Golden Company

The largest sellsword company of the Free Cities.

The Golden Company was a sellsword company active in Essos. They were one of the largest and most skilled sellsword companies in the Free Cities, consisting of 20,000 men, horses, and war elephants. They had the reputation of never breaking a contract, which is quite uncommon among mercenary organizations. Their banner displays a cluster of gold skulls hanging from a red spear on a burgundy field.

Quick Facts

Type: Sellsword company
Based in: Essos (the Free Cities)
Founder: Aegor Rivers, "Bittersteel"
Strength: 20,000 men, horses and war elephants
Last captain: Harry Strickland
Banner: Gold skulls on a red spear, burgundy field

Facts from the source article.

Background

Cersei tells Tycho Nestoris that she intends to take out a new loan from the Iron Bank of Braavos to hire the Golden Company, in order to bolster the military forces of House Lannister. She tasks Euron Greyjoy to sail to Essos to bring the company to Westeros. Their captain, Harry Strickland, meets with Cersei in the Red Keep, certifying the company's contract with the Iron Throne.

The Golden Company is all but completely destroyed following the Battle of King's Landing, as a result of being caught off-guard by Drogon's surprise attack.

Did You Know?

The Golden Company was founded by Aegor Rivers, known as "Bittersteel", a supporter of House Blackfyre who led the exiles into the Free Cities after the Blackfyre Rebellion.
When Euron Greyjoy brought the company to Westeros, its war elephants were left behind as unsuitable for long sea voyages, much to Cersei's dismay.