Kingsguard

The Kingsguard is the elite order of seven knights sworn to protect the king of the Seven Kingdoms, his family, and the Iron Throne. The finest swordsmen in the realm, they serve for life, forsaking lands, titles, family, and the fathering of children to devote themselves wholly to the king's defense.

The Order

The Kingsguard numbers seven, modeled in part on the seven aspects of the Faith of the Seven. They wear white cloaks and white armor and are known as the White Swords or the White Cloaks. The order is led by the Lord Commander, and the members and their deeds are recorded in the White Book. The order was founded by Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wife Visenya.

Vows

A man of the Kingsguard swears to obey and protect the king above all else, to keep his secrets, and to never wed or hold lands. The vows are for life, and the cloak can in principle only be set aside in dishonor. This absolute loyalty has produced moral dilemmas across the histories, most famously for Ser Jaime Lannister, who slew the very king he was sworn to guard.

Notable Members

Renowned members include Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning; Ser Barristan Selmy, called Barristan the Bold; and the Kingslayer himself, Jaime Lannister. The composition of the Kingsguard often reflects the politics of the throne, with worthy knights set aside in favor of royal favorites and creatures of the court such as Ser Gregor Clegane and Ser Boros Blount.