Hostage

"Spare his life. Keep him as a hostage."

- Catelyn Stark to Robb Stark

A Hostage or Captive is a member of a noble house that is held against their will by another noble house or organization. Some hostages are imprisoned if considered dangerous or if there is risk that they may escape (with or without outside help). Others are awarded the courtesy and privileges of nobility and given relatively free run of the castles or keeps they are captive in. In the case of children, these hostages often become no different from wards to their captors.

In times of war, hostages are taken and kept alive to use later in political negotiations or in exchange for ransom. Such prisoners are usually only held until the war is over.

In peace time, specially after the end of a war or rebellion, long-term political hostages are taken to ensure the good behavior of a captive's relative or retainers, under penalty of torment or death for the hostage.

Known hostages

 * Theon Greyjoy, taken hostage after the Siege of Pyke during the Greyjoy Rebellion and raised as a ward of House Stark. Currently hostage of Ramsay Snow of House Bolton.
 * Tyrion Lannister, briefly made hostage by Lady Catelyn Stark and taken to the Eyrie to face judgment. Released after being declared innocent in trial by combat.
 * Sansa Stark, made hostage of Queen Cersei Lannister following the arrest and execution of her father, Ned Stark. Forcibly married to Tyrion Lannister.
 * Ser Jaime Lannister, taken prisoner by House Stark after the Battle of the Whispering Wood. Kept hostage by Robb Stark, the King in the North, until his release by Lady Catelyn Stark.
 * Ser {Alton Lannister}, made hostage presumably after the Battle of the Whispering Wood and employed as envoy by King Robb. Killed by Ser Jaime while imprisoned as part of the latter's escape attempt.
 * Princess Arya Stark, made a hostage by the Brotherhood Without Banners to be ransomed. Escaped from them and taken hostage by Sandor Clegane.
 * Ser {Jaremy Mallister}, hostage of House Lannister at Harrenhal, put to the sword along with the rest of Northern/Riverlands prisoners at the orders of Ser Gregor Clegane.
 * {Willem} and {Martyn Lannister}, captured at the Battle of Stone Mill and made hostages of House Tully. Killed by Lord Rickard Karstark.
 * Brienne of Tarth, made hostage by Locke while escorting Ser Jaime Lannister to King's Landing. Ransom rejected and placed in the bear pit of Harrenhal. Saved from death by Ser Jaime.
 * Lord Edmure Tully, made a hostage of House Frey during the events of the Red Wedding after his marriage and bedding with Roslin Frey.