The last episode of Season 5 of Game of Thrones is “Mother’s Mercy” (Episode 10), a shocking and pivotal conclusion that left viewers reeling from its dramatic twists and turns. The episode, directed by David Nutter and written by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, served as a dramatic culmination of the season’s storylines, setting the stage for even greater conflict and upheaval in the seasons to come.
Recapping the Key Events of “Mother’s Mercy”
“Mother’s Mercy” is a masterclass in dramatic storytelling, weaving together multiple storylines that reach their respective breaking points. Here’s a breakdown of the episode’s most significant events:
- Cersei’s Walk of Atonement: One of the most iconic and controversial scenes in the entire series, Cersei Lannister undergoes a brutal “walk of atonement” through the streets of King’s Landing, subjected to public humiliation and abuse as penance for her confessed sins. This marked a significant turning point in her character arc, fueling her burning desire for revenge.
- Stannis Baratheon’s Defeat: Stannis’s campaign to claim the Iron Throne ends in abject failure. After suffering heavy losses due to desertions and sabotage, Stannis is decisively defeated by the Bolton forces outside Winterfell. He is later found by Brienne of Tarth, who executes him for his role in Renly’s death.
- Daenerys’s Predicament: Daenerys Targaryen is nearly killed during an ambush by the Sons of the Harpy in Daznak’s Pit. Drogon arrives to save her, and Daenerys flies away on his back. However, Drogon eventually lands in the Dothraki Sea, leaving Daenerys surrounded by a horde of Dothraki warriors.
- Arya’s Vengeance: Arya Stark finally confronts Ser Meryn Trant, one of the men on her kill list, in Braavos. Disguised as an oyster merchant, she brutally murders him, avenging the death of her dancing master, Syrio Forel. This act of personal vengeance has dire consequences for Arya, as she violates the rules of the House of Black and White.
- Jon Snow’s Betrayal: In the episode’s most shocking and heartbreaking moment, Jon Snow is betrayed by members of the Night’s Watch. Lured outside by Olly, he is stabbed multiple times by his fellow brothers, including Olly himself, seemingly killing him.
The Significance of “Mother’s Mercy”
“Mother’s Mercy” is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a major reset button for many of the show’s key characters, forcing them to confront their failures and adapt to new circumstances. Secondly, the episode’s shocking deaths and betrayals underscore the unpredictability and ruthlessness of the world of Game of Thrones. Lastly, the finale set the stage for Season 6, introducing new conflicts and raising crucial questions about the fate of the main characters. The cliffhanger ending with Jon Snow’s apparent death fueled intense speculation and anticipation for the following season.
Decoding Key Scenes and Symbolism
Several scenes in “Mother’s Mercy” are rich in symbolism and foreshadowing. Cersei’s walk of atonement, for instance, can be interpreted as a public crucifixion, highlighting her perceived martyrdom and foreshadowing her eventual rise to power. Stannis’s defeat and death serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind ambition and the consequences of sacrificing one’s humanity for power. Daenerys’s flight on Drogon symbolizes her growing power and independence but also highlights her isolation and vulnerability. Jon Snow’s betrayal underscores the theme of loyalty and betrayal that runs throughout the series. The final scene with Jon lying in the snow, surrounded by blood, echoes the imagery of Ned Stark’s death, reminding viewers of the cyclical nature of violence and loss in Westeros.
FAQs About Game of Thrones Season 5 Finale
Below are some frequently asked questions about the Season 5 finale of Game of Thrones to help clarify the key events and their implications:
FAQ 1: Why did Cersei undergo the Walk of Atonement?
Cersei confessed to some, but not all, of her sins to the High Sparrow in exchange for being allowed to see Tommen. She confessed to sleeping with Lancel Lannister (her cousin), but denied having any involvement in Robert Baratheon’s death. This confession allowed her to be freed from captivity but mandated the Walk of Atonement as penance.
FAQ 2: What led to Stannis Baratheon’s downfall?
Several factors contributed to Stannis’s defeat. These include the desertion of many of his sellswords, the burning of Shireen which devastated his remaining troops, the destruction of their supplies by Ramsay Bolton, and ultimately, being outnumbered by the Bolton army. His reliance on Melisandre’s magic and his willingness to sacrifice his own daughter proved to be his ultimate undoing.
FAQ 3: What was the significance of Daenerys being surrounded by Dothraki?
Daenerys landing in the Dothraki Sea meant she had returned to her roots and faced an uncertain future. While she had conquered Meereen and attempted to implement her own brand of justice, she was now back in a more primitive and violent setting. It was also a significant plot point, hinting at the possibility of her reuniting with a Dothraki horde to bolster her army.
FAQ 4: Why did Arya kill Meryn Trant?
Meryn Trant was on Arya’s kill list because he murdered Syrio Forel, Arya’s fencing instructor, back in King’s Landing in Season 1. Arya’s actions were driven by revenge and a desire to avenge Syrio’s death, demonstrating her evolving character and descent into darkness.
FAQ 5: Who betrayed Jon Snow, and why?
Jon Snow was betrayed by members of the Night’s Watch, including Olly. They disagreed with his decision to allow Wildlings south of the Wall, believing it was a betrayal of their vows and a threat to the safety of the Seven Kingdoms. Their actions stemmed from fear, prejudice, and a differing interpretation of their duty.
FAQ 6: Was Jon Snow really dead at the end of Season 5?
This question was the subject of intense debate and speculation between seasons. While the scene heavily implied his death, the ending was deliberately ambiguous, leaving open the possibility of his resurrection or survival. The uncertainty surrounding his fate was a major source of intrigue.
FAQ 7: How did the episode title, “Mother’s Mercy,” relate to the events of the episode?
The title is multi-layered. It refers to Cersei’s plea for mercy from the gods as she undergoes her walk of atonement. It also alludes to Daenerys’s role as a “mother” to her dragons and her people, but also her reliance on Drogon’s power. Finally, it could ironically apply to Melisandre’s cruel sacrifice of Shireen, an act far from merciful. The title embodies the episode’s themes of divine justice, maternal responsibility, and the absence of true mercy in the world of Game of Thrones.
FAQ 8: What was the role of the High Sparrow in “Mother’s Mercy?”
The High Sparrow was instrumental in orchestrating Cersei’s downfall. He used her own vanity and desire for power against her, manipulating her into confessing to her sins and subjecting herself to the Walk of Atonement. His character represents religious extremism and the abuse of power.
FAQ 9: How did “Mother’s Mercy” set up Season 6?
“Mother’s Mercy” left numerous storylines unresolved, setting the stage for Season 6. Jon Snow’s fate, Daenerys’s situation with the Dothraki, Arya’s consequences for killing Meryn Trant, and Cersei’s impending revenge all provided ample material for the next season.
FAQ 10: What are some different interpretations of Cersei’s Walk of Atonement?
Some view it as a symbol of Cersei’s humiliation and punishment for her sins. Others interpret it as a catalyst for her transformation into an even more ruthless and vengeful ruler. It is also seen as a commentary on the public shaming of women and the hypocrisy of religious institutions.
FAQ 11: Beyond the main characters, were any smaller characters’ arcs concluded, or set up for the future?
The episode offers some closure for smaller characters as well. Myrcella Baratheon’s death at the end of the episode, poisoned by Ellaria Sand, fuels the ongoing conflict between the Lannisters and the Martells, setting up Dorne’s role in the upcoming seasons. The fate of characters like Tyrion and Varys, ruling Meereen in Daenerys’s absence, is also left uncertain.
FAQ 12: What were the major differences between the book version of events and what happened in “Mother’s Mercy”?
While the show adapted many elements from George R.R. Martin’s books, there were significant differences. The show accelerated certain plot points, such as Stannis’s downfall, which was less definitively resolved in the books at that point. Cersei’s walk of atonement happened in the books, although some of the details and the circumstances surrounding it were different. Also, Jon Snow’s death in the books leaves open the possibility of him warging into his direwolf Ghost which the show did not pursue. These divergences highlighted the show’s creative choices and its departure from the source material.