Simon Strong
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Simon Strong was the castellan of Harrenhal at the start of the Dance of the Dragons, the war that split House Targaryen into rival factions over the Iron Throne.
Already an old man by then, in command of one of the most feared strongholds in the Riverlands, how he chose to meet the advance of the Blacks would decide the fate of his entire household within those walls.
Surrender of Harrenhal
By around 129 AC, Simon Strong was already spoken of as an old man, and it was he who held command of Harrenhal when the forces of the Blacks appeared before its gates.
Seeing Caraxes crossing the sky above the castle, Simon chose to hand it over rather than mount a hopeless defense. The surrender did not spare his family the consequences: he, his sons, and his grandsons were held as hostages by the castle's new masters.
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Death
Simon's captivity ended when Ser Criston Cole, commanding the Kingsguard, retook Harrenhal for the Greens. His freedom did not last.
Prince Aemond Targaryen, upon learning of the Fall of King's Landing, became convinced the old man had given up the castle to Daemon too easily, and branded him a traitor. He forced Simon into single combat, killed him, and fed his remains to Vhagar.
Not satisfied with that, Aemond ordered the execution of the remaining Strongs at Harrenhal. Only Alys Rivers was spared.
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Gallery

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Relationships
People in their story
- Criston ColeAppears in Death
- Aemond TargaryenAppears in Death
- Alys RiversAppears in Death
Appearances
By work
Played by: Simon Russell Beale
| Work | Format | Where it is told |
|---|---|---|
| House of the Dragon | Show | Surrender of Harrenhal, Death |
Books and show
The show and the books
| Show | Books | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Dead | Dead |
| Died | — | 130 AC · Harrenhal |
| Appears in | House of the Dragon | — |
| Played by | Simon Russell Beale | — |