What Exactly Did Tywin Lannister Do to House Reyne?

House Reyne of Castamere played a significant role in the lore of A Song of Ice and Fire and the television series Game of Thrones. Their downfall under Tywin Lannister's rule is one of the most infamous chapters in Westerosi history. Here, we delve into the specific events that led to this catastrophic chapter.

Background

House Reyne was a powerful noble family in the Westerlands, known for their wealth and influence. They served as vassals to House Lannister but were notorious for their pride and rebellious nature, traits that often put them at odds with Tywin. Following the death of Tywin's father, Tytos, the Reynes' defiance became more pronounced, particularly after Tywin had proven his capabilities in the War of the Ninepenny Kings.

Rebellion

Tytos' weakness created a vacuum of power, and the Reynes saw this as an opportunity to consolidate their own influence. Tywin, wanting to restore the pride and power of Casterly Rock, demanded repayment of the gold lent by his father. Those who could not pay were forced to provide hostages. The Reynes, however, openly defied these demands, leading to further conflict.

The Catastrophe

A series of events led to the Reynes' ultimate downfall. After failing to enforce his will through negotiation and hostage-taking, Tywin decided to demonstrate the dire consequences of rebellion against the Lannisters. He gathered his forces and laid siege to Castamere, the stronghold of the Reynes. This was not a quick victory but a prolonged and devastating campaign.

Destruction of Castamere

Tywin's forces overwhelmed the castle with ease. He ordered the total destruction of Castamere and the eradication of its inhabitants, including the Reynes and their loyal supporters. The brutal nature of the campaign culminated in the killing of the House Reyne's leaders. Legend has it that some were hanged from the walls of Castamere, a chilling reminder of Tywin's ruthlessness.

The Fate of the Reynes

House Reyne’s leaders were executed in particularly gruesome ways. Tywin's actions sent a strong message to other houses in Westeros. The phrase "The daylight have done with us!" became the ominous refrain of the now infamous "Reynes of Castamere" song, further cementing Tywin’s reputation as a formidable and ruthless lord.

Legacy

The massacre of House Reyne served as a stern warning to all those who dared challenge Tywin Lannister. It solidified his status as a man willing to go to extreme lengths to maintain his power and authority. This event marked a significant turning point in Tywin's career, leading to his rise to the position of Hand of the King.Tywin’s reputation for ruthlessness and power only grew after this incident, setting the stage for his future conquests and strategic maneuvers.

Despite the passage of centuries, the legacy of Castamere still resonates. The mines of Castamere have never been reopened, and the castle above them was destroyed, serving as a permanent reminder of the horrors that occurred there.