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“ | The traitors want my city... but I'll give them naught but ashes. Let him be king over charred bones and cooked meat. Let him be the king of ashes. | „ |
~ Aerys II to the pyromancer Lord Rossart. |
“ | Aerys II Targaryen: All the traitors. Rossart says they are inside the walls! He's gone to make them a warm welcome. Whose blood? Whose? Jaime Lannister: Rossart's. |
„ |
~ Aerys II Targaryen and Jaime Lannister. |
“ | Queer that they never asked who killed Rossart...but of course, he was no one, lowborn, Hand for a fortnight, just another mad fancy of the Mad King. | „ |
~ Jaime Lannister's thoughts about Rossart. |
Lord Rossart is a minor antagonist in the A Song of Ice and Fire novel series and its television adaptation, Game of Thrones.
Wisdom Rossart was the Grand Master of the Alchemists' Guild and a pyromancer during the reign of Mad King Aerys II Targaryen. As King Aerys' right-hand man, he actively supported and aided the Mad King in his atrocities and cruel actions and led the executions at the royal court. Near the end of King Aerys' reign, Rossart served as Hand of the King. History will remember him as the man who burned Lord Rickard Stark alive, or just another mad fancy of the Mad King.
In the TV series, he is played by an unidentified actor.
Personality[]
“ | Aerys's Hand, Rossart, was killed at a postern gate after cravenly attempting to flee the castle. | „ |
~ Slander writings of Maester Yandel about Lord Rossart |
Rossart was an ambitious and pyromaniac individual who showed a high level of loyalty to King Aerys II Targaryen, with whom he shared a passion for wildfire. As the Leader of the Alchemists' Guild and a pyromancer, his interest in wildfire helped him climb the political ladder, reaching the Small Council and gaining lordship. His brutality and sadism were evident in his participation in the brutal execution of Lord Rickard Stark, displaying a willingness to carry out cruel actions for the Mad King.
Rossart was strategic and calculating, as seen through his role in the planning and execution of the Wildfire Plot during Robert's Rebellion. He showed no hesitation about causing massive destruction and the potential loss of innocent lives. Despite facing opposition, such as from Lord Qarlton Chelsted, he remained dedicated in his loyalty to King Aerys and his destructive plans.
One of the main reasons for Rossart's loyalty to King Aerys was the Mad King's restoration of the Alchemists' Guild's glory and their shared fascination with Wildfire. Rossart also enjoyed royal favor and wealth from King Aerys. It can be said that these factors are why Rossart staunchly opposed Aerys's dethronement. Historical records of Maester Yandel portray Rossart as a coward, but in reality, Rossart has proven himself to be a capable and dangerous man.
Biography[]
Rossart was the Leader of the Alchemists' Guild and a pyromancer during the reign of King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King. He caught the attention of King Aerys largely due to their shared passion for fire, which resonated with the king's obsession. As King Aerys II Targaryen's fascination with Wildfire increased, he awarded Grand Master Rossart a position on the Small Council and granted him lordship. Rossart gained notoriety for his involvement in the brutal execution of Lord Rickard Stark, who was burned alive in his armor using wildfire. This was done in front of his son, Brandon Stark, who attempted to save him but was strangled to death.
During Robert's Rebellion, Rossart played a significant role in the Wildfire Plot planned by King Aerys. The plan involved strategically placing thousands of jars of Wildfire throughout King's Landing, with Lord Rossart, Wisdom Garigus, and Wisdom Belis overseeing the placement. Three hundred jars were positioned beneath the Dragonpit, two hundred beneath the Great Sept of Baelor, and additional quantities were rumored to be concealed beneath the city gates and the Red Keep. The plan was to destroy the city with Wildfire if Robert Baratheon and his rebel army attacked.
Lord Qarlton Chelsted, serving as Hand of the King, grew wary of the pyromancers and refused to parcipiate in the Aerys' Wildfire Plot. Despite his efforts, he couldn't deter King Aerys from his destructive intentions. Chelsted resigned in protest, casting his chain of office on the floor. As a result, Aerys killed Chelsted with Wildfire and named Lord Rossart as his new Hand, a role Rossart kept for a fortnight. During the Sack of King's Landing, Rossart met his end as the city was plunged into chaos.
During the Sack of King's Landing, Lord Tywin Lannister's forces breached the city walls. In the chaos, King Aerys was informed by Rossart that the enemies were inside the city, prompting Aerys to order the ignition of the Wildfire as a desperate measure. Disguised as a common man-at-arms, Rossart hurried to carry out the command, but he was confronted by Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard. Jaime, who knew about the Wildfire Plot, engaged Rossart in a brief but fatal fight, resulting in Rossart's death. Jaime then made his way back to the throne room, where he ended Aerys's life. In their final exchange, Aerys questioned Jaime about the blood on his sword, to which Jaime revealed it was Rossart's blood. Jaime reflected on how Rossart had at least put up a fight, in contrast to Aerys, who made no resistance when Jaime took his life. In the following days, Jaime sought out and killed the other pyromancers involved, including Belis and Garigus. Despite their pleas for mercy or offers of gold, he made sure they wouldn't carry out Aerys' final command.
Most of the nobility and smallfolk are unaware of Aerys' Wildfire Plot. Historical records written about Rossart suggest he attempted to flee the Red Keep in a cowardly manner, but this is all a lie intended to make Rossart and King Aerys's government look bad and portray Usurper Robert Baratheon as a hero.
Notable Victims[]
- Lord Rickard Stark - Burned alive in his armor on the order of King Aerys II Targaryen.
- Lord Qarlton Chelsted - Burned alive for “bad counsel” on the order of King Aerys II Targaryen.
Gallery[]
External Links[]
- Rossart on the A Wiki of Ice and Fire.
- Rossart on the Game of Thrones Wiki.