What Is The Red Keep In Game Of Thrones

In the world of Westeros, the Red Keep is a formidable fortress that serves as the seat of power for the ruling King of the Seven Kingdoms. Located in the heart of King's Landing, the capital city of the realm, the Red Keep is a testament to the rich history and complex politics of the Game of Thrones universe.

The Red Keep is the main stronghold of the ruling Targaryen dynasty, who ruled Westeros for nearly three centuries. The keep is named after the red stone used to construct its walls, which was quarried from the nearby Red Mountains. Over the centuries, the Red Keep has been expanded and modified by successive rulers, resulting in a complex network of buildings, towers, and walls.

The Red Keep is more than just a physical structure; it is a symbol of power, wealth, and prestige. As the seat of the Iron Throne, the Red Keep is the center of politics, intrigue, and drama in Westeros. The keep is home to the ruling king, his family, and his court, including the Small Council, the Kingsguard, and the various nobles and advisors who vie for influence and power.

Throughout the Game of Thrones series, the Red Keep is the site of many pivotal events, including coronations, weddings, battles, and assassinations. The keep's walls have witnessed the rise and fall of numerous rulers, including the infamous Mad King Aerys II, who was overthrown by Robert Baratheon in the rebellion that led to the War of the Five Kings.

One of the most notable features of the Red Keep is the throne room, where the Iron Throne is situated. The throne room is a grand, high-ceilinged chamber with large windows that offer breathtaking views of the city. The Iron Throne itself is a massive, ornate chair forged from the swords of Aegon the Conqueror's defeated enemies. The throne is the seat of the ruling king, and it is said that whoever sits upon it will be granted the power to rule the Seven Kingdoms.

The Architecture of the Red Keep

The Red Keep is a marvel of medieval architecture, with a unique blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. The keep's walls are constructed from the distinctive red stone that gives the fortress its name. The walls are thick and imposing, with a series of towers and battlements that provide defense against invaders.

The Red Keep is surrounded by a large, castle-style moat, which is filled with water from the nearby Blackwater Bay. The moat is spanned by a series of bridges, including the main entrance bridge, which is guarded by the Kingsguard.

Inside the Red Keep, the layout is a complex network of corridors, chambers, and courtyards. The keep is divided into several distinct areas, including the throne room, the Small Council chambers, the Great Hall, and the private quarters of the ruling family.

The History of the Red Keep

The Red Keep has a long and complex history that spans centuries. The keep was originally built by Maegor the Cruel, a son of Aegon the Conqueror, in the aftermath of the Conquest. Maegor was a brutal and ruthless ruler who used the Red Keep as a symbol of his power and authority.

Over the centuries, the Red Keep was expanded and modified by successive rulers. The keep was severely damaged during the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war that ravaged Westeros during the reign of King Viserys I. The keep was restored and rebuilt by King Aegon III, who added several new towers and battlements.

In the centuries that followed, the Red Keep continued to play a central role in the politics of Westeros. The keep was the site of numerous coronations, weddings, and state visits, and it was also the location of several notable battles and assassinations.

The Significance of the Red Keep in Game of Thrones

The Red Keep is a central location in the Game of Thrones series, and it plays a significant role in the plot of the show. The keep is the seat of power for the ruling king, and it is the location of many pivotal events, including the coronation of King Joffrey, the trial of Tyrion Lannister, and the assassination of King Joffrey.

The Red Keep is also a symbol of the corrupt and decaying nature of the ruling class in Westeros. The keep is a place of intrigue, backstabbing, and betrayal, where the powerful and the wealthy vie for influence and power.

In the final season of the show, the Red Keep is the site of a major battle between the living and the dead. The keep is breached by the Night King and his army of wights, and it is eventually destroyed in the subsequent battle.

Gallery of Red Keep Images

Red Keep Image Gallery

We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the Red Keep and its significance in the Game of Thrones universe. Whether you're a fan of the books or the show, the Red Keep is an iconic location that is sure to captivate and inspire.