Walter Whent

Walter was born into House Whent, but not into its main line: the lordship of Harrenhal came through his wife, Lady Shella, whose father and grandfather had held it before her, suggesting the right to Harrenhal was hers by birth rather than his.

The marriage produced five children: four sons and a daughter. Walter also had a brother, Ser Oswell Whent.

Late in 280 AC, Lord Walter announced he would hold the greatest tournament ever seen, to mark his daughter's name day. It took place the following year, in 281 AC, later remembered as the year of the False Spring, and drew many of the great lords of the Seven Kingdoms, including King Aerys II Targaryen himself.

Many stories later circulated about the tournament's true purpose: some spoke of treason and conspiracy, others of a rebellion already taking shape, and some claimed that Prince Rhaegar Targaryen himself had provided the gold so that Lord Walter could gather as many lords and knights as possible. King Aerys, for his part, distrusted Lord Walter, his own son, and every lord present throughout the tournament.

In 289 AC, a Lord Whent took part in the tourney at Lannisport and was unhorsed by Ser Jorah Mormont, though it is uncertain whether this was still Lord Walter himself or whether another lord of Harrenhal had already succeeded him.

Of his character, he is remembered above all as a generous man.