Season 7, episode 2 of Game of Thrones, “Stormborn,” saw Daenerys Targaryen begin enacting her war plans with a series of crucial alliances, while Cersei Lannister solidified her power in King’s Landing, and Arya Stark made a momentous decision about her personal vendetta. The episode was defined by strategic positioning, emotional reunions, and the cruel reality of war’s cost, signaling a darker, more decisive phase in the battle for the Iron Throne.
Strategic Maneuvering and Unlikely Alliances at Dragonstone
Daenerys’s arrival at Dragonstone marks a pivotal shift in the power dynamic. She wasted no time in summoning her allies and establishing a war council, demonstrating her intent to reclaim her birthright.
Tyrion’s Masterplan: A Subtle Approach
Tyrion Lannister, as Hand to the Queen, presented Daenerys with a strategy that prioritized minimizing civilian casualties. His plan involved using the Dorne and Reach armies to surround King’s Landing, while utilizing the Unsullied to take Casterly Rock, the Lannister ancestral home. This multi-pronged approach aimed to weaken the Lannisters significantly before a direct assault on the capital.
The Varys Loyalty Inquisition
Daenerys’s questioning of Varys about his loyalty, and specifically his past betrayals, was a crucial moment. She extracted a promise from him, securing his allegiance not to a ruler, but to the people. This highlighted Daenerys’s growing emphasis on a just and equitable reign, a sharp contrast to the often ruthless and self-serving actions of her predecessors. This scene foreshadowed the importance of loyalty and the potential consequences of betrayal later in the season.
Melisandre’s Prophecy and the Arrival of Jon Snow
Melisandre arrived at Dragonstone, advising Daenerys to summon Jon Snow. Her prophecy about the Prince Who Was Promised and the role both Jon and Daenerys must play in the Great War against the White Walkers added another layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative. Tyrion vouched for Jon, convincing Daenerys that he was a man of honor, leading to the invitation that set the stage for their eventual meeting.
King’s Landing: Cersei Consolidates Power and Plots
Cersei, ever the pragmatist, worked to solidify her hold on King’s Landing by strategically deploying fear and propaganda.
Euron Greyjoy’s Triumphant Return
Euron Greyjoy’s dramatic arrival with the captured Ellaria Sand and her daughter Tyene Sand was a significant victory for Cersei. Presenting them as a gift, and fulfilling Cersei’s wish for vengeance against those responsible for Myrcella’s death, cemented their alliance and demonstrated Euron’s unwavering commitment to her cause. This act also served as a chilling reminder of Cersei’s ruthlessness.
Jaime’s Strategic Planning
Jaime Lannister, while still deeply loyal to Cersei, displayed his strategic mind. He recognized the importance of securing allies and resources to counter Daenerys’s growing power. His conversation with Randyll Tarly, offering him a high position in the army, highlighted his understanding of the political landscape and the necessity of garnering support from powerful houses.
The “Foreign Invaders” Narrative
Cersei skillfully framed Daenerys and her allies as foreign invaders, attempting to rally the people of Westeros against them. By appealing to their fears and prejudices, she aimed to undermine Daenerys’s support and legitimize her own claim to the Iron Throne. This propaganda campaign was a key element in Cersei’s strategy to maintain control.
Arya’s Crossroads and the Fate of the Iron Fleet
Arya Stark’s journey back to Winterfell took a dramatic turn in this episode. Simultaneously, Euron Greyjoy executed a devastating attack on Yara Greyjoy’s fleet.
Hot Pie’s Revelation
Arya’s encounter with Hot Pie at the inn proved to be a pivotal moment. Learning that Jon Snow had reclaimed Winterfell and was now King in the North, she made the difficult decision to abandon her pursuit of vengeance and return home to her family. This reflected her growing maturity and her realization that the fight for survival was larger than her personal vendettas.
The Iron Fleet Ambush
Euron Greyjoy’s attack on Yara Greyjoy’s fleet was a brutal and decisive victory. Utilizing a surprise attack, he decimated the fleet, captured Yara, and killed two of the Sand Snakes (Obara and Nymeria Sand). This severely weakened Daenerys’s naval power and highlighted the strategic vulnerability of her alliance. The battle itself was visually stunning and underscored the ruthlessness of Euron Greyjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 2
Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on the events of “Stormborn:”
1. What was the significance of Daenerys’s arrival at Dragonstone?
Dragonstone held profound significance for Daenerys. It was her ancestral home, the place where she was born during a storm (hence the episode’s title). Returning to Dragonstone was a symbolic reclamation of her birthright and a powerful statement of her intent to rule Westeros. It provided her with a strategic base of operations, rich in resources and steeped in history.
2. Why did Daenerys question Varys so intensely about his loyalty?
Daenerys was wary of Varys’s history of switching allegiances and his reputation as a master manipulator. She needed to be certain of his loyalty before entrusting him with her war plans. Her questioning served as a test of his commitment and a warning against any future betrayals. By forcing him to swear allegiance to the people, not a ruler, she aimed to ensure his long-term dedication.
3. What was Tyrion’s strategy for taking King’s Landing, and why was it considered a more cautious approach?
Tyrion’s strategy involved a multi-pronged approach: surrounding King’s Landing with the Dorne and Reach armies to cut off supplies, taking Casterly Rock with the Unsullied to weaken the Lannisters economically, and avoiding a direct assault on the city to minimize civilian casualties. This was considered more cautious because it prioritized the well-being of the people and aimed to weaken the Lannisters gradually, rather than through a costly and destructive siege.
4. What role did Melisandre play in this episode, and what was the importance of her prophecy?
Melisandre advised Daenerys to summon Jon Snow, believing that they both had a crucial role to play in the Great War against the White Walkers. Her prophecy about the Prince Who Was Promised (or Princess, as Melisandre considered) added another layer of complexity to the narrative, suggesting that Jon and Daenerys were destined to work together to save Westeros from the impending doom.
5. Why did Cersei choose to partner with Euron Greyjoy?
Cersei partnered with Euron Greyjoy because he offered her naval power, unwavering loyalty, and a means to avenge the death of her daughter Myrcella. Euron’s capture of Ellaria and Tyene Sand solidified his alliance with Cersei and provided her with a powerful tool to instill fear and maintain control.
6. What did Euron Greyjoy gain from his alliance with Cersei?
Euron Greyjoy sought Cersei’s hand in marriage and the Iron Throne for himself, albeit through her reign. By providing her with naval dominance and eliminating her enemies, he positioned himself as her most valuable ally and increased his chances of achieving his ambitions. His ruthless tactics and unwavering loyalty made him an attractive partner for Cersei.
7. How did Cersei attempt to influence public opinion in King’s Landing?
Cersei used propaganda to portray Daenerys as a foreign invader and herself as the rightful queen, protecting Westeros from outsiders. By appealing to the people’s fears and prejudices, she aimed to undermine Daenerys’s support and legitimize her own claim to the Iron Throne.
8. Why did Arya change her mind about going to King’s Landing?
Arya changed her mind after learning from Hot Pie that Jon Snow had reclaimed Winterfell and was now King in the North. She realized that her family needed her and that the fight for survival was larger than her personal vendettas. This marked a significant turning point in her character arc, as she prioritized family and duty over revenge.
9. What were the consequences of Euron’s attack on Yara’s fleet?
Euron’s attack on Yara’s fleet resulted in the death of two Sand Snakes, the capture of Yara Greyjoy, and the decimation of Daenerys’s naval power. This was a major blow to Daenerys’s war effort, as it significantly weakened her ability to transport troops and supplies to Westeros. It also demonstrated the strategic vulnerability of her alliance.
10. Who were the Sand Snakes that were killed in the battle, and what was their significance?
Obara and Nymeria Sand, daughters of Oberyn Martell, were killed in the battle. They represented the Dornish alliance with Daenerys and their deaths further weakened her support in Westeros. They were known for their fighting skills and vengeful nature, making their demise a significant loss.
11. How did this episode set the stage for future events in Season 7?
“Stormborn” established the strategic alliances and rivalries that would define the rest of the season. It set the stage for the meeting between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, highlighted the growing threat posed by Euron Greyjoy, and underscored the importance of loyalty and strategic planning in the war for the Iron Throne.
12. What were the major takeaways from Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 2, “Stormborn?”
The major takeaways included: Daenerys establishing her base at Dragonstone and forming alliances; Cersei consolidating her power and plotting against Daenerys; Arya abandoning her revenge quest for a reunion with her family; and Euron Greyjoy delivering a devastating blow to Daenerys’s forces, highlighting the unpredictable nature of war and the importance of strategic advantage. The episode showcased the complexities of power, loyalty, and the sacrifices required in the battle for the Iron Throne.