Game of Thrones S5 E9 The Dance of Dragons

In Game of Thrones S5 E9 The Dance of Dragons, the series reaches new heights of tragedy and spectacle. This episode is a turning point for several key characters, most notably Stannis Baratheon, whose relentless pursuit of power leads him to make the most horrifying decision of his life: the sacrifice of his daughter, Shireen Baratheon. Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen faces danger in the fighting pits of Meereen, where her connection with Drogon becomes the defining moment of her arc. This blog will explore these pivotal events, along with Arya Stark’s encounter with Meryn Trant, and the unfolding drama in the North and Dorne.

Shireen Baratheon’s Death: The Ultimate Sacrifice

The Devastating Decision
Stannis Baratheon’s decision to sacrifice Shireen Baratheon is one of the most shocking moments in Game of Thrones. Driven by desperation after his army is stranded in the snow and facing certain defeat, Stannis turns to Melisandre, the Red Priestess, who advises that only a sacrifice of king’s blood can save them. Shireen, his only daughter, becomes the unwilling victim of this dark prophecy.

The Weight of Ambition: Stannis’s ambition has always been his defining trait. His belief in his destiny to rule Westeros blinds him to the horror of his actions. The moment he orders the sacrifice, his character crosses a line that leaves him irredeemable in the eyes of many viewers. This act demonstrates the extent to which he is willing to go to achieve his goals, even if it means losing everything that truly matters.
Shireen’s Innocence: Shireen Baratheon’s death is particularly heartbreaking because of her innocence. She is a character loved by both the audience and the people around her. Her gentle nature and her bond with Stannis make her death even more tragic. The scene where she is burned at the stake, with her parents watching, is one of the most gut-wrenching moments in the series.

Stannis and the Battle of Winterfell
The sacrifice of Shireen was supposed to bring Stannis victory, but instead, it seals his fate. The following day, half of his men desert him, his wife, Selyse, hangs herself in despair, and the remnants of his army are easily defeated by the Boltons at Winterfell.

The Collapse of Stannis’s Campaign: The Battle of Winterfell is over almost before it begins. Stannis, weakened and broken, fights on, but it is clear that his spirit has been crushed by the events leading up to the battle. His final moments are marked by resignation rather than the defiance that once defined him. Brienne of Tarth delivers the final blow, ending his tragic arc.
The Moral of Stannis’s Story: Stannis’s fall is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral costs of pursuing power at any cost. His story is a cautionary tale within the broader narrative of Game of Thrones, illustrating the high price of ruthlessness and the consequences of losing sight of what truly matters.

For a deeper analysis of Stannis’s downfall and its implications, visit Regent Studies.

Daenerys Rides Drogon: A Queen’s Rebirth

The Tension in the Fighting Pits of Meereen
In Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen faces her own trials in The Dance of Dragons. The reopening of the fighting pits, a concession to the traditions of the city, leads to an intense and dangerous situation. As Daenerys watches the brutal combat, the Sons of the Harpy launch a surprise attack, trapping her in the arena.

A Moment of Peril: Surrounded by enemies and with no clear means of escape, Daenerys’s situation becomes increasingly dire. The tension in the scene is palpable as the Sons of the Harpy close in, and it seems that all hope is lost. It is at this critical moment that Drogon, her largest and most powerful dragon, arrives to save her.
Daenerys Rides Drogon: The sight of Daenerys riding Drogon is one of the most iconic images in Game of Thrones. This moment symbolizes her growth as a leader and her acceptance of her identity as the Mother of Dragons. The bond between Daenerys and Drogon is a powerful reminder of her unique position in the world and her potential to change the course of history.

Drogon Rescues Daenerys
Drogon’s arrival in the fighting pits is not just a physical rescue but also a symbolic one. As Daenerys climbs onto Drogon’s back and they soar into the sky, she leaves behind the constraints of Meereen’s politics and reclaims her destiny.

A Symbol of Power: The image of Daenerys flying away on Drogon’s back is a powerful representation of her emerging strength. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in her journey, where she fully embraces her role as a conqueror and a queen. This moment also foreshadows the significant impact she will have on the future of Westeros.
The Aftermath in Meereen: The episode leaves the viewers with many questions about what will happen in Meereen now that Daenerys has left. Her departure signals a shift in the power dynamics of the city, and the repercussions of this event will be felt in the episodes to come.

Arya Stark’s Encounter with Meryn Trant: A Step Toward Vengeance

Arya’s First Assassination Assignment
In Braavos, Arya Stark’s journey with the Faceless Men takes a significant turn as she receives her first assassination assignment. Disguised as Lana the Oyster Girl, Arya is tasked with gathering information on a corrupt gambler. However, when she encounters Meryn Trant, a knight on her kill list, she decides to take matters into her own hands.

Arya’s Conflict: Arya’s encounter with Meryn Trant is a pivotal moment in her storyline. While she is supposed to be focused on her mission for the Faceless Men, her personal vendetta against Trant, who played a role in her father’s death, takes precedence. This conflict between her training and her desire for revenge highlights the internal struggle that Arya faces as she navigates her path toward becoming a Faceless Man.
The Beginning of Vengeance: Arya’s decision to follow Meryn Trant instead of completing her assigned task marks a significant step in her journey of vengeance. This encounter sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the next episode, where Arya takes her first life in the name of justice.

Meryn Trant’s Fate
Meryn Trant’s actions in Braavos reveal his true nature as a cruel and sadistic man, making Arya’s decision to target him even more justified. The episode ends with Arya watching him from the shadows, foreshadowing the brutal justice she will deliver.

A Reminder of Arya’s Past: Arya’s encounter with Meryn Trant serves as a reminder of the losses she has suffered and the reasons behind her quest for vengeance. Her willingness to defy the Faceless Men’s orders in pursuit of her personal goals suggests that Arya is not yet ready to let go of her identity as a Stark.
The Evolution of Arya’s Character: This moment is crucial in Arya’s development, as it shows her grappling with the moral complexities of revenge. It also raises questions about whether she can truly become “No One” or if her identity as Arya Stark will always drive her actions.

The Aftermath in the North: Jon Snow and Sansa Stark

Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch Return to the Wall
While much of the episode focuses on the events in the South and Essos, the North remains a critical part of the story. After the harrowing events at Hardhome, Jon Snow returns to the Wall with the surviving Wildlings. His return is met with a cold reception, as many of the Night’s Watch brothers are unhappy with his decision to bring the Wildlings south of the Wall.

The Burden of Leadership: Jon’s return to the Wall highlights the challenges he faces as Lord Commander. His decision to ally with the Wildlings, though necessary for survival, has created deep divisions within the Night’s Watch. This tension foreshadows the betrayal that Jon will face in the near future.
The Growing Threat: The episode also reinforces the looming threat of the White Walkers. Jon’s experiences at Hardhome have made him acutely aware of the danger they pose, and his focus is now on preparing the Wall’s defenses. However, the internal conflicts within the Night’s Watch threaten to undermine his efforts.

Sansa Stark’s Fate in Winterfell
In Winterfell, Sansa Stark continues to endure the horrors of her marriage to Ramsay Bolton. However, there is a glimmer of hope when she learns from Theon Greyjoy that her brothers, Bran and Rickon, are still alive.

A Turning Point for Sansa: This revelation gives Sansa the strength she needs to continue fighting. It reignites her determination to escape from Ramsay and reclaim her family’s legacy. Sansa’s fate in Winterfell is a key part of the Northern storyline, and her actions in this episode set the stage for her eventual escape.
The Importance of Family: The knowledge that her brothers are alive provides Sansa with a renewed sense of purpose. It reminds her of her identity as a Stark and reinforces the theme of family that runs throughout the series. Sansa’s resolve to reunite with her family and reclaim Winterfell becomes a driving force in her character arc.

The Dance of Dragons as a Turning Point

The Dance of Dragons is a powerful episode that explores the themes of power, sacrifice, and destiny. From Stannis Baratheon’s tragic decision to sacrifice Shireen to Daenerys Targaryen’s triumphant flight on Drogon, the episode is filled with moments that shape the future of Westeros.

As Stannis’s campaign collapses after the sacrifice of Shireen, we see the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral cost of power. Meanwhile, Daenerys’s connection with Drogon signals her emergence as a true leader, ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead. Arya Stark’s encounter with Meryn Trant and Jon Snow’s return to the Wall further deepen the narrative, highlighting the personal struggles and difficult choices that define the characters in Game of Thrones.

For further exploration of these themes and more insights into the world of Westeros, visit Regent Studies, where you can find detailed analyses and resources to enhance your understanding of this iconic series.