Secondary Character: Samwell Tarly

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Epithet: None

House: None (previously of House Tarly)

Samwell Tarly is the eldest son of Lord Randyll Tarly, widely considered to be among the best military commanders in the Seven Kingdoms. To Randyll’s dismay, Samwell grew up to be a gentle-hearted boy who had no interest in military affairs or in being a knight – the boy was intelligent, well-read and perceptive, but hated the sight of blood. Sam’s mother eventually gave birth to another boy, one that was robust and fierce-spirited, a child much more to Randyll’s liking. From then on, Randyll would devote almost all of his time to Sam’s younger brother. And then one day, Randyll gave his eldest son a choice: either join the Night’s Watch, or be “accidentally killed” in a hunting accident. Both choices would lead to the same conclusion: with Sam out of the picture, Randayll’s youngest son would be his heir, who, in his mind, was far more suitable to take over House Tarly compared to Sam. And so Samwell Tarly “chose” life over death, and headed for the Wall to join the Night's Watch. Despite being utterly inept as a fighter, Sam's intelligence and resourcefulness impress both Maester Aemon and Lord Commander Jorah Mormont, such that Mormont chooses Sam to be his aide for the expedition to the Far North. 

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