The Forgotten Plot Thread: The Masked Tattoo Artist in Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones

In Game of Thrones Season 2, a masked tattoo artist in Qarth who advises Jorah Mormont has become a somewhat forgotten plot thread. This character hints at a deeper mystery that remains unexplored in both the series and the books.

The Masked Tattoo Artist in Qarth

While the tattoo artist serves a significant role in the plot, his identity and backstory remain unknown. This lack of exploration leaves him as a minor and enigmatic figure in the context of the larger narrative.

The Character of Quaithe

I believe you are referring to Quaithe, a character from the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. Quaithe is a masked shadowbinder from Asshai, a city that also houses Stannis' priestess, Melisandre.

Melisandre is often referred to as a priestess but can also be called a shadowbinder, a name that is not extensively explained in the books. Shadowbinders are connected to the fire god R'hllor, and Quaithe uses this connection to summon shadowbabies.

Quaithe has appeared in two books: A Clash of Kings and A Dance with Dragons. Her warnings to Daenerys Targaryen are crucial but often overlooked in comparison to the show's narrative.

Quaithe's Warnings

Quaithe's warning to Daenerys is both cryptic and significant, though much of what she mentions has been cut from the show. Here are her key points:

The Pale Mare: Refers to a disease that hits Meereen. The Glass Candles: Symbolize the return of magic to the world, as seen in Old Town during A Feast for Crows. The Kraken: Victarion Greyjoy, a brother of Balon and Euron, sent to meet Daenerys in Meereen. The Dark Flame: Euron Greyjoy, black in appearance, traveling to Meereen. The Lion: Tyrion Lannister, who has yet to properly meet Daenerys. The Griffin: Jon Connington, a Stormlord allied with Targaryens, who was believed dead. The Mummer's Dragon: Aegon, a fake Targaryen supported by Varys and Magister Illyrio. The Sun's Son: Quentyn Martell, who arrives in Meereen offering to marry Daenerys. The Perfumed Seneschal: A figure who appears in Daenerys' warning, possibly Garth the Gross of Highgarden or Reznak mo Reznak, a Meereenese noble.

Conclusion

While Quaithe was a significant character in the books, her role was largely cut from the show. This has led to many fans overlooking her warnings and the importance of the shadowbinder character in the broader narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire.

Quaithe's character and her warnings to Daenerys remain a fascinating and often forgotten plot thread, filled with cryptic symbolism and deeper meanings. Understanding these details can significantly enrich the reader's or viewer's experience of the series, providing additional layers of storyline and character development.