The Unexpected Romance of Ser Raymun Fossoway in ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’
The season finale of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ delivered a delightful surprise for fans following the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall. Beyond the tourney at Ashford, a captivating subplot unfolded involving Ser Raymun Fossaway and a character known simply as “Red.” But is there a deeper significance to this union? Could it hint at connections to pivotal figures in George R.R. Martin’s world, like Lady Rohanne Webber?
From Battlefield to Bridal Chamber
Episode 6, “The Morrow,” revealed a whirlwind romance between Ser Raymun Fossaway and “Red,” the clever sex worker who’s been observing the tourney. While Dunk was indisposed, Red tended to Raymun’s wounds, leading to a connection that culminated in marriage. This makes her Lady Rowan Fossaway, the matriarch of the Green Apple Fossoway line.
Behind the Scenes: A Showrunner’s Vision
Showrunner Ira Parker shared insights into this unexpected pairing. He explained that the story developed organically, driven by a desire to flesh out the world around Dunk and explore the characters he would encounter. Parker noted that Raymun, fresh off a victory in the Trial of Seven, was seeking companionship, and Red, observing the scene, saw an opportunity for connection.
“He’s so sincere that I believe that as soon as they have sex once and she says, ‘You know, I’m with child now.’ He says, ‘Well, of course you are because that’s just how sex works. And so we have to get married,’” Parker elaborated, highlighting the characters’ guilelessness and the natural progression of their relationship.
The Significance of ‘Rowan’
The name change from “Red” to “Rowan” isn’t merely cosmetic. Rowan is the more formal, ladylike version, signifying a transformation in her persona. The name also carries a rich symbolic weight. In Irish Gaelic, Rowan means “little red one,” a nod to her previous moniker. Coincidentally, it’s also the first name of the actress who portrays Lady Rowan Fossaway, Rowan Robinson.
But the significance goes deeper. The Fossoways trace their lineage back to Garth the Green, a legendary figure in Westerosi history. House Fossoway claims descent from Foss the Archer, known for his skill in archery and romantic gestures. Another of Garth’s children was Rowan Gold-Tree, whose story is intertwined with themes of fertility and abundance. This connection lends a hopeful and auspicious tone to the founding of the Green Apple Fossoway line.
Is Lady Rowan Fossoway the Red Widow?
Fans have speculated about a potential connection between Rowan and Lady Rohanne Webber, a prominent character in the Dunk and Egg novellas. While Parker clarifies that Rowan and Rohanne are distinct characters, he subtly hints at the introduction of the “Red Widow” in Season 2, a character with potential ties to blood magic. This suggests that the story of the Fossoways is far from over and may hold further surprises.
Parker emphasized that the creation of Red was driven by a desire to reflect the social landscape Dunk would inhabit, even acknowledging the character’s initial purpose as a reflection of the social hierarchy. However, she evolved into a compelling character in her own right, and her story continues to unfold.
A Legacy Forged in Unexpected Romance
The marriage of Ser Raymun Fossaway and Rowan marks the beginning of a new chapter for House Fossoway. Founded on an unlikely connection between a newly knighted squire and a resourceful woman, the Green Apple Fossoways are poised to make their mark on Westeros. The story serves as a reminder that even in a world of knights and lords, love and destiny can take unexpected turns.
Source: Decider
