Game of Thrones, famed for its brutal realism and willingness to kill off beloved characters, lived up to its reputation in Season 7 Episode 2, “Stormborn.” While no main characters met their definitive end in this particular episode, several key figures experienced their demise during the climactic sea battle between the Greyjoy fleets. Specifically, Nymeria Sand and Obara Sand, two of the Sand Snakes, met their deaths at the hands of Euron Greyjoy’s forces.
The Carnage at Sea: Who Perished?
The second episode of Season 7 delivered a shocking and swift naval battle, a display of Euron Greyjoy’s cunning and ruthlessness. The attack on Yara Greyjoy’s fleet resulted in the deaths of several significant characters beyond just the nameless sailors.
Nymeria Sand’s End
Nymeria Sand, the second eldest of the Sand Snakes and known for her whip skills, found herself overpowered by Euron Greyjoy in hand-to-hand combat. She was ultimately strangled to death by Euron, showcasing his brutality and strategic advantage at sea.
Obara Sand’s Fate
Obara Sand, the eldest of the Sand Snakes, renowned for her spear prowess, attempted to defend Yara. However, Euron’s forces overwhelmed her ship, and she was impaled on her own spear by Euron himself. Her death was particularly gruesome and visually impactful, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers facing Daenerys’ allies.
No Major Character Demise, But Significant Losses
It’s crucial to note that while no characters in the vein of Ned Stark or Robb Stark met their end, the deaths of Nymeria and Obara Sand represent a significant blow to Daenerys Targaryen’s coalition. The Sand Snakes were crucial allies in Dorne, and their loss weakened Daenerys’ position in Westeros. The impact of this loss resonated far beyond the immediate battle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Season 7 Episode 2 Deaths
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing the specifics and implications of the deaths in “Stormborn”:
1. Did Ellaria Sand Die in Season 7 Episode 2?
No, Ellaria Sand did not die in Season 7 Episode 2. While she was captured by Euron Greyjoy during the sea battle, she was taken prisoner, along with her daughter Tyene Sand, and presented as a “gift” to Cersei Lannister in King’s Landing. Her ultimate fate is a tragic one, but it unfolded later in the season.
2. What Happened to Yara Greyjoy in the Battle?
Yara Greyjoy survived the initial onslaught of Euron’s attack but was captured by him. Euron intended to use her as leverage against Theon Greyjoy, her brother, and as a symbol of his power.
3. Did Theon Greyjoy Die or Escape?
Theon Greyjoy escaped the battle. Witnessing his sister’s capture and overwhelmed by fear, he jumped overboard into the sea, abandoning her to her fate. This act of cowardice further solidified his reputation as “Reek” and was a significant moment in his character arc.
4. How Did Euron Greyjoy Manage Such a Decisive Victory?
Euron Greyjoy’s victory was due to a combination of factors: surprise attack, superior naval strategy, and a ruthless approach to combat. He also possessed a newly constructed fleet, the Iron Fleet, which was faster and more maneuverable than Yara’s ships. Furthermore, Euron’s personal combat skills were formidable.
5. Why Were the Sand Snakes Traveling with Yara Greyjoy?
The Sand Snakes had formed an alliance with Daenerys Targaryen to overthrow Cersei Lannister. Ellaria Sand, as the ruler of Dorne after Oberyn Martell’s death, brought her daughters to Dragonstone to pledge their allegiance and contribute their forces to Daenerys’ war effort. They were traveling with Yara to return to Dorne and rally their forces.
6. What is the Significance of the Sand Snakes’ Deaths?
The deaths of Nymeria and Obara Sand significantly weakened Daenerys’ alliance. Dorne was a crucial kingdom for Daenerys to secure in her fight against Cersei, and losing its leadership diminished its potential contribution to the war effort. It also demonstrated the cost of war and the effectiveness of Euron Greyjoy as an adversary.
7. Did the Deaths of the Sand Snakes Have Any Impact on the Books?
The Sand Snakes in the books (A Song of Ice and Fire) have a different storyline than their TV counterparts. While some are dead in the books, their roles and circumstances surrounding their fates differ significantly. Therefore, the specific events of the TV show do not directly reflect the book’s narrative.
8. Were the Sand Snakes Important Characters?
While they initially appeared to be important, the Sand Snakes’ portrayal on the show was often criticized by fans and critics alike. Their storyline was seen as rushed and their characters under-developed compared to their book counterparts. Their deaths, therefore, didn’t carry the emotional weight that some other character deaths did.
9. What were the consequences of Euron presenting Ellaria and Tyene to Cersei?
Euron’s gift of Ellaria and Tyene Sand to Cersei had devastating consequences. Cersei, mirroring Ellaria’s act of poisoning Myrcella Baratheon, poisoned Tyene with a kiss, forcing Ellaria to watch her daughter die. This act of revenge solidified Cersei’s ruthless nature and further fueled the conflict between her and Daenerys.
10. How Did the Deaths in Episode 2 Affect Daenerys Targaryen’s Strategy?
The loss of the Sand Snakes and the capture of Yara Greyjoy forced Daenerys to re-evaluate her strategy. She realized that relying solely on allies from Westeros was risky. She needed to be more cautious and adaptable, leading to decisions that influenced the rest of the season.
11. Was There Foreshadowing of the Sand Snakes’ Deaths?
There wasn’t explicit foreshadowing in the traditional sense, but Euron Greyjoy’s introduction as a formidable and unpredictable force certainly hinted at the potential for significant character deaths within his sphere of influence. His boastful and violent nature established him as a major threat.
12. What is the Long-Term Impact of Episode 2’s Deaths on the Series?
While the Sand Snakes’ deaths themselves might not have been game-changing for the main storyline, they served as a crucial plot point, illustrating the growing power of Euron Greyjoy, highlighting the vulnerability of Daenerys’ allies, and solidifying the battle lines for the war to come. The episode’s events set the stage for future conflicts and character developments, demonstrating that even seemingly minor character deaths can have significant ripple effects.