Game of Thrones built on the Bodies of the Dead
Game of Thrones, entering into its 5th season, will undoubtedly continue to explore the sins of men and women and children alike, stories molded by the promised lies of far too many of the shifty sort. In addition, maintaining what I’ve come to believe as fact, that there exist no happy place in their world, no Ewoks cheering victoriously in unison or hobbits celebrating friendship clanking beer steins together – – the closest having been Joffrey’s wedding, and with only one death it could only be considered a joyous occasion.
But it is humbling to take a look back, to remember young Prince Joffrey, still breathing and innocent-like (in comparison), or the baby years of only mildly aggressive, yet adorable newborn dragons, or when the tales of ghostly dregs of winter past were merely fables used to frighten the little children of Westeros. Previous seasons have also prepared viewers of an inevitably rising death toll, not to slow anytime too soon, I hope. (Now I understand why so many people are introduced each season, one must always refill the coffers.)
Having not read the books, I took no caution early on and stepped innocently into audience like a lamb surrounded by wolves in sheep’s clothing, which would explain why many of the deaths I distinctly remember are from earlier seasons. As one grotesque scene after another compounded, certain images seared in me would reappear now and again as a reminder to loosen my hold on affable characters.
Here’s my personal list of Game of Thrones deaths that welcomed us blissfully to its madness. Unlike most fantasy worlds, this is one I need not imagine living in.
Khal Drogo. The sexual epitome of raw male power, he was unmatched in strength and skill. It is uncommon to see a lead character so beautifully charismatic killed off in such a rather, sad and almost pathetic manner. Smothered by pillow. Although his death did bore three fiery dragons, one bearing a striking resemblance to daddy Drogo. But still, too soon, much too soon he burned.
Eddard Stark. Or Ned, to his friends and family. It would be remiss not to mention his character’s death when speaking of shocking events from Season 1. His death cemented in viewers minds that “no one is safe” from George R.R. Martin. He will probably stand alone as the sole “good” person in the entire series. His death so thoughtlessly administered by boy king, and even worse his head-only making cameo appearances in Season 2.
Ros. Not just any prostitute, but thee prostitute. Right before her death, I still wasn’t sure what to make of Joffrey. Should I still consider him a child? Does he deserve any inkling of pity or understanding? He was, at that point, merely a bratty mama’s boy. He had ordered people killed, but never quite pulled the trigger himself. But immediately after her death, I no longer questioned those sentiments, after his shooting arrows into her for amusement.
Oberyn Martell. His character sparked a glimmer of hope, only felt before while Ned Stark was alive. It was my fault to have such hope, and so for all those who felt the same, we were punished. Like, metaphorically having your skull crushed by sweaty, monstrous hands after having sausage thumbs impale your eyes into a bloody mush.
Unborn Baby Stark. Robb and Talisa Stark’s pregnancy offered a modicum of happiness, not hope, never hope. But lesson learned, don’t go to events called the Red Wedding. Their presence there was obviously unsettling, although the entire scene leading up to the climax was haunting indeed. Several deaths occurred, but none so devastating as the first. With the attack finally launched, the following scene reveals a blade repeatedly stabbing the stomach of Talisa Stark as Robb Stark watched helplessly just a few feet away. I’m content with only having watched that scene once.
Who would you add to the list?
