Game of Thrones S5 E7 The Gift

Game of Thrones S5 E7 The Gift, is a pivotal chapter in the series, rich with tension and conflict that sets the stage for future battles and betrayals. The episode intricately weaves together the narratives of Jon Snow’s preparations for conflict, Stannis Baratheon’s unwavering determination, and the growing power struggles within King’s Landing and beyond. This blog delves into the significant events of this episode, exploring the strategies, alliances, and personal sacrifices that define the characters’ journeys.

Jon Snow Prepares for Conflict: A Leader in the Making

The Burden of Leadership
Jon Snow’s role as the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch has never been more challenging. In The Gift, Jon prepares for conflict with the looming threat of the White Walkers and the impending clash with the wildlings. His leadership is tested as he makes decisions that are unpopular with his brothers at the Wall but are crucial for the survival of all.

Building Alliances: Jon’s decision to ally with the wildlings is a bold and controversial move. He understands that the only way to survive the coming winter is to unite against a common enemy. This choice, however, alienates him from many in the Night’s Watch, who see the wildlings as their sworn enemies.
The Weight of Responsibility: Jon prepares for conflict with the full knowledge that his decisions could lead to his downfall. Yet, he remains steadfast in his commitment to protect the realms of men, even if it means making difficult choices that could cost him his life.

Further reading on Jon Snow’s leadership challenges in The Gift.

Stannis Remains Stubborn: The Path to Tragedy

Stannis Baratheon’s Unyielding Will
Stannis Baratheon’s determination to claim the Iron Throne is unwavering, even as his campaign begins to falter. In The Gift, Stannis remains stubborn in his resolve to march on Winterfell, despite the deteriorating conditions of his army and the growing dissent among his followers.

The Cost of Stubbornness: Stannis’s refusal to retreat, despite the advice of his most trusted advisors, highlights his tragic flaw—his pride. He believes that retreating would forever tarnish his reputation and render him unworthy of the throne. This stubbornness, however, leads him down a path of increasingly desperate decisions.
Melisandre’s Dark Proposal: As Stannis’s situation grows more dire, Melisandre, his red priestess, proposes a dark solution—sacrificing his daughter, Shireen, to the Lord of Light. This proposal tests the limits of Stannis’s morality, as he grapples with the idea of sacrificing his own flesh and blood for the sake of his campaign. Stannis’s struggle with this decision foreshadows the tragic events that are to come.

Power Struggles in King’s Landing: The Beginning of Cersei’s Downfall

Cersei Lannister’s Overreach
Cersei Lannister, once the most powerful woman in Westeros, begins to face the consequences of her machinations in The Gift. Her attempt to control the Faith Militant and use them to eliminate her enemies starts to backfire, leading to the beginning of her downfall.

The Rise of the High Sparrow: Cersei’s alliance with the High Sparrow was meant to weaken the Tyrells, but she underestimates the High Sparrow’s ambitions. As he gains more power, the High Sparrow becomes a threat to Cersei herself, turning the Faith Militant against her.
Imprisonment and Humiliation: The episode marks the beginning of Cersei’s imprisonment by the Faith Militant, a moment that signifies the collapse of her carefully constructed power. This turning point in Cersei’s storyline sets the stage for her ultimate fall from grace and the loss of everything she holds dear.

Sam Defends Gilly: A Moment of Bravery
In contrast to the grand political schemes of King’s Landing, the story of Samwell Tarly and Gilly provides a more personal, yet equally significant, narrative in The Gift. Sam’s defense of Gilly against two men of the Night’s Watch is a powerful moment that showcases his courage and growing sense of responsibility.

A Personal Battle: Sam’s decision to stand up to the men who threaten Gilly is a defining moment for his character. It marks his transition from a fearful boy to a man willing to risk his life to protect those he cares about.
Gilly’s Importance: Gilly’s presence in Sam’s life has been a source of strength for him, and his willingness to defend her at all costs highlights the deep bond they share. This moment also reinforces the theme of loyalty and protection that runs throughout the episode.

Brienne Waits for a Sign: Loyalty Beyond Death
Brienne of Tarth’s vigil outside Winterfell, waiting for a sign from Sansa Stark, is a testament to her unwavering loyalty. In The Gift, Brienne’s determination to protect Sansa, despite the overwhelming odds, underscores her commitment to her oath and her belief in justice.

A Symbol of Hope: Brienne’s vigil represents the hope that Sansa is not alone, that there is someone watching over her, ready to act when the time comes. This act of loyalty is a stark contrast to the betrayals and power plays occurring elsewhere in Westeros.
The Weight of Oaths: Brienne’s commitment to her oath to protect Sansa is a recurring theme in her storyline. Her willingness to risk everything for Sansa reflects the importance of honor and duty in a world where such values are often disregarded.

Survival and Alliances in Essos: Tyrion and Jorah’s Journey

Tyrion and Jorah Captured: A Bond Forged in Adversity
Tyrion Lannister and Jorah Mormont’s journey through Essos takes a dramatic turn in The Gift when they are captured by slavers. This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship, one that is defined by mutual survival and a shared goal.

A Test of Resilience: Their capture forces Tyrion and Jorah to rely on their wits and resilience to survive. Tyrion’s quick thinking and Jorah’s fighting skills are put to the test as they navigate the dangers of slavery and the brutal world of the fighting pits.
An Unlikely Alliance: Despite their initial animosity, Tyrion and Jorah begin to form a bond based on mutual respect and a common purpose—to reach Daenerys Targaryen. This alliance becomes crucial as they face the challenges ahead, highlighting the theme of survival through cooperation.

Dany Visits the Fighting Pits: The Weight of Tradition
Daenerys Targaryen’s visit to the fighting pits in The Gift is a significant moment in her storyline. It represents her struggle to balance her ideals with the realities of ruling Meereen, a city steeped in tradition and bloodshed.

The Dilemma of Leadership: Daenerys’s decision to reopen the fighting pits, despite her personal abhorrence of the practice, reflects the difficult choices she must make as a ruler. This moment highlights the tension between her desire to bring justice and her need to maintain stability in a city that resists change.
A Reunion in the Arena: The episode also features a crucial reunion in the fighting pits, as Daenerys comes face to face with Jorah and Tyrion. This moment sets the stage for the alliances and conflicts that will shape the future of her rule in Meereen.

Dorne and the Lannister Legacy: Sansa and Theon’s Plight and Bronn’s Temptation

Sansa and Theon: A Desperate Plan
In Winterfell, Sansa Stark and Theon Greyjoy find themselves in a perilous situation. Sansa’s attempts to escape from Ramsay Bolton’s clutches are met with betrayal and brutality, as Theon, still broken by his past, fails to help her.

A Plan Thwarted: Sansa’s plan to signal for help is thwarted by Theon, who remains under Ramsay’s control. This moment of betrayal deepens the tragedy of Sansa’s situation and highlights the extent of Ramsay’s cruelty.
Theon’s Struggle: Theon’s inability to help Sansa reflects his internal struggle between his fear of Ramsay and his lingering sense of loyalty to the Starks. His failure to act serves as a poignant reminder of the psychological torment he endures.

Tyene and Bronn in the Cells: Seduction and Poison
In Dorne, the interaction between Tyene Sand and Bronn in the cells adds a layer of intrigue and danger to the episode. Tyene’s seductive game with Bronn, combined with the threat of poison, showcases the deadly charm of the Sand Snakes.

A Deadly Game: Tyene’s flirtation with Bronn is more than just a seduction; it’s a test of his strength and resolve. The use of poison as part of this game underscores the lethal nature of the Sand Snakes and their willingness to use any means necessary to achieve their goals.
The Complexity of Dorne: This scene also reflects the complex dynamics of Dorne, where loyalty, honor, and vengeance are intertwined. Bronn’s survival in this dangerous environment depends on his ability to navigate these intricacies.

The Gift is a richly layered episode of Game of Thrones, showcasing the intense struggles faced by its key characters. From Jon Snow’s preparations for conflict and Stannis Baratheon’s stubborn march toward Winterfell to the brewing power struggles in King’s Landing and the tense encounters in Essos and Dorne, this episode encapsulates the complex dynamics that drive the narrative forward.

As Jon Snow prepares for the inevitable conflict, he must navigate the delicate balance between leadership and loyalty, making choices that could either unite or divide the Night’s Watch. Meanwhile, Stannis Baratheon’s unyielding determination leads him down a path of desperation, where even the darkest of proposals from Melisandre becomes a consideration.

In King’s Landing, Cersei Lannister’s overreach marks the beginning of her downfall, as the High Sparrow tightens his grip on power. Simultaneously, Samwell Tarly’s defense of Gilly and Brienne’s steadfast vigil highlight the personal sacrifices and loyalties that persist amid the broader political machinations.

Across the Narrow Sea, the survival of Tyrion Lannister and Jorah Mormont hinges on their ability to navigate the dangerous world of Essos, while Daenerys Targaryen faces her own challenges as she grapples with the complexities of leadership in Meereen. In Dorne, the deadly game between Tyene Sand and Bronn reflects the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that define the region.

Ultimately, The Gift serves as a turning point for many characters, setting the stage for the dramatic events to follow. Whether it’s through Jon Snow’s efforts to unite the North, Stannis’s tragic resolve, or Cersei’s impending downfall, this episode lays the groundwork for the battles and betrayals that will shape the future of Westeros.

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