Game of Thrones season 8 episode 3: Where was Melisandre before the battle of Winterfell?
The battle would have gone down very differently without her
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The latest episode of Game of Thrones saw one key character return just in time for the big battle of Winterfell.
*Major spoilers below – you have been warned*
The eighth and final season’s new episode – titled “The Long Night” – began with an intriguing scene that saw the return of the Red Woman, Melisandre (Carice van Houten).
Since her arrival in season two, fans knew she would have an important part to play in the outcome of the series – and it turns out she was a vital cog in in the Night King’s defeat at the hands of Arya Stark, a plot twist Maisie Williams was convinced fans would detest.
The last we saw of the character, who keeps a youthful appearance thanks to a magical necklace, she was in Dragonstone about to leave for Volantis. She told Varys she would return, though, telling him: “I have to die in this strange country, just like you."
But, where has she been?
While unconfirmed, it’s no stretch to assume that Melisandre sought help from the Fiery Hand, a group of slave soldiers who guard the red temple of R’hllor – a God better known as the Lord of Light.
Seeing as members of the religion believe in a messianic figure named the Prince That Was Promised/Azor Ahai, who Melisandre believes is either Daenerys or Jon, she returned to help them in the battle against the Night King. Immediately after arriving at Winterfell, she chants a spell that sets the army’s weapons ablaze, assisting them with the fight.
The Red Woman’s arrival also prompts Arya to fulfil her destiny to kill the Night King, something fans are only just realising was revealed in the show’s third season.
The intense trailer for next week’s episode sees everyone turn their attentions to the Iron Throne and the fate of Cersei Lannister.
The final season of Game of Thrones continues every Sunday.
Our extensive ranking of every character in the series – from worst to best – is below.
The show will be available on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the UK.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments