Aenys Frey

Aenys Frey is a son of Lord Walder Frey, older and more clever than his half-brother Hosteen, and a seasoned commander rather than a mere swordsman. He leads the Frey forces in the north alongside Hosteen, playing a key role in Roose Bolton's consolidation of power after the Red Wedding.

Identity and Background

Aenys is introduced as one of the two sons of old Lord Walder Frey who lead the van of Roose Bolton's host as it threads through the ruins of Moat Cailin. He is described as having hungry eyes close-set above a pointed nose, a thin brown beard that does not quite conceal a weak chin, and a bald head. Unlike his brawny half-brother Hosteen, who is a bull slow to anger but implacable once roused, Aenys is older, crueler, and more clever—a commander, not a swordsman. Both are seasoned soldiers.

Role in the Northern Campaign

Aenys commands the four hundred mounted Freys who form the vanguard of Roose Bolton's army as it returns to the north. He is present at Winterfell during the wedding of Ramsay Bolton to the false Arya Stark, where tensions between the Freys and the northern lords run high. When the body of Little Walder Frey is discovered, Aenys and Hosteen confront Wyman Manderly, accusing him of the murder. Aenys speaks up in the Merman's Court at White Harbor, defending the Frey version of the Red Wedding and arguing that the Starks are extinct in the male line, urging loyalty to Tommen.

Conflict and Death

During the feast at Winterfell, Aenys and Hosteen lead the Frey contingent in a violent confrontation with Manderly's men after the discovery of Little Walder's body. Aenys is present when Roose Bolton orders the host to march against Stannis Baratheon. He is later killed by the washerwomen allied with Mance Rayder, who have been secretly murdering Bolton supporters within Winterfell. His death is part of the escalating chaos that culminates in Theon and Jeyne's escape.

Narrative Role and Evaluation

Aenys Frey serves as a representative of the Frey faction in the north, embodying the cunning and cruelty of his house. His role as a commander rather than a fighter distinguishes him from his half-brother Hosteen, and his death at the hands of the washerwomen underscores the theme of northern vengeance against the Freys for the Red Wedding. He is a flat character, defined by his loyalty to House Frey and his role in the Bolton-Frey alliance.