Is Qyburn a Spy from Dorne?

Let's delve into the intriguing possibility that the enigmatic Maester Qyburn might indeed be a spy sent from Dorne to Riverrun. This hypothesis brings together a myriad of clues from the rich narrative tapestry of A Song of Ice and Fire and its adaptations.

The Maester Qyburn: A Closer Look

Qyburn serves the Bloody Mummers, a notorious sellsword company founded by the Red Viper, Oberyn Martell. The choice of the Bloody Mummers as Qyburn's patrons is significant, especially considering their ties to Dorne. One of the most glaring associations is the defection of Vargo Hoat, who, as a paid assassin for the Lannisters, made a curious and strategic switch to work for the Boltons. This move, otherwise quite illogical, can be explained if we assume Qyburn served as a conduit for information between Dorne and the North.

The Motive Behind the Knife

The reason behind cutting off Jaime Lannister's sword hand, and the subsequent feeding of Ser Amory Lorch to a bear, requires a deeper understanding of the alliances at play. Given the enigmatic nature of the Bloody Mummers, it's plausible that their actions were part of a larger Dornish strategy aimed at weakening House Lannister.

Connections to Dorne

Qyburn's backstory is another key factor in this hypothesis. He was close to Marwyn, a mysterious figure with deep ties to both Dorne and the Grace of Asshai. Marwyn is known to possess objects that reveal significant historical events, including the coronation of Euron Greyjoy as King of the Iron Islands. This connection could very well provide Qyburn with access to crucial information that only those with ties to Dorne would have.

Clues from the Past

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is Qyburn's role in the feast where mithril skull cakes were served, despite the fact that most of Dorne expected a rotting head. This suggests that Qyburn had prior knowledge of the skull's arrival, a detail that Cersei overlooked, leaving only him as the possible orchestrator of this event.

Targeting Key Figures

Qyburn's apparent knowledge of the deaths of Ser Amory the Brave, The Mountain, and Tywin Lannister, all of whom are on Doran Martell's hit list, further bolsters the spy theory. His ability to provide timely information, such as the death of Ser Arys Oakheart, to affect key moments in the plot, like the selection of Ser Robert Strong as a loyal figure, supports the idea that he operates as a strategic asset for Dorne.

Known Contacts and Information

Despite Qyburn's sparse information, the few pieces he does share, such as his reports from free cities and contacts in Dorne, indicate a well-established network of spies and informants. This network, if indeed it is extended to Dorne, suggests a concerted effort to gather and disseminate intelligence.

Conclusion

While no definitive proof confirms Qyburn as a spy from Dorne, the weight of circumstantial evidence certainly leans in this direction. Further investigations into the lesser-known aspects of the series, such as the Dornish Master Plan and Dorne's deeper strategic goals, might provide the missing pieces to this complex puzzle.

For a more in-depth analysis, I highly recommend studying the insights provided in Dornish Master Plan and Deeper Dorne videos by Preston Jacobs, who delves into the intricate political strategies and alliances that make Dorne stand out in the Westerosi realm.

Keywords: Qyburn, Dorne, Spy, Riverrun, Master of Whispers