Gendry

Gendry was born in King's Landing, son of a tavern girl who died while he was still a child. The only memory he keeps of her is that she was fair-haired. His father remained a mystery to him.

Once grown, he was taken on as an apprentice by the armorer Tobho Mott, after an unnamed nobleman paid double the usual fee for his training. There he learned the trade that would shape the rest of his life: working metal.

When Eddard Stark arrives in King's Landing investigating Jon Arryn's death, his inquiry leads him to the smithy where Gendry works. One look at his face is enough for Stark to recognize King Robert's features in it.

Unaware of that conversation, Gendry carries on with his life as a smith's apprentice. Around this time he forges himself a bull-shaped helm with curved metal horns, a piece he takes pride in even though he rarely wears it.

After Eddard Stark's fall, Varys arranges for Gendry to leave the capital as a Night's Watch recruit, travelling north with the group led by Yoren. Gold cloaks try to seize him on Queen Cersei's orders, but Yoren refuses to hand him over and the group flees.

On the road, a party under Ser Amory Lorch hunts down the recruits and kills Yoren. Gendry is one of the few who survives, continuing on with Arya, Hot Pie, Lommy and Weasel until Ser Gregor Clegane's men capture them.

Taken to Harrenhal, he goes back to working the forge. From there he manages to escape together with Arya and Hot Pie.

On the way to Riverrun, the Brotherhood without Banners catches up with Gendry's group and holds them. Thoros of Myr's account of the brotherhood's ideals strikes a chord in him, and he chooses to join their ranks.

Lord Beric Dondarrion knights him under the name Ser Gendry of Hollow Hill. He settles as a smith at the Inn at the Crossroads, keeping on with his trade under the brotherhood's protection.

Brienne of Tarth arrives at the inn searching for traces of Sansa Stark and comes across Gendry. The young man's resemblance to the late Renly Baratheon leaves her unsettled. Gendry tries to get Brienne's group to leave, but Willow Heddle allows them to stay.

While he works at the forge, Brienne asks about his parentage; by then Gendry has taken up the faith of R'hllor. Their talk is cut short when a band of outlaws led by Rorge attacks the inn.

In the fight, Rorge dies at Brienne's hands, and when Biter tears at her face, Gendry drives a spear through his throat and saves her life. He then joins the party escorting Brienne to Lady Stoneheart, though he splits off before they arrive and returns to the inn.