The Hound: An Unknighted Noble and the Breakdown of Chivalry in Westeros

In the complex universe of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the character Sandor Clegane, better known as the Hound, stands as a unique and antiheroic figure. His character's journey and perception of knighthood provide a fascinating study on the true nature of honor and chivalry in Westeros.

Background and Upbringing

Despite his noble heritage, Sandor Clegane, born as Sandor Clegane of House Clegane, was never formally knighted. His path to becoming the Hound is marked by a tumultuous upbringing. His brother, Gregor Clegane, the Mountain, is a knight, a position that his family held in high regard. However, in contrast to Gregor's savage and unapologetic behavior, Sandor rejected the values traditionally associated with knighthood. This dichotomy reflects the broken and disillusioned nature of the knighthood in both name and practice.

From an early age, Sandor was exposed to an environment that did not instill the chivalric values of bravery, honor, and protection of the weak. He was often subjected to harsh and degrading treatment, leading to a deeply cynical and disillusioned perspective on these ideals. These experiences shaped his character and his perception of what it means to be a knight.

Personal Philosophy and Violent Reputation

Central to Sandor Clegane's philosophy is his condescending outlook on the concepts of honor and chivalry. Unlike his brother Gregor, Sandor views these lofty ideals with disdain, seeing them as mere illusions behind which true brutality and deception lie. The series reveals numerous instances where knights in Westeros, including his brother and Meryn Trant, betray the very principles they are supposed to uphold.

Through his life experiences, Sandor has embraced a harsh and practical outlook on the world, free from the romanticized notions of knighthood. He is known for his brutal and ruthless nature, which starkly contrasts with the noble ideals expected of a knight. His willingness to use violence and intimidation is a stark departure from the chivalric code, further distancing him from the qualities expected of a knight.

Self-Identification and the Breakdown of the Institution

Sandor's rejection of the title and the associated expectations is a reflection of his deep-seated disillusionment with the knighthood's institution. He does not see himself as a knight and explicitly expresses disdain for the title. In several instances, he questions the very principles that define a knight, perhaps most poignantly when he says, "You lie like knights, maybe you murder like knights... A knight’s a sword with a horse. The rest the vows and the sacred oils and the lady’s favors they’re silk ribbons tied round the sword. Maybe the sword’s prettier with ribbons hanging off it but it will kill you just as dead." These words encapsulate his cynical view of knighthood, where the external trappings are hollow and the true nature of the person is revealed through their actions.

The Hound's bitter and spiteful rejection of knighthood also stems from the fact that his brother, Gregor Clegane, is both a knight and a vicious abuser. This contrast between a title and the reality of a person's actions deeply disrupts Sandor's perception of what knighthood truly means. His experiences with Gregor's brutal behavior, including covering up his own face-marring, further solidify his view that the institution of knighthood is corrupt and broken.

Conclusion

Through his actions, beliefs, and attitudes, Sandor Clegane embodies a complex character who defies the traditional role of a knight. His unknobbed status, sharp cynicism towards chivalry and honor, and willingness to embrace violence in a society built on such norms set him apart and make him a compelling antihero in the narrative of Westeros.