Blackwater Rush

The Blackwater Rush is a major river of southern Westeros that empties into Blackwater Bay at King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Its mouth was the site of Aegon the Conqueror's first landing, and centuries later of the great naval battle that saved King's Landing during the War of the Five Kings.

Geography

The Blackwater Rush rises in the interior and flows east through the Crownlands, passing south of King's Landing before opening into Blackwater Bay and the Narrow Sea. Its banks at the river's mouth are where Aegon raised the wooden fort that grew into the capital, and the Red Keep looks down upon its waters.

Battle of the Blackwater

Main article: Battle of the Blackwater

During the War of the Five Kings, Stannis Baratheon sailed up the Blackwater Rush to assault King's Landing. Tyrion Lannister defended the city by unleashing a great burst of wildfire upon Stannis's fleet, immolating his ships in the river. The arrival of Tywin Lannister and House Tyrell then routed Stannis's army on the southern shore.

Significance

The river is central to the defense of the capital. Whoever controls the Blackwater Rush controls access to King's Landing by water, making it a perennial strategic prize.