Smallfolk

**Smallfolk** or **lowborn** are the common people of the known world. Most are peasants who have to obey their local lord, even though they may never catch a glimpse of him during their life. The nobility of Westeros have great power over their smallfolk, whom they are expected to protect.

## About

Most smallfolk are poor, illiterate people living provincial, humble, and simple lives. Most do not have surnames. They use roads which are crooked muddy tracks that do not appear on parchment maps. Instead of castle-forged steel or lances, they are more likely to use staffs as weapons. In Westeros, they often name their daughters after flowers and herbs, like Violet, Tansy, Rose, Daisy, or Lily and peasant girls are more likely to bleed from losing their maidenhead on wedding nights, as it is uncommon for them to ride horses. They are far removed from the major players of the game of thrones, but are affected by those decisions, good or bad. Bastards with a lowborn parent can be called baseborn.

In Westeros the smallfolk often dress in raw wool and dull brown roughspun, while nobles wear coloured velvets, silks, and samites. The opposite is true in Braavos, where nobles dress in dark hues while bravos are brightly coloured. The people of Lys, both noble and smallfolk, resemble the Valyrians of old.

## Beliefs

Smallfolk are less educated than the noble class and can be superstitious people. They are eager to believe the worst of their lords. Beliefs commonly shared among the smallfolk include:

* If a woman eats rabbit while pregnant, her child will be born with long floppy ears. (False)
* The Silent Sisters are tongueless. (False, they took a vow of silence)
* The New Gods are seven deities. (In reality, it is one god with seven different aspects)
* The world is flat. (False, wise men from around the world have determined it to be round)
* The last year of summer is always the hottest. (False, the records of the maesters have proven it to be wrong)
* A long summer means an even longer winter. (False)
* The Hightower in Oldtown just appeared one day. (Scholars still debate on the origin of the Hightower)
* High Heart is still haunted by the dead Children of the Forest slain by King Erreg the Kinslayer.
* Dragonglass is made by dragons. (Maesters believe it to be formed by the "fires of the earth" (e.i. high heat and pressure under the earth), which was confirmed by George R. R. Martin)
* They often say "Send a knight to slay a knight and an archer to kill an archer".

## Labour

Most smallfolk remain on the lower end of the social ladder all their lives. They usually learn their trade from their parents who have learned it from their parents and so forth. The labours mentioned in the books are:

### Alimentation and Nature

* Baker
* Beekeeper
* Brewer
* Butcher
* Cheesemaker
* Crofter
* Dyer
* Farmer
* Farrier
* Felter
* Fieldhand
* Fisherman
* Forester
* Hunter
* Leech collector
* Miller
* Poacher
* Ratcatcher
* Sausage maker
* Sheepherder
* Swineherd
* Vintner
* Woodsman

### Artisan

* Bricklayer
* Candlemaker
* Carpenter
* Carver
* Cobbler
* Cooper
* Cordwainer
* Glassblower
* Glazier
* Mason
	+ Stonemason
* Miner
* Ropemaker
* Sailmender
* Seamstress
* Shipwright
* Smith
	+ Blacksmith
	+ Goldsmith
	+ Master armorer
	+ Silversmith
* Tanner
* Weaver
* Woodworker

### Artist

* Fool
* Juggler
* Musician
* Mummer
* Playwright
* Puppeteer
* Poet
* Sculptor
* Singer

### Noble household

* Cook
	+ Scullion
* Handmaid
* Kennelmaster
	+ Kennel boys and girls
* Groom
	+ Stableboy
	+ Stablehand
* Guard
* Gaoler
	+ Chief gaoler
	+ Chief undergaoler
	+ Turnkey
	+ Undergaoler
* Master of Horses
* Scribe
* Steward
* Tutor
* Wet nurse
* Whipping boy

### Merchant

* Chandler
* Fishwife
* Greengrocer
* Innkeeper
* Merchant
* Prostitute
* Taverner
	+ Alemaid
	+ Alewife
	+ Tavernmaster
* Trader
* Wineseller

### Transport

* Ferryman
* Oarsman
* Porter
* Sailor
* Wagonman

## Advancement

Even though they are born in the lowest social status in Westeros, it is possible for smallfolk to rise in social status.

* Hedge knights are usually born as smallfolk, but they may rise to higher positions. For example, Ser Lucan of Lannisport became a Knight of the Kingsguard. Great service may also be rewarded with knighthood.
* Successful merchants can sometimes be ennobled.
* It is possible for smallfolk to join city guards or the Night's Watch with the possibility of becoming a commander.
* Smallfolk are allowed to join the Citadel of Oldtown, where they study to become maesters.
* The Faith of the Seven allows all to become septons or septas.
* The Poor Fellows, an order of the Faith Militant, accepted members regardless of their status or their sex.

## Popularity with the smallfolk

### Popular characters

* King Aegon I Targaryen
* Prince Viserys Targaryen
* King Jaehaerys I Targaryen
* Queen Alysanne Targaryen
* Ser Willam Stafford
* Ser Harys Hogg
* Jonquil Darke
* Elissa Farman (on Fair Isle at least)
* Ser Lucamore Strong
* Lord Rodrik Arryn
* Prince Baelon Targaryen
* King Viserys I Targaryen
* Queen Alicent Hightower
* Ser Connas Corbray
* Lady Alyssa Tyrell
* Lady Glennys Tully

### Unpopular characters

* King Harren Hoare
* King Aenys I Targaryen (loved at the start of his reign but hated by the end of it)
* King Maegor I Targaryen
* Queen Rhaena Targaryen (feared by the smallfolk at the end of her life)
* Lord Rego Draz
* Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (hailed as the "Realm's Delight" in her youth but hated at the end of her life)
* Prince Aerion Targaryen
* Ser Lucan of Lannisport
* Lord Kolfinn Mormont

## History

During the Century of Blood, many smallfolk in Essos fled before the Dothraki.

Harren Hoare beggared lords and smallfolk during the construction of Harrenhal.

Queen Rhaenys Targaryen was concerned for smallfolk and aided her brother, King Aegon I Targaryen, in gaining their allegiance. Smallfolk turned against their son, Aenys I Targaryen, after he wed his children, Princess Rhaena and Prince Aegon to each other.

Tens of thousands of smallfolk died during the Dance of the Dragons.