Literature
Why Was Myrcella Baratheon Killed in Game of Thrones?
Why Was Myrcella Baratheon Killed in Game of Thrones?
In the HBO series Game of Thrones, the death of Myrcella Baratheon was a pivotal moment that served multiple narrative purposes. To understand its significance, we need to explore the intricate web of power dynamics and personal vendettas that shaped the series.
Two Perspectives on Myrcella's Fate
There are two perspectives from which we can view the tragic death of Myrcella Baratheon. Let's dive into each one:
Argument A: In the Books
First, consider the books by George R. R. Martin. Here, Myrcella is not killed; she is disfigured, losing an ear. This detail suggests that George intended for her to remain a part of the story, albeit in a disfigured state, to serve as a point of contention and tragedy.
My personal opinion is that by this point, George had so many ideas in his head that he struggled to plan ahead. This disorganization may be why the next book has yet to be released. He had numerous plot lines that he couldn't tie together, leaving the outcome of Myrcella's fate uncertain.
However, I look forward to Nymeria joining the High Council and Tyene posing as a septa, engaging in espionage. These characters are likely to add exciting new elements to the storyline.
Argument B: In the Show
In the TV series, Myrcella's death is a result of poor writing decisions rather than a well-planned plot point. Her character existed, but they had no use for her, leading to her being killed off for shock value.
This pattern is not uncommon in the series. For instance, in the books, Prince Doran Martell's assassination by his own daughters was never considered. Similarly, the Sand Snakes' deaths were purely to eliminate them, with Barristan Selmy and Mance Rayder still alive in the books.
Locs?????? sortOrder15 were a significant character, but in the show, he didn't even receive a proper death scene. This lazy writing often came down to grabbing ratings. By killing off a character, they could shock the audience, generate buzz, and boost viewership.
Narrative Purposes of Myrcella's Death
However, Myrcella's death wasn't all about shock value. In Game of Thrones, it served multiple narrative purposes:
Emphasizing the Cycle of Vengeance: Myrcella's death added to the ongoing theme of revenge, not just by Myrcella's mother but also by Myrcella herself. Her death showcased the brutal political landscape of Westeros and the collateral damage caused by power struggles among noble houses.
Tension Between the Lannisters and the Martells: The death highlighted the relationship between the Lannisters and the Martells. Myrcella, as a Lannister granddaughter, was a symbol of their alliance, and her death severed this connection, intensifying the conflict between the two houses.
Human Cost of Power: Myrcella's death also illustrated the human cost of power struggles. Even a young, innocent character like Myrcella could not escape the brutal realities of the seven kingdoms. Her death was a stark reminder of how collateral damage could impact those who were merely caught in the crosshairs of feuding nobles.
Criticisms of the Writing Style
The death of Myrcella in the show evoked mixed reactions, with some fans praising it as a necessary plot point and others criticizing it as a messy and poorly executed decision. It's worth noting that poor writing decisions can be attributed to the fast-paced nature of the series, which often required quick turns of events to keep up with the appetite of the audience.
George R. R. Martin, with his intricate storytelling, often allows characters to die in unexpected and impactful ways that serve the narrative. In contrast, the TV show sometimes struggled to balance the complexity of the story with audience engagement, leading to certain plot points that might appear hasty or uninspired.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Myrcella's death in Game of Thrones was a result of both creative choices and the need for ratings. It added to the rich tapestry of the show, but also highlighted the challenges and criticisms of adapting a complex book series to a television format. George R. R. Martin's intentions were clear, but the TV adaptation sometimes had to make compromises.