Stark
Lya
Lyanna, Eddard's sister, is remembered as a strong-willed and gifted rider. Though betrothed to Robert, she already doubts that love can change his infidelity. The Harrenhal story has her defend the bullied Howland before Rhaegar passes over his wife to crown Lyanna. Her later disappearance is widely called an abduction and helps ignite rebellion. Eddard finally finds her dying at the tower of joy and accepts a promise never explained directly to readers. The five novels give no complete first-hand account of her relationship with Rhaegar.
Key story events this character is involved in, and the chapters where they appear.
Role: cause
The war that overthrew the Targaryen dynasty. Robert Baratheon, Eddard Stark, and Jon Arryn rebelled against King Aerys II after Prince Rhaegar abducted Lyanna Stark. The rebellion ended with Rhaegar's death at the Trident and the Sack of King's Landing.
Role: honored
The great tourney hosted by Lord Whent where Prince Rhaegar Targaryen crowned Lyanna Stark as Queen of Love and Beauty, passing over his own wife Elia Martell. The mysterious Knight of the Laughing Tree appeared and vanished, setting events in motion that would end the Targaryen dynasty.
Role: dying
Eddard Stark and six companions confronted three Kingsguard at a tower in the Red Mountains of Dorne where Lyanna Stark was held. Only Eddard and Howland Reed survived. What Lyanna whispered to her brother before dying became a secret that would shape the fate of the realm.
No chapter appearances recorded.
