A play of the First Blackfyre Rebellion, set as an in-universe play from Westeros, written by A Song of Ice and Fire blogger Nina Friel. Can be read here
, with an explanation of it here. It is done in the style of a Shakespeare play, with iambic pentameter and Artistic License – History. The story begins with an introduction by Master Allario of The Seventy-Seven Mummers, who mentions he is translating it to be performed in Braavos.
This work provides examples of:
- Anonymous Author: It is unknown who wrote the play in universe. It was signed Pate of King's Landing, but this is probably a pseudonym. It is speculated that the writer may be from Daemon's faction, considering the sympathetic portrayal, and could be from Oldtown.
- Anti-Villain: Daemon Blackfyre, who is spurred into rebellion by Brynden's attempts to arrest him, is known for his chivalry, and defends his wounded opponent Ser Gwayne Corbray.
- Arranged Marriage: At the beginning Daenerys is betrothed to Maron, helping to set off the rebellion.
- Artistic License – History: The play ends with Daenerys Targaryen marrying Prince Maron Martell of Dorne and Dorne joining the realm. In reality the wedding happened nine years before the Rebellion.
- Bastard Bastard: Brynden Rivers is portrayed as this. Daemon despite rebelling comes across sympathetically, spurred into rebellion partially by Bryden's actions, and due to Aegor Rivers.
- The Chains of Commanding: Daemon in Act 2 thinks he would prefer to be at his Keep with Daenerys than ruling.
- Due to the Dead: After the Battle of Redgrass Field, Baelor Breakspear orders that Daemon's body be burnt.
- Evil Chancellor: Aegor Rivers and Quentyn Ball to Daemon Blackfyre.
- Foreign Culture Fetish: One of the reasons for the rebellion is the accusation that Daeron favors the Dornish. As Aegor tells Glendon Ball "Were you of tanner skin, and trill'd your tongue, A white cloak would you wear, I would not doubt."
- Historical Hero Upgrade: In the introduction, Allario mentions that Maekar is portrayed as more amiable then he really was.
- Historical Relationship Overhaul: Daemon Blackfyre and his half-sister Daenerys are portrayed as Star-Crossed Lovers, one of the signs that the author was a Blackfyre sympathizer. Canonically, there is no evidence to back it up; Daemon and Daenerys, by all accounts, were Happily Married to other people.
- Historical Villain Upgrade: Brynden Rivers a.k.a. "Bloodraven" is portrayed as a scheming and villainous sorcerer, whose attempt to arrest Daemon leads to the rebellion.
- Love Ruins the Realm: Daemon is partially motivated by love for his half-sister Daenerys.
- Mama's Baby, Papa's Maybe: The reason given for rebelling is that Daeron is not the son of Aegon, but of Aegon's brother Aemon.
- Never Speak Ill of the Dead: When Brynden Rivers insults their father, Daeron tells him "speak our sire nothing ill."
- Noble Demon: Daemon and many of his supporters, who emphasize their chivalry.
- Passed-Over Promotion: Quentyn encourages Daemon to rebel after Daeron denies his application to the Kingsguard, which Daeron's father Aegon apparently promised.
- Pet the Dog: Quentyn Ball sparing "Young Penrose" and returning him to his mother Marla, despite Penrose's refusal to accept Daemon.
- The Resenter: Aegor Rivers a.k.a. "Bittersteel", who is angry that out of Aegon's bastard sons he has been given the least, stating "I, Aegor, of the brothers three are left, Receiving naught from him who sits the throne."
- Many of Daemon's supporters are from Houses resentful at their lieges. Aegor states "Yet are there not some lords who fondly hope / That they might sit where now their lieges rule / And earn as they the homage thus reserv’d?"
- Merrell Florent stands out here, as per usual for House Florent he spends his time trying to get Highgarden from the Tyrells.
- Resigned to the Call: Maekar treats being royal as this.
- Star-Crossed Lovers: Daemon and Daenerys.
- Stepford Snarker: Minutes after being told of her husband's death in battle, Elaena Targaryen goes into full Deadpan Snarker mode at Quentyn Ball, who tries to persuade her to bend the knee to Daemon. When, for example, Quentyn reminds her that the Dornish (Daeron's allies) killed Queen Rhaenys, Elaena remarks:That queen I never knew; I have been told
- Tragic Villain: Daemon Blackfyre, who is partially motivated out of love for Daenerys and is forced to rebel when Brynden tries to have him arrested.
- Token Evil Teammate: Brynden Rivers, who is portrayed as turning Daeron against Daemon, and kills Daemon's eldest sons though they are squires.
- What the Hell, Hero?: The reaction Alyn Blackwood has to his cousin Brynden aiming his arrows at Daemon's young twin sons.
- Worthy Opponent: When Daemon defeats Ser Gwayne Corbray he makes sure Gwayne is carried off the field.
