The Mystery Surrounding Melisandre's Death in Game of Thrones

One of the most intriguing questions in George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, adapted into 'Game of Thrones,' concerns the fate of Melisandre. Many fans wonder, 'Why did Melisandre kill herself?' However, it is not a death but rather the end of her faithful service. Understanding this requires delving into the complex faith and motivations that drive her actions throughout the series.

Who is Melisandre?

Contrary to popular belief, Melisandre does not kill herself in the series. Instead, it is revealed that she was being kept alive by the Lord of Light, R'hllor, even after her apparent suicide. This divine intervention is a reflection of the intricate nature of her faith and the ultimate mission that R'hllor had set for her.

Melisandre's Faith and Prophecy

Melisandre is a red priestess of R'hllor, the Lord of Light, a deity symbolizing light, life, and fire. Her faith is so strong that she believes she can manipulate life itself, bringing people back from the dead and granting them fire-bending powers. In her belief, R'hllor opposes the god of death, an icy figure known as the Night King.

The Night King is a formidable enemy, controlling an army of the undead. His defeat marked the end of R'hllor's primary mission in the series. With the Night King's demise, the victory has been achieved, and Melisandre's role has concluded. This realization led to her final, peaceful death rather than a suicide.

Resurrection and Her Death

One fan theory suggests that Melisandre was not killed by herself but rather her life was prolonged by the divine intervention of R'hllor. This theory holds that she was kept alive until the end of her purpose, and only then did she pass away naturally. This aligns with her character, who has always believed that her fate is intertwined with the divine will.

In the final battle, the Night King was defeated, and with his demise, the primary goal of R'hllor was achieved. Melisandre, having served her master faithfully for centuries, saw the end of her mission. She wanted to rest and leave behind the horrors she had witnessed, knowing that death is the ultimate release for a woman of her faith.

The Complexity of Melisandre's Character

Melisandre's character is complex. She follows R'hllor's prophecies and interprets them to the best of her abilities, even when it leads to difficult decisions. Her faithfulness is tested when she realizes that sometimes, the visions she receives might be biased, and she must sometimes ignore them to serve her master well.

Her decisions, such as aligning with Stannis and Shireen, demonstrate the delicate balance she maintains. Stannis Baratheon's quest to rescue Jon Snow beyond the Wall was crucial, but the ultimate sacrifice of Shireen, meant to strengthen Stannis's army, was a tragic act. However, despite her pain and the sequence of blunders, she remained faithful to the will of R'hllor.

With the Night King's death, the ultimate mission of destroying the Night King and opposing the god of death was completed. Melisandre knew it was time to rest and to let go of the events she had witnessed, which were filled with suffering and tragedy. Her death was not a form of self-destruction but a natural end to a life lived in service to a higher power.