Season 4 episode 10, “The Children,” marks a pivotal turning point in Game of Thrones, resolving several major storylines while simultaneously launching new conflicts and character arcs. The episode culminates in a series of defining choices, leaving many key players irrevocably changed and the power dynamics of Westeros significantly altered.
Major Events and Their Significance
“The Children” delivers on the promise of a season packed with action and consequence. It’s an episode of both closure and beginnings, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of future seasons. Here’s a closer look at the key events:
- Tyrion’s Escape and Vengeance: Found guilty and sentenced to death for Joffrey’s murder, Tyrion Lannister, aided by his brother Jaime and Varys, escapes imprisonment. Before fleeing King’s Landing, he confronts his father, Tywin, and his former lover, Shae. The confrontation leads to Tyrion murdering both, severing his ties to his family and Westeros.
- Daenerys’s Conundrum: Daenerys Targaryen, Queen of Meereen, faces the harsh reality of ruling. Her dragons, now increasingly uncontrollable and dangerous, force her to make a heartbreaking decision: chaining Rhaegal and Viserion in the catacombs of Meereen.
- Stannis’s Arrival at the Wall: Stannis Baratheon, accompanied by Melisandre and his army, arrives at the Wall, just in time to repel the wildling invasion led by Tormund Giantsbane. This victory solidifies Stannis’s presence in the North and positions him as a potential player in the fight for Winterfell.
- Bran’s Journey to the Three-Eyed Raven: Bran Stark, Hodor, Meera Reed, and Jojen Reed finally reach the Three-Eyed Raven’s cave. They are attacked by wights, and Jojen is killed defending Bran. In the cave, Bran encounters the Three-Eyed Raven, who promises to teach him to fly.
- Brienne and the Hound’s Battle: Brienne of Tarth encounters Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane (The Hound). Brienne, upholding her vow to Catelyn Stark, attempts to take Arya into her protection. The Hound refuses, leading to a brutal fight between Brienne and the Hound. Brienne wins, leaving the Hound gravely wounded. Arya, refusing Brienne’s protection, leaves him to die.
These events, individually significant, combine to reshape the landscape of Game of Thrones, forging new alliances, escalating existing conflicts, and propelling the characters toward their destinies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding “The Children” and their answers, further elucidating the episode’s complexities:
H3 Why did Tyrion kill Shae?
Shae’s betrayal was the final straw for Tyrion. Her testimony against him during his trial was a devastating blow, particularly because it seemed motivated by spite rather than genuine belief in his guilt. Discovering her in Tywin’s bed was a final, crushing humiliation that pushed him over the edge, a potent symbol of his powerlessness and betrayal. Her presence represented the complete dismantling of his personal life and the erosion of any hope he had left.
H3 Why did Tyrion kill Tywin?
Tyrion killed Tywin out of a complex mix of rage, resentment, and a long-standing feeling of being undervalued and unloved by his father. Tywin had always treated Tyrion with contempt, despite his intelligence and capabilities. The constant belittling, the forced marriage to Sansa, and the false accusations surrounding Joffrey’s murder fueled Tyrion’s anger. Ultimately, it was a rebellion against a lifetime of paternal oppression and a desperate attempt to reclaim some control over his own life.
H3 Why does Daenerys chain up her dragons?
Daenerys chains Rhaegal and Viserion because they have become too dangerous and uncontrollable. Drogon, the largest of the three, had already killed a child, prompting calls for justice. Daenerys recognizes the immense power of her dragons and fears the consequences if they continue to act unchecked. Chaining them is a desperate attempt to balance her power with her responsibility as a ruler. She understands that unchecked power can quickly lead to tyranny.
H3 Why did Stannis go to the Wall?
Stannis goes to the Wall because he sees it as his duty as the rightful king. He believes that defending the realm from the threats beyond the Wall is more important than pursuing his claim to the Iron Throne. Additionally, Melisandre likely influenced him, perceiving a deeper purpose to his presence in the North, perhaps related to Azor Ahai. His decision reflects a rare moment of selfless leadership, motivated by a sense of duty and a desire to protect the realm.
H3 Why does Arya refuse Brienne’s protection?
Arya refuses Brienne’s protection because she no longer trusts anyone after her experiences with the Hound and the Brotherhood Without Banners. She has learned to rely on herself and her own survival skills. Furthermore, she remembers Brienne’s association with House Stark and the events that transpired during the Red Wedding. Her refusal is rooted in a deep-seated distrust and a desire to forge her own path. She’s embracing a hardened, independent existence.
H3 Who is the Three-Eyed Raven?
The Three-Eyed Raven is a mystical figure who guides Bran Stark on his journey to unlock his greenseeing abilities. He is the last greenseer, a person with the ability to see past, present, and future events. He intends to teach Bran how to use his powers to protect Westeros from the threats to come. He represents ancient knowledge and the power of sight, vital for confronting the darkness gathering beyond the Wall.
H3 What are wights?
Wights are reanimated corpses controlled by the White Walkers. They are incredibly strong and resilient, and they pose a significant threat to the living. They are typically animated humans, but animals can also be turned into wights. They are the frontline soldiers of the White Walker army, a relentless and terrifying force of the undead.
H3 What is greenseeing?
Greenseeing is a mystical ability that allows individuals to see visions of the past, present, and future. It is a rare gift passed down through certain bloodlines, most notably the Children of the Forest and the Starks. Greenseers can also enter the minds of animals and trees, allowing them to experience the world from different perspectives. It’s a powerful form of clairvoyance that holds the key to understanding the history and future of Westeros.
H3 Why did Jojen Reed die?
Jojen Reed dies during the attack on the Three-Eyed Raven’s cave. He sacrifices himself to protect Bran and Meera, knowing that their mission is crucial for the survival of Westeros. His death is foreshadowed throughout the season, as he has visions of his own demise. His sacrifice highlights the selflessness and dedication required to combat the encroaching darkness.
H3 Where does Arya go after leaving the Hound?
After leaving the Hound to die, Arya finds a ship bound for Braavos. She uses the iron coin given to her by Jaqen H’ghar and utters the phrase “Valar Morghulis” to gain passage. This marks the beginning of her journey to become a Faceless Man, a deadly assassin who can change her appearance at will. She seeks vengeance and skills to accomplish her goals.
H3 What is the significance of Tyrion sailing to Essos?
Tyrion sailing to Essos is a monumental turning point for his character. He is now an exile, completely detached from his family and Westeros. This allows him to reinvent himself and potentially align with Daenerys Targaryen, offering his strategic brilliance to her cause. He is now free to pursue his own ambitions, unburdened by the constraints of his past.
H3 How does this episode set up future seasons?
“The Children” sets up future seasons by scattering the key players across the map and establishing new conflicts. Tyrion’s exile positions him as a potential advisor to Daenerys. Stannis’s presence at the Wall establishes him as a force in the North. Arya’s journey to Braavos sets her on a path of vengeance and self-discovery. Bran’s training with the Three-Eyed Raven prepares him for a crucial role in the fight against the White Walkers. The episode lays the groundwork for the converging storylines and escalating conflicts that will define the remaining seasons of Game of Thrones.
Conclusion
“The Children” is a densely packed and emotionally resonant finale that effectively concludes several major storylines while simultaneously setting the stage for the complex and unpredictable events to come. The choices made by the characters in this episode have profound consequences, shaping their destinies and the fate of Westeros itself. The episode is a testament to the show’s ability to deliver both satisfying resolutions and tantalizing cliffhangers, leaving viewers eager to see what the future holds for the inhabitants of the Seven Kingdoms.