The fourth episode of Game of Thrones Season 8, “The Last of the Starks,” marked a turning point, showcasing not only the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Winterfell but also the brewing conflicts to come. Two major characters meet their demise: Missandei of Naath, tragically beheaded by The Mountain at Cersei’s command, and Rhaegal, Daenerys’s dragon, ambushed and killed by Euron Greyjoy’s fleet.
Missandei’s Heartbreaking End
Missandei’s death is perhaps the most emotionally impactful of the episode. After surviving numerous trials and tribulations alongside Daenerys, she is captured during a surprise attack by Euron Greyjoy’s fleet. Brought before Cersei Lannister, she defiantly speaks her final words, “Dracarys,” encouraging Daenerys to unleash her wrath. This act of defiance, while ultimately fatal for Missandei, served as a powerful catalyst for Daenerys’s eventual descent.
Rhaegal’s Fiery Fall
The death of Rhaegal, Daenerys’s other surviving dragon, is a brutal reminder of the devastating power of Cersei’s newly acquired scorpion weapons. While flying towards Dragonstone, Daenerys and Rhaegal are ambushed by Euron’s fleet. A barrage of scorpion bolts fatally wounds Rhaegal, sending him plunging into the sea. This loss severely weakens Daenerys’s forces and fuels her desire for revenge.
The Casualties of War (Indirect Deaths)
While not directly depicted on screen, we can infer that numerous sailors and soldiers aboard Daenerys’s fleet perished during the initial surprise attack by Euron Greyjoy. The devastating loss of ships underscores the tactical disadvantage Daenerys now faces.
FAQs: Unveiling the Consequences
FAQ 1: Why was Missandei killed?
Missandei’s execution was a strategic move by Cersei Lannister. It served multiple purposes: to demoralize Daenerys Targaryen, to showcase Cersei’s ruthlessness and unwavering commitment to maintaining power, and to potentially provoke Daenerys into making rash decisions, playing into Cersei’s hands.
FAQ 2: What impact did Missandei’s death have on Daenerys?
Missandei’s death profoundly impacted Daenerys. It fueled her grief, her anger, and her simmering paranoia. It solidified her belief that she could trust no one and pushed her closer to the edge, contributing to her eventual decision to burn King’s Landing. Tyrion’s warnings about civilian casualties were ignored, a direct result of the pain and resentment amplified by Missandei’s brutal demise.
FAQ 3: Why was Rhaegal vulnerable to Euron’s attack?
Rhaegal’s vulnerability stemmed from several factors: Daenerys’s underestimation of Euron’s capabilities, the element of surprise, and the effectiveness of the scorpion weapons. Daenerys believed her dragons were essentially invincible, but Euron’s calculated ambush and the sheer power of the scorpions proved her wrong. The lack of adequate scouting and the close proximity of the fleet also contributed to the ambush’s success.
FAQ 4: How did the scorpion weapons work?
The scorpion weapons were essentially giant crossbows designed to fire massive bolts capable of piercing even dragon scales. Qyburn, Cersei’s master scientist, had been developing these weapons for some time. The bolts were likely coated in a substance that would cause further damage upon impact, making them particularly lethal.
FAQ 5: Did Rhaegal’s death significantly weaken Daenerys’s forces?
Absolutely. Rhaegal’s death significantly weakened Daenerys’s forces. Losing a dragon meant losing a crucial military asset, a symbol of power, and a psychological advantage. With only one dragon remaining, Daenerys was at a considerable disadvantage against Cersei, who had amassed a large army and fortified King’s Landing.
FAQ 6: Could Daenerys have prevented Rhaegal’s death?
Potentially. Better scouting, flying at a higher altitude, and employing defensive maneuvers could have mitigated the risk of attack. However, Daenerys’s overconfidence and lack of vigilance proved to be her downfall. A more cautious approach might have saved Rhaegal’s life.
FAQ 7: Did Varys’s actions in this episode foreshadow his future betrayal?
Yes, Varys’s increasing concern over Daenerys’s mental state and his clandestine conversations hint at his eventual betrayal. He began to question her ability to rule effectively and considered Jon Snow a more suitable candidate for the Iron Throne. These seeds of doubt planted in this episode blossomed into full-blown treason later in the season.
FAQ 8: What role did Tyrion play in the events of this episode?
Tyrion attempts to negotiate with Cersei to prevent further bloodshed, but his efforts are ultimately futile. He witnesses Missandei’s execution and is deeply saddened by the loss. He tries to advise Daenerys to remain calm and strategic, but his influence is waning as she grows increasingly isolated and vengeful.
FAQ 9: How did Jon Snow react to Missandei’s death and Rhaegal’s fall?
Jon Snow is visibly shaken by Missandei’s death and Rhaegal’s fall. He recognizes the impact these events have on Daenerys and attempts to offer her comfort and support. However, he is also increasingly conflicted by his duty to Daenerys and his growing concerns about her leadership. He understands the gravity of the situation and the potential for a devastating war to come.
FAQ 10: What was the significance of Daenerys’s facial expressions after Missandei’s death?
Daenerys’s facial expressions after Missandei’s death conveyed a range of emotions, including grief, rage, and a sense of betrayal. They hinted at the transformation she was undergoing, from a benevolent queen to a vengeful conqueror. Her hardened gaze and clenched jaw signaled a shift towards a more ruthless and decisive approach.
FAQ 11: What foreshadowing elements were present in this episode that hinted at Daenerys’s descent into madness?
The episode contains several foreshadowing elements that hint at Daenerys’s descent into madness: her increasing paranoia, her growing isolation, her disregard for Tyrion’s advice, and her unwavering focus on claiming the Iron Throne, even at the expense of innocent lives. These subtle cues paved the way for her controversial actions in later episodes. The constant whispers about Jon’s claim added further pressure.
FAQ 12: How did “The Last of the Starks” set the stage for the final conflicts of the series?
“The Last of the Starks” served as a crucial bridge between the Battle of Winterfell and the ultimate showdown in King’s Landing. It established the power dynamics, revealed the simmering tensions between key characters, and heightened the stakes for the Iron Throne. The deaths of Missandei and Rhaegal fueled the conflict, setting the stage for the final, devastating battles that would determine the fate of Westeros. The episode expertly crafted a narrative where the path to power was paved with loss and fuelled by revenge, ultimately leading to the series’ climactic finale. The power vacuum and uncertainty after the Night King’s defeat now centered firmly on the question of succession and the price of victory.