Eddard Stark's Investigation into Jon Arryn's Death

Eddard Stark traces the murder of his predecessor, uncovering the truth about Joffrey's parentage and the Lannister conspiracy.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Arrival at King's Landing

Eddard Stark Takes Up the Handship The Burden of Office Eddard Stark arrives in King's Landing with his daughters, reluctantly accepting the position of Hand of the King. He is immediately thrust into a world of intrigue and deception, where his northern honor clashes with the southron court's duplicity. The First Clues Ned begins to question the circumstances of Jon Arryn's sudden death. He visits Grand Maester Pycelle, who provides evasive answers, and examines the book on lineages that Jon had been studying. The seed is strong, Jon had whispered on his deathbed, a cryptic clue that Ned will later decipher. The Search for Truth With Littlefinger's help, Ned tracks down Jon Arryn's former servants and learns of his visits to a brothel and an armorer. He discovers Robert's bastard Gendry and realizes the implications for the succession.

Confrontation with Cersei

The Truth Revealed The Godswood Meeting Eddard Stark confronts Cersei Lannister in the godswood, revealing that he knows her children are Jaime's bastards. He offers her a chance to flee into exile with her children, hoping to avoid bloodshed. Cersei's Defiance Cersei refuses, warning Ned that in the game of thrones, you win or you die. She reveals her contempt for Robert and her determination to protect her children at any cost. Ned's mercy proves to be his undoing. The Aftermath Ned's decision to warn Cersei gives her time to plot. When Robert is mortally wounded by a boar, Cersei moves quickly to seize power, setting the stage for Ned's downfall.

Arrest and Confession

The Fall of the Hand Betrayal in the Throne Room When Ned attempts to name Stannis as the rightful heir, Janos Slynt's gold cloaks turn on him. His men are slaughtered, and Ned is taken prisoner. Littlefinger, whom he trusted, betrays him. The False Confession In the dungeons, Varys visits Ned and convinces him to confess to treason to protect Sansa. Ned agrees, hoping to take the black and save his daughter. He publicly confesses, but Joffrey orders his execution anyway. The Execution On the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor, Ned Stark is beheaded by Ser Ilyn Payne with his own sword, Ice. His death shatters the realm and ignites the War of the Five Kings.

early in the story, after Robert's visit to Winterfell

after the tournament, before Robert's death

after Robert's death, during the coup