game of thrones - What is Harrenhal?

In the 2nd season of Game of Thrones, we see Tyrion Lannister, in a plot to find out the traitor among counsels, offer Baelish the control of Harrenhal. Then later on, we are shown Harrenhal when Arya Stark is brought there among others. But we are not given much information to what it is.

Is it like a prison of the Seven Kingdoms or like a concentration camp? Who controls it? Also, we see through the series that people committing crimes are given a choice. Either lose their hands or serve on the wall. So why aren't prisoners of Harrenhal (if it is a prison) given that choice?

Answer

Harrenhal is not a prison at all. It is said to be the largest castle in the Seven Kingdoms. Before it was offered to Baelish, it was the castle of House Whent.

It is also said to be haunted by the ghosts since its founder, Harren the Black, died in flames with all his family when Aegon the Conqueror invaded Westeros with his dragons. The next Houses that occupied in Harrenhal were cursed by the ghosts and lived tragedies. Because of that, Harrenhal have a bad reputation in the Riverlands.

When Game of Thrones begins, Lady Shella Whent is the last member of the family Whent. Her husband and her sons are all dead. When she sees the Lannister's army that want to take that castle and that she can't defend it, she just decides to flee and suddenly disappears, letting Harrenhal to the Lannisters. Joffrey and Cersei award Harrenhal to Janos Slynt, commander of the gold cloaks, for the part he played in apprehending Ned Stark in King's Landing. Later, it is given to Petyr Baelish.

So, if prisoners of Harrenhal don't have the choice between justice and the Wall, it's because Lannisters don't want to let them that choice.

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