Karhold, the ancestral seat of House Karstark, is a formidable stronghold located in the eastern half of the North, along a forested river and south of the Bay of Seals. To the east of Karhold lie the Grey Cliffs, marking the edge of the Karstark domain. The castle, though smaller and meaner than the grand Harrenhal, is renowned for its strength and resilience.
The origins of Karhold are deeply rooted in Northern history. It was established by Karlon Stark, a younger son of Winterfell, who was awarded land for his valor in quelling a rebel lord's uprising a thousand years ago. The stronghold was originally named Karl's Hold in honor of Karlon, but over the centuries, the name evolved into Karhold, and the Stark descendants of this branch became known as the Karstarks.
Karhold, with its robust fortifications, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Karstarks. The castle's architecture, while not as grand as some of the southern keeps, reflects the practicality and hardiness required to survive in the harsh Northern climate. It is surrounded by dense forests, providing ample resources and natural defenses, and the nearby river adds to its strategic significance.
Life in Karhold, as in much of the North, is dictated by the severe winters. The Karstarks, much like the northern mountain clans, follow a tradition where older men venture out to hunt during the winter months. This custom serves a dual purpose: it eases the burden on the younger generations and ensures that the stronghold's food supplies last through the long, cold season.
Despite its somber and austere nature, Karhold remains a crucial bastion in the North, a symbol of the Karstark family's loyalty and their storied connection to the Starks of Winterfell. The Karstarks' motto, "The Sun of Winter," reflects their role as a beacon of hope and strength amidst the unforgiving Northern landscape.
The origins of Karhold are deeply rooted in Northern history. It was established by Karlon Stark, a younger son of Winterfell, who was awarded land for his valor in quelling a rebel lord's uprising a thousand years ago. The stronghold was originally named Karl's Hold in honor of Karlon, but over the centuries, the name evolved into Karhold, and the Stark descendants of this branch became known as the Karstarks.
Karhold, with its robust fortifications, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Karstarks. The castle's architecture, while not as grand as some of the southern keeps, reflects the practicality and hardiness required to survive in the harsh Northern climate. It is surrounded by dense forests, providing ample resources and natural defenses, and the nearby river adds to its strategic significance.
Life in Karhold, as in much of the North, is dictated by the severe winters. The Karstarks, much like the northern mountain clans, follow a tradition where older men venture out to hunt during the winter months. This custom serves a dual purpose: it eases the burden on the younger generations and ensures that the stronghold's food supplies last through the long, cold season.
Despite its somber and austere nature, Karhold remains a crucial bastion in the North, a symbol of the Karstark family's loyalty and their storied connection to the Starks of Winterfell. The Karstarks' motto, "The Sun of Winter," reflects their role as a beacon of hope and strength amidst the unforgiving Northern landscape.
