal to the ruling family, often to the point of blind obedience.

Structure and Hierarchy

The Gold Cloaks were organized into a strict hierarchy, with the Lord Commander at the top and the ordinary soldiers at the bottom. The Lord Commander was responsible for overseeing the entire City Watch, while the captains and sergeants were in charge of individual units. The Gold Cloaks were also divided into different companies, each with its own commander and area of responsibility.

Notable Gold Cloaks

One of the most notable Gold Cloaks in the series is Janos Slynt, who served as the Lord Commander of the City Watch during the reign of King Robert Baratheon. Slynt was a ruthless and cunning man who was willing to do whatever it took to maintain order in the city, even if it meant using brutal force. Another notable Gold Cloak is Addam Marbrand, who served as the captain of the City Watch during the War of the Five Kings.

Loyalty and Betrayal

Throughout the series, the Gold Cloaks are often depicted as being fiercely loyal to the ruling family, but this loyalty can also be a weakness. In the early seasons, the Gold Cloaks are shown to be deeply loyal to King Joffrey, even when he orders them to commit atrocities. However, as the series progresses, the Gold Cloaks begin to question their loyalty, particularly after the Red Wedding and the death of King Joffrey. Some Gold Cloaks, like Addam Marbrand, eventually defect to the side of the Starks and the Targaryens, highlighting the complexities of loyalty and duty.

Impact on the Series

The Gold Cloaks play a significant role in the series, often serving as a symbol of the power and authority of the ruling family. Their actions, or inactions, can have significant consequences for the characters and the plot. For example, the Gold Cloaks' failure to prevent the riot in King's Landing during the War of the Five Kings has a profound impact on the series, leading to the downfall of the ruling family and the rise of new powers.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Gold Cloaks

The Gold Cloaks are a fascinating aspect of the Game of Thrones universe, offering insights into the complexities of power, loyalty, and duty. Through their actions and decisions, the Gold Cloaks shape the course of the series, often in unexpected ways. As the series comes to a close, the legacy of the Gold Cloaks remains, a testament to the enduring power of the City Watch and the intricate world of Westeros.

We hope you've enjoyed this in-depth look at the Gold Cloaks in Game of Thrones. Share your thoughts and theories about the series in the comments below, and don't forget to like and share this article with fellow fans!