Podrick Payne and Ilyn Payne are two characters from the popular fantasy series Game of Thrones, based on the books by George R.R. Martin. Podrick is a loyal squire who serves Tyrion Lannister and later Brienne of Tarth, while Ilyn is a silent executioner who serves as the King’s Justice. But are they related by blood, or just by name? And what is the story behind the coins on their house sigil?
The House of Payne
According to A Wiki of Ice and Fire, House Payne is a noble house from the Westerlands, one of the principal houses sworn to House Lannister. Their arms are purple and white chequy with gold coins in the checks. Tyrion Lannister remarks that there is a story behind the coins, but it is currently unknown.
House Payne has produced several notable members, such as:
- Ser Ilyn Payne, the King’s Justice, who had his tongue torn out by King Aerys II Targaryen for commenting on who truly ruled the Seven Kingdoms. He executed Eddard Stark with his own sword, Ice, on the orders of King Joffrey Baratheon.
- Podrick Payne, a squire from a cadet branch, who squired for Ser Cedric Payne, Ser Lorimer, Tyrion Lannister, and then Brienne of Tarth. He saved Tyrion’s life during the Battle of the Blackwater by killing Ser Mandon Moore of the Kingsguard.
The Family Connection
Podrick Payne and Ilyn Payne are distant cousins, as confirmed by George R.R. Martin in an interview. However, they do not seem to have any close relationship or interaction in the books or the show.
Podrick comes from a lesser branch of House Payne, and was spared from hanging for stealing a ham because of his family name. He was then sent to King’s Landing to serve as Tyrion’s squire as a punishment by Tywin Lannister.
Ilyn comes from the main branch of House Payne, and was a captain of guards for Tywin when he was Hand of the King for Aerys II. He was made the King’s Justice by Robert Baratheon as a deference to Tywin after Robert’s Rebellion.
The Conclusion
Podrick Payne and Ilyn Payne are related by blood, but not by much. They belong to different branches of House Payne, and have different roles and fates in the story. They share a common sigil, but not a common secret. The mystery behind the coins on their arms remains unsolved.
This article is based on information from various sources, such as A Wiki of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones Wiki, IGN, and an interview with George R.R. Martin. It is not endorsed or affiliated with HBO or George R.R. Martin. It is written for entertainment purposes only.
