The Ghosts of Harrenhal: A Song of Ice and Fire Podcast (ASOIAF)

A Game of Thrones | House of the Dragon
  • 4.9 (129)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join us, as we venture chapter-by-chapter through the books in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" (ASOIAF) series, by George R.R. Martin. We will discuss the details of a chapter, provide insights, give background information, and hit you with other tidbits that we find interesting. However, one thing we won't do is give spoilers! So come, let us be your guides on this epic journey. Follow us on Twitter at @GhostsHarrenhal, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and YouTube!

  1. 1D AGO

    Chapter Fifty-Four - Cersei 1 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

    Send a text Cersei makes the only play she can. She wisely confesses to most of her crimes, that have already been verified by other witnesses anyway, but denies the big ones. For those questions, trial by combat will determine her guilt. Uncle Kevan reports wholesale changes in the Small Council. Mackelly and Simon weigh her chances. Chapter Review: Queen Cersei Lannister hates her jailors, three dour septas. But they break her down and she is ready to confess. She’s brought before the High Septon. She admits to her infidelities, but denies the big ones: incest, treason, reicide, and deicide, all of which Osney Kettleblack implicated her in, under torture. The incest one is awkward for the High Septon. It is Stannis Baratheon's accusation and he has fallen in with a false god. He puts his faith in trial by combat to determine her guilt or innocence. She is finally allowed a visitor; her uncle Kevan Lannister. He’s angry with her corruption of his son Lancel. And brings only bad news: Jaime has not returned, he was last seen cavorting the Riverlands with a woman believed to be Brienne of Tarth. The Tyrells and Tarlys have come to town to defend Queen Margaery, against whom the High Septon admits the case is weak. Kevan has assembled a whole new Small Council filled with nobody who cares for Cersei. Worst of all is the news that Myrcella has been wounded in Dorne. Cersei blames Tyrion. She asks Kevan to work with Qyburn to get the right man into the Kingsguard to defend her honor. Characters/Places/Names/Events: Cersei Lannister - Dowager Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Mother to King Tommen. The High Septon - Leader of the faith. Known as the High Sparrow for his piety and commitment to poverty. Kevan Lannister - Uncle to Cersei, new Hand of the King. Lancel Lanniser - Son of Kevan, former lover of Cersei. Now a convert to the militant branch of the Faith of the Seven. Qyburn - Disgraced maester of the citadel. Ally to Cersei. Margaery Tyrell - Wife to King Tommen. Despised by Cersei. Osney Kettleblack - Ally of Cersei, tortured into betraying her. Support the show Support us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere. Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

    1h 10m

  2. FEB 10

    Chapter Fifty-Three - Jon 11 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

    Send a text Jon negotiates terms with Tormund, introduces Val to Queen Selyse, and not for the first time tries to convince his underlings of the true meaning of their vows and the sanity of his plans. Simon and Mackelly try to shake the feeling that it is Groundhog day, again. Chapter Review: Lord Commander Jon Snow and Tormund Giantsbane discuss terms for Tormund’s band of roughly four thousand free folk to pass through the Wall at Castle Black. After much arguing and threats of violence, Tormund finally agrees. His band won’t be happy with the concessions, including forfeiture or any valuables and 100 boys at wards of the Night’s Watch. They will meet again in three days to begin the process of transitioning south of the Wall. Jon rides with Val back to Castle Black. She wants to continue helping with the relocation of the free folk. Jon takes her to meet Queen Selyse Baratheon. Selyse is happy Jon secured the deal with the wildlings, but becomes angry when she learns there was no mention of bending the knee or taking R’hllor as their god. Val says if they are made to kneel the free folk will rise, blades in hand. Outside the tower, Val comments on Princess Shireen’s greyscale. She calls it grey death and says the girl is already dead. She wants her nephew Little Monster away from the girl. A shocked Jon says he’ll try. Val says he’d better succeed. He owes her. Jon meets a group of Night’s Watch leaders and two wildling chiefs atop the Wall. Jon explains the situation with the wildlings relocating. The men push back on every detail of Jon’s plan. How will we feed them? What about the Weeper? How will you keep them at the Wall? Will you train the wards in combat? Jon’s answers are unsatisfactory, and Marsh says Jon is committing treason. Jon gives his brothers their assignments and can’t help but think of Melisandre’s warning of daggers in the dark. Characters/Places/Names/Events: Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Queen Selyse Baratheon - Queen to King Stannis. Val - Sister to Mance Rayder’s wife Dalla. Tormund Giantsbane - Leader of a large group of free folk. Bowen Marsh - Lord Steward at Castle Black. Othell Yarwyck - First Builder at Castle Black. Clydas - Acting maester at Castle Black. Torghen Flint - Le Support the show Support us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere. Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

    1h 16m

  3. FEB 3

    Chapter Fifty-Two - Daenerys 9 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

    Send us a text Daenerys attends the reopening of the fighting pits. It’s pretty much as she expected until Drogon arrives and whisks her away. Simon and Mackelly try not to get carried away. Chapter Review: Daenerys Targaryen dons a tokar for the reopening of the fighting pits. Barristan Selmy reports that he freed Meris of the Windblown who assured him that she and the rest of the Westerosi deserters were in fact emissaries from the Tattered Prince who was ready to switch sides. All he wanted was the city of Pentos. Dany laughs at the price. They head to the reopened fighting pits where Dany witnesses horrors a-plenty, two dwarves joust for her entertainment, and Strong Belwas gets sick on the honeyed locusts that Hizdar had suggested Dany sample. Dany’s ready to leave when a boar dines on the innards of Barsena Blackhair. A shadow passes over the pit as Drogon arrives and feasts of boar and Barsena. Pandemonium descends as pit-men try to kill Drogon. Dany drops to the fighting floor and stares down her eldest. She finds a whip and wins the battle of wills. She climbs aboard and Drogon takes flight.   Characters/Places/Names/Events: Daenerys Targaryen - Last remaining descendent of the royal Targaryen line, Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, claimant to the Iron Throne of Westeros. Barristan Selmy - Former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard in King’s Landing. Now Lord Commander of the Dany’s Queensguard. Hizdahr zo Loraq - Noble of Meereen, husband to Daenerys. Quentyn Martell - Son of Prince Doran Martell. In Essos to offer his hand in marriage to Daenerys. Meereen - Largest city on Slaver’s Bay. Support the show Support us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere. Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

    1h 11m

  4. JAN 27

    Chapter Fifty-One - Theon 1 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

    Send us a text Theon watches as a child's body is laid before Lord Roose instigating in-fighting in the castle. Roose calls for battle preparations against Stannis. Theon is called into duty to smuggle Arya out of Winterfell. All goes well, until it doesn’t. Mackelly and Simon hope for a soft landing. Chapter Review: Theon Greyjoy sits at the back of the Great Hall of Winterfell, alongside the bard Abel and some of his women. Ser Hosteen Frey bursts through the doors with Little Walder’s dead body in his arms and lays him below the dais. A bloody Big Walder and several knights accompany Hosteen. Big Walder says Little Walder went looking for a man who owed him coin from dicing, and it was the Manderlys who taught him the game. Fighting breaks out between the Freys and Manderlys, leaving Lord Wyman Manderly bleeding and several men dead. Lord Roose announces that they will ride out against Stannis, and the Freys and Manderlys will lead the charge. Abel’s women say that now is the time to enact their plan. Theon meets the women in the godswood. They’re all dressed as servants. After filling buckets of hot water, they gain entrance to Lady Arya’s room. Theon coaxes Jeyne, who almost reveals she’s not Arya, into cooperating. She trades clothing with a washerwoman, who remains behind to keep the numbers accurate, and they walk Jeyne out of the keep. Several of the women go off to find Abel and two go with Theon and Jeyne. When the women kill two guards, Jeyne lets out a scream, which brings more guards. One woman stays behind to hold them off, the other takes Theon and Jeyne up the stairs of the outer wall, only to realize she doesn’t have the rope to repel down. When she is killed by a crossbow bolt and Theon and Jeyne are surrounded, Theon grabs Jeyne and they jump off the wall. Characters/Places/Names/Events: Reek - Broken shell of Theon Greyjoy. Ramsay Bolton - Newly legitimized son of Roose Bolton. Nasty piece of work. Roose Bolton - Lord of the Dreadfort and Warden of the North. Arya Stark - Youngest daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Princess of Winterfell. Jeyne Poole - Married to Ramsay Bolton masquerading as Arya Stark. Wyman Manderly - Lord of White Harbor. Abel - Bard in Winterfell. Possibly Mance Rayder. Support the show Support us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere. Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

    1h 2m

  5. JAN 20

    Chapter Fifty - Daenerys 8 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

    Send us a text Daenerys hosts her conquerors, the Yunkai’i. Peace has cost her more than she can stomach. Mackelly and Simon sympathize with her. Chapter Review: Daenerys Targaryen attends a banquet thrown for the Yunkai’i to celebrate the peace. The accords hold, no re-enslavement, no more freeing of the existing slaves, but Daenerys is far from pleased that a slave market has been opened outside her walls - technically not in violation, but an obvious goad to her. To ensure a peaceful evening, hostages have been sent to the Yunkai’i, including Daario Naharis. Probably for the best because one of the envoys from Yunkai is Brown Ben Plum. He tries to smooth things over with Daenerys, but she’s still bridling at his betrayal. She asks Barristan Selmy to make overtures to the sellsword companies, not believing that this peace can truly last. She takes Quentyn Martell to see the dragons, and urges him to go home. He wants to stay and fight for her. That night Hizdahr Zo Loraq drunkenly consummates his marriage and hopes for a son as he falls asleep. Daenerys has reason to doubt that his wish will be answered. The queen cannot sleep, tomorrow sees the unwelcome reopening of the fighting pits. She passes the small hours chatting with Missandei about sweet things.  Characters/Places/Names/Events: Daenerys Targaryen - Last remaining descendent of the royal Targaryen line, Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, claimant to the Iron Throne of Westeros.  Hizdahr zo Loraq - Noble of Meereen, husband to Daenerys. Barristan Selmy - Former Lord Commander of the Kingssuard in King’s Landing. Current Lord Commander of Daenerys' Queensguard. Daario Naharis - Lover to Daenerys and leader of the sellsword company the Stormcrows.  Quentyn Martell - Son of Prince Doran Martell. In Essos to offer his hand in marriage to Daenerys. Skahaz mo Kandaq (Shavepate) - Ghiscari noble of Meereen. Convert to Dany’s cause. Despised by the Sons of the Harpy.  Brown Ben Plum - Commander of the Second Sons. Betrayer of Daenerys. Meereen - Largest city on Slaver’s Bay. Support the show Support us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere. Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

    1h 4m

  6. JAN 13

    Chapter Forty-Nine - Jon 10 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

    Send us a text Jon has a full day at the Wall. He gives away a bride, checks on his new high-born prisoner, gets news from Eastwatch, and believes Val and Tormund have returned to Castle Black. Simon and Mackelly throw some rice in celebration of the new couple. Chapter Review: Lord Commander Jon Snow waits with Alys Karstark as Melisandre prays to R’hllor. Jon notices that his top ranking brothers are not in attendance. Eventually, Melisandre asks who is to be wed. Jon escorts Alys to her groom Sigorn, the Magnar of Thenn. The pair say their vows, jump a ditch of fire, and it’s done. As the guests make for the feast, Jon talks to Melisandre. She tells him she still sees danger in his future. Jon is skeptical. She foresaw his sister Arya arriving and it was Alys. Melisandre insists the vision was clear, it was she who misread it. She is human. Next, Jon stops at the ice cells. Cregan Karstark showed up a day after Alys. However, Jon met him south of Mole’s Town, to prevent any claim of guest right. Jon tells Cregan that Alys is wed. Cregan says she was promised to him by his lord father. Jon reminds him his father Arnolf is only the castellan of Karhold. Cregan tells Jon to kill him and be labeled a kinslayer. Jon suggests Cregan Take the Black before King Stannis arrives and executes him as a traitor. Never, is Cregan’s response. At the feast, Jon tells Alys to send her old men and boys to the Night’s Watch rather than let them die when winter comes. She promises that House Karstark remembers. A letter arrives from Eastwatch, the ships have finally set sail for Hardhome and the stranded wildlings. After Alys drags her new husband onto the dance floor, Axell Florent takes her seat and again asks Jon about Val’s whereabouts. He wants to wed the wildling princess. When Jon refuses to produce her, Axell determines Jon is keeping her for himself. Jon is tired of the man and excuses himself. However, two horn blasts are heard. Val has returned. Does she have Tormund Giantsbane with her? Characters/Places/Names/Events: Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Queen Selyse Baratheon - Queen to King Stannis. Alys Karstark - Daughter of deceased Rickard Karstark. Heir to her brother Harrion, the lord of Karhold. Sigorn - Young Magnar of Thenn. New husba Support the show Support us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere. Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

    1h 21m

  7. JAN 6

    Chapter Forty-Eight - Jaime 1 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

    Send us a text Jaime ends the siege of Raventree Hall. On his way back to Riverrun, Brienne of Tarth finds Jamie and tells him that she’s found the Stark girl and that Jamie must come quickly, and alone. Simon and Mackelly say hello to an old friend. Chapter Review: Jaime Lannister arrives at Raventree Hall and tries to bring an end to hostilities between the Brackens and the Blackwoods. Good luck with that! Jonos Bracken wants several pounds of flesh as his payment for delivering the Blackwoods to the King’s Peace. Jamie points out that besieging is only a step on that road and that he, Jamie, is here to end the siege. Inside the castle, he treats with Tytos Blackwood. Jamie has a bit more respect for the lord of House Blackwood, but demands considerable recompense and a hostage for the Blackwood’s treason. With the hostage in tow, he heads back to Riverrun en route to King’s Landing. They stay the night in Pennytree, where Brienne of Tarth arrives looking for Jamie. She has found the Stark girl, but Jamie must come alone and immediately, otherwise the Hound will kill her. Characters/Places/Names/Events: Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Biological father of King Tommen. Jonos Bracken - Lord of the Stone Hedge and head of House Bracken.  Tytos Blackwood - Lord of Raventree Hall and head of House Blackwood. Brienne of Tarth - Charged with finding Sansa Stark by Jamie Lannister. Last seen in the Riverlands.  Raventree Hall - Seat of House Blackwood. Riverrun - Capital of the Riverlands. Once seat of House Tully. Gifted to the Freys by the crown. Support the show Support us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere. Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

    1h 7m

  8. 12/30/2025

    Outtakes from The Ghosts of Harrenhal - 2025

    Send us a text Please enjoy some of the flubs, confusion, and mishaps that we suffered through this year and then compiled just for you. Thank you all for being part of this journey. Support the show Support us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere. Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

    13 min
See All (338)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
129 Ratings

About

Join us, as we venture chapter-by-chapter through the books in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" (ASOIAF) series, by George R.R. Martin. We will discuss the details of a chapter, provide insights, give background information, and hit you with other tidbits that we find interesting. However, one thing we won't do is give spoilers! So come, let us be your guides on this epic journey. Follow us on Twitter at @GhostsHarrenhal, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and YouTube!

Information

You Might Also Like