Edmyn Tully

Edmyn Tully’s decisive act during the Conquest was to turn against Harren Hoare when summoned to defend Harrenhal. By raising the dragon banner and joining Aegon Targaryen, he helped shift the Riverlands from ironborn rule toward the new king’s authority; after Harren’s fall, Aegon made him Lord Paramount of the Trident.

Rebellion Against Harren Hoare

House Hoare had ruled the Riverlands for three generations, but its ironborn overlords had earned little affection. Harren Hoare’s demands had driven thousands to their deaths building Harrenhal, while his appetite for gold burdened lords and smallfolk alike. When Edmyn was summoned to the castle’s defense, he instead declared for House Targaryen, raised the dragon banner over Riverrun, and rode out with his knights and archers to join Aegon’s strength.

Edmyn’s defiance gave the other riverlords the confidence to follow. One by one, they renounced Harren and declared for Aegon, gathering their levies and descending on Harrenhal. Edmyn’s choice was therefore more than a change of allegiance: it helped turn a summons to defend Harren into a broader uprising against his rule.

Lord Paramount of the Trident

Harren and his last sons died when Aegon’s dragon set Harrenhal ablaze. House Hoare fell with them, and the Iron Islands lost their hold over the Riverlands. The next day, outside the smoking ruins, Aegon accepted Edmyn’s oath of fealty and named him Lord Paramount of the Trident. The other riverlords also did homage, acknowledging both Aegon as king and Edmyn as their liege lord. The appointment gave formal shape to the allegiance Edmyn had first declared in rebellion.

Hand of the King

Aegon later called Edmyn to serve as Hand of the King after Orys Baratheon asked to be relieved of the office. Edmyn served from 7 to 9 AC. When his wife died in childbed, he judged that his children had greater need of him than the realm and asked leave to return to the Riverlands. His departure ended a brief tenure at court, but did not undo the significance of his earlier choice: Edmyn had helped secure the new king’s authority in the Riverlands and was entrusted with its lordship.