Understanding the Origins of Ser Criston Cole in the King's Guard

It is a common misconception that Ser Criston Cole, who served as a member of King Viserys I's Kingsguard, hailed from Dorne. This article aims to clarify the origins and backgrounds of those who served in the Kingsguard, specifically addressing the context of Ser Criston Cole and the Dornish Marches.

The Dornish Marches: A Border Region of the Stormlands

The Dornish Marches are a region that straddles the border between the Stormlands and Dorne. This area, while sharing a cultural and familial connection with Dorne, is politically part of the Stormlands. The term 'marches' refers to border territories, which historically include regions like the Welsh Marches in England. The Dornish Marches, therefore, are a distinct region under the rule of House Baratheon, and the people who live there are known as marchers.

Cultural and Familial Connections

Despite the political separation, the region of the Dornish Marches shares cultural similarities with Dorne. This cultural overlap is not unique; it is also observed with other neighboring regions such as the Macedonians and Greeks, the Turks and Armenians. It is reasonable to assume that intermarriage and cultural exchange were not uncommon in this border region, leading to a mix of cultural elements and appearances. Similarly, in historical settings, one could find Swiss and Italian interactions, or French and Spanish families who interconnected through both noble and commoner lines.

House Dondarrion and the Stormlands

House Dondarrion is a prominent house in the Stormlands, domiciled in the region of the Dornish Marches. The Coles, a knightly house sworn to House Dondarrion, are also a part of this region. Criston Cole, as a member of the Kingsguard, was born to a steward of Lord Dondarrion in the town of Blackhaven, which is located in the Dornish Marches. The Dornish Marches extend from the Sea of Dorne in the west, through the southwestern Stormlands, and east towards the Sea of Dorne.

Ser Criston Cole and His Appearance

The portrayal of Ser Criston Cole in the show 'Game of Thrones' gave him a distinctly Dornish appearance, but this is a visual choice rather than a reflection of his political background. It is not implausible for someone from the southern Stormlands to resemble a person from northern Dorne, given the similarities in climate and cultural practices. Even if Criston Cole's parents were not from Dorne, it would not be unusual for him to have Dornish features due to the region's shared history and cultural influences.

Political and Cultural Implications

The presence of individuals with seemingly Dornish features in the Stormlands highlights the complex interplay between politics and culture in the realm. It is important to recognize that while disparate regions might share commonalities, political affiliations define their loyalties and allegiances. Ser Criston Cole, as a knight of the Kingsguard, was first and foremost a vassal of King Viserys I and House Dondarrion.

Conclusion

Understanding the origins of Ser Criston Cole and his fellow Kingsguards from the Dornish Marches involves recognizing the political and cultural nuances of Westeros. The region of the Dornish Marches, while culturally close to Dorne, remains politically part of the Stormlands. The interconnections between these regions underscore the complexity of regional identities in Medieval Westeros.