Castle Black

"I found it surprisingly beautiful. In a brutal, horribly uncomfortable sort of way."

- Tyrion Lannister to Janos Slynt Castle Black is the primary headquarters and redoubt of the Night's Watch. It is located roughly halfway along the length of the Wall on its southern side, at the northern end of the Kingsroad. It is a dark and chilling home to its garrison.

Castle Black is one of only three manned castles left on the Wall along with Eastwatch-by-the-Sea and The Shadow Tower. There are nineteen castles along the Wall, but as their numbers fell over the centuries the Night's Watch had to abandon sixteen of them. Castle Black is located between the unmanned castles of Queensgate and Oakensheild.

Castle Black has a sept, but no Godswood. Those who are followers of the Old Gods of the Forest must travel a mile north of the Wall and into the Haunted Forest to take their vows before a heart tree.

Notable residents

 * Lord Commander {Jeor Mormont}, commander of the Night's Watch. Murdered by Rast during the mutiny at Craster's Keep.
 * Jon Snow, called "Lord Snow", personal steward of Lord Commander Mormont.
 * Maester Aemon, once known as Aemon Targaryen, former heir to the Iron Throne and resident maester of Castle Black
 * Benjen Stark, First Ranger of the Night's Watch. Missing in action and presumed dead.
 * {Othor}, {Jafer Flowers}, Ranger's in Benjen's scouting party. Killed and raised as Wights.
 * Ser {Waymar Royce}, {Gared}. Killed by White Walkers.
 * {Will}, a Ranger and deserter of the Watch. Executed by Lord Eddard Stark.
 * {Karl Tanner}, a former cutthroat and ranger. Leader of the Mutineers. Killed by Jon Snow during the raid on Craster's Keep.
 * {Grenn}, a newly graduated Ranger. Killed fighting Mag Mar Tun Doh Weg during the Battle of Castle Black.
 * {Rast} a newly graduated Ranger, one of the Mutineers of the Night's Watch. Killed by Ghost following the raid on Craster's Keep.
 * Bowen Marsh, First Steward of the Night's Watch.
 * Eddison Tollett, steward.
 * {Pypar}, steward. Killed by Ygritte during the Battle of Castle Black.
 * Samwell Tarly, steward.
 * Ser Alliser Thorne, former master-at-arms of Castle Black. Sent to King's Landing to gather recruits. Made Acting Lord Commander upon his return.
 * Othell Yarwyck, First Builder of the Night's Watch.
 * Lord Janos Slynt, former Commander of the City Watch of King's Landing and Lord of Harrenhal, occupying a senior position in an unofficial manner.
 * {Yoren}, a recruiter for the Watch, rarely at Castle Black. Killed by Ser Amory Lorch in the Riverlands.
 * Olly, a child who survived a Wilding raid on his village, sent by Styr to warn the Night's Watch about their arrival. After which he stays at Castle Black with the Night's Watch.