The Hound killed Mycah, the butcher's boy, acting on orders from Prince Joffrey Baratheon. This act caused significant displeasure and disdain from Ned Stark.
The Fate of Mycah, the Butcher's Boy
Mycah, a young butcher's apprentice, encountered Prince Joffrey and Arya Stark during an outing. Following an incident between Arya and Joffrey, where Arya defended Mycah, the boy managed to escape. However, Joffrey, seeking retribution, later commanded Sandor Clegane, widely known as the Hound, to hunt him down.
The Hound's Actions
- Pursuit and Execution: The Hound tracked Mycah, who was attempting to flee back to his home in Flea Bottom.
- Joffrey's Orders: He carried out Joffrey's direct command to kill the boy, despite Mycah being unarmed and posing no threat. This demonstrated the Hound's unwavering loyalty (or fear) to the royal family's commands, even when cruel.
Reactions to the Event
The killing of Mycah had immediate and lasting repercussions, particularly for key characters involved:
| Character Involved | Role/Relationship | Action/Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Mycah | The Butcher's Boy | Killed by the Hound on Joffrey's command. |
| The Hound | Royal Bodyguard | Executed Mycah under duress, solidifying his reputation as a ruthless enforcer. |
| Prince Joffrey | Instigator | Ordered Mycah's death as an act of petty revenge and cruelty. |
| Ned Stark | Hand of the King | Expressed immense disdain and anger over the unjust killing. |
| Arya Stark | Mycah's Friend | Deeply traumatized and enraged by the event, fueling her hatred for Joffrey and eventually the Hound. |
This incident served as an early and brutal demonstration of Joffrey's inherent cruelty and the grim realities of power dynamics within Westeros, especially for those without influence or protection. It also highlighted the Hound's dark side and the difficult moral compromises he was forced to make in service to the crown.
For more details on Mycah's story within the world of Westeros, you can refer to relevant encyclopedic entries.
