In “The Bells,” the penultimate episode of Game of Thrones, the sack of King’s Landing brought a catastrophic end to numerous lives. The most prominent deaths were those of Cersei Lannister and Jaime Lannister, crushed beneath the Red Keep’s collapsing rubble, and Varys, executed by Daenerys for treason.
The Fires of King’s Landing: A Death Toll Analysis
Season 8, Episode 5, titled “The Bells,” is arguably the most controversial episode in Game of Thrones history. While much of the criticism centered on Daenerys Targaryen’s sudden and violent descent into madness, the episode’s impact is undeniable. The sheer scale of destruction and loss of life was unprecedented, marking a pivotal moment in the series’ narrative trajectory.
The episode primarily focused on the battle for King’s Landing between Daenerys’ forces and Cersei’s army, bolstered by the Golden Company. However, what started as a potentially decisive victory for Daenerys quickly devolved into a massacre. After the city surrendered, Daenerys, fueled by rage and a thirst for power, unleashed Drogon’s fiery wrath on the innocent civilians of King’s Landing. The resulting inferno claimed countless lives.
Beyond the countless nameless victims, several named characters met their demise, significantly altering the power dynamics of Westeros.
Confirmed Character Deaths
- Cersei Lannister: The Queen Regent, arguably the series’ central antagonist, met her end alongside her brother and lover, Jaime. Their final moments, huddled together in the Red Keep’s collapsing cellars, offered a rare glimpse of vulnerability, a stark contrast to Cersei’s usual ruthlessness.
- Jaime Lannister: The Kingslayer, a complex character whose arc spanned the entire series, ultimately died alongside Cersei. Despite attempts to redeem himself, his overwhelming love for his sister drew him back to her, sealing their shared fate.
- Varys: The Master of Whisperers, a cunning and influential advisor, was executed by Daenerys for plotting against her. Varys recognized Daenerys’ descent into tyranny and believed that Jon Snow would be a more just ruler, leading to his betrayal and subsequent death.
- Euron Greyjoy: The arrogant and ambitious pirate king, who fancied himself Cersei’s lover and a powerful force in Westeros, engaged in a final battle with Jaime Lannister. Euron inflicted mortal wounds on Jaime but was ultimately killed himself. While not as impactful as other deaths, it removed a significant player from the game.
- The Mountain (Gregor Clegane) and The Hound (Sandor Clegane): In a long-awaited showdown, the Clegane brothers finally clashed in the ruins of the Red Keep. Their brutal and visceral fight culminated in both their deaths, falling into the fiery abyss below. Known as “Cleganebowl” by fans, this confrontation brought closure to a rivalry years in the making.
Unseen but Assumed Fatalities
The widespread destruction caused by Drogon’s fire meant that many minor characters and soldiers likely perished, although their deaths weren’t explicitly shown. This includes members of the Golden Company, remaining Lannister soldiers, and numerous inhabitants of King’s Landing.
The Aftermath: A Kingdom Devastated
The deaths in “The Bells” irrevocably changed the landscape of Westeros. Daenerys’ actions solidified her image as a tyrannical ruler, alienating even her closest advisors. The Lannister siblings’ demise left a power vacuum in the south, while Varys’ absence removed a crucial player in the political game. The episode set the stage for the series’ finale, where the remaining characters grappled with the consequences of Daenerys’ actions and fought for control of the Iron Throne.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the deaths and their implications in Game of Thrones Season 8, Episode 5:
Q1: Why did Daenerys burn King’s Landing?
A1: Daenerys’ motivations are complex and have been debated extensively. Fueled by the loss of her closest advisors (Missandei and Jorah), the belief that she was being denied her birthright, and the simmering Targaryen madness (inherited from her father, the Mad King), she chose to assert her dominance through overwhelming force. The surrender of King’s Landing was not enough for her; she wanted to instill fear and cement her power.
Q2: Could Cersei and Jaime have survived the Red Keep collapsing?
A2: While Game of Thrones is a fantasy series, the sheer weight and devastation of the Red Keep collapsing made survival highly improbable. The writers likely intended their death scene to be symbolic of their intertwined fate.
Q3: Was Varys’ death justified?
A3: This is a subjective question. From Daenerys’ perspective, Varys committed treason by plotting to assassinate her and install Jon Snow as king. However, many viewers sympathized with Varys’ actions, arguing that he was acting in the best interests of the realm by trying to prevent a tyrannical ruler from ascending the throne.
Q4: Why did Jaime go back to Cersei?
A4: Jaime’s decision to return to Cersei is one of the most controversial aspects of his character arc. While he had shown signs of growth and redemption, his love for Cersei ultimately proved too powerful. He believed he could save her and their unborn child, even though it meant betraying Brienne of Tarth and his commitments to the North.
Q5: What was the purpose of the “Cleganebowl”?
A5: The Cleganebowl was a highly anticipated fan event that brought closure to the long-standing rivalry between the Hound and the Mountain. It was a visceral and brutal spectacle that showcased the destructive nature of hatred and revenge. It also allowed Sandor Clegane to confront his past and finally find peace.
Q6: How many people died in King’s Landing?
A6: The exact number is impossible to quantify, but it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people perished in the sack of King’s Landing. Daenerys’ dragon fire decimated the city, leaving very little standing.
Q7: Did Tyrion try to stop Daenerys?
A7: Yes, Tyrion Lannister tried desperately to reason with Daenerys and prevent the massacre. He repeatedly warned her against attacking the city and urged her to spare the innocent. However, his pleas fell on deaf ears as Daenerys was consumed by her desire for power and revenge.
Q8: How did Euron Greyjoy manage to wound Jaime?
A8: Euron, though ultimately defeated, was a skilled fighter and pirate. In the chaos of the battle and Jaime’s weakened state after reaching the Red Keep, Euron was able to land several blows, inflicting mortal wounds.
Q9: What consequences did Daenerys face for burning King’s Landing?
A9: Daenerys’ actions in King’s Landing ultimately led to her assassination at the hands of Jon Snow. Jon, grappling with his love for Daenerys and his duty to protect the realm, made the agonizing decision to kill her and end her reign of terror.
Q10: Did any major houses support Daenerys after “The Bells”?
A10: Following the sack of King’s Landing, Daenerys’ support dwindled significantly. While she still had the loyalty of the Unsullied and Dothraki, the majority of the great houses of Westeros were horrified by her actions and no longer trusted her leadership. Dorne and the Reach were likely decimated by the fire, leaving very little support.
Q11: How did the events of “The Bells” influence the selection of Bran Stark as king?
A11: The devastation of King’s Landing and the realization that Daenerys was a tyrant created a need for a new kind of ruler. Tyrion Lannister advocated for Bran Stark, arguing that his ability to see the past, present, and future made him the ideal leader to guide Westeros towards a more peaceful and just future. The horrific events of “The Bells” underscored the importance of choosing a leader who prioritized the well-being of the realm above personal ambition.
Q12: How is the destruction of King’s Landing viewed within the larger narrative of Game of Thrones?
A12: The destruction of King’s Landing is a pivotal moment that highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the corrosive effects of revenge. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of choosing leaders who are wise, compassionate, and committed to serving the greater good. It also underscores the devastating consequences of war and the importance of striving for peace. Despite the criticism the episode received, it remains a significant turning point in the story.