Why Did Lancel Follow the Child into the Basement in Game of Thrones S6E10?

Game of Thrones Season 6 Episode 10, titled Awwwyn, follows the dramatic aftermath of numerous ominous events. One of the most notable is Lancel’s decision to follow a child into the basement. This article delves into the reasoning behind this action, as presented in the episode, and the significance of the wildfire that ensues.

The Writings Behind Lancel's Action

The rationale behind Lancel’s follow behavior can be explained by several key points within the narrative. According to the writers, he entered the basement driven by a combination of curiosity and his sense of duty to his organization, the Sparrows. Lancel, being a member of the Sparrows, had taken it upon himself to protect the realm from sin. This mingling of motivations forms the crux of his decision.

However, as the episode unfolds, Lancel quickly realizes that his intervention was too late. The child guided him to the room containing the buzzy candles, which ultimately led to the explosion of the Great Sept and subsequent tragedy.

Analysis from Viewers' Perspective

From a viewer's standpoint, some might question why Lancel would engage in such a risky action. There are several plausible explanations:

Need for a Witness: The writers required someone to witness the lighting of the wildfire. Instead of a straightforward cutaway to the kegs, they opted for a narrative-driven sequence that adds tension and complexity to the scene. Suspicion and Duty: Lancel's suspicion and sense of duty made him investigate the child's actions. As a member of the Sparrows, he felt responsible for protecting the realm. This sense of responsibility led him to follow the child, driven by curiosity and a belief in the organization's security. Character Psychology: Lancel's affiliation with the Sparrows gave him a false sense of strength and invincibility. As Tyrion notes, Lancel believed he was invincible in his previous life as a Lannister. This confidence emboldened him to investigate the situation, even as he ventured far from his duties.

These psychological and narrative choices make Lancel's actions understandable and plausible within the context of the show. His intentions, while ultimately misguided, stem from a combination of curiosity, duty, and misplaced trust.

Is There a Plausible Explanation?

Viewers might wonder if there is an implausible element in Lancel's decision. However, the episode does provide a reasonable explanation for his actions:

Cult Affiliation: Being a member of a cult can create a false sense of strength and protection. This can lead individuals to feel responsible for the group's actions, even if those actions are risky or unwise. Investigation: Lancel's curiosity and suspicion likely drove him to investigate the child's actions, seeing it as a potential threat or discovery that could benefit the organization. False Assumptions: His belief in the Sparrows' invincibility and security might have made him underestimate the risks involved, leading him to take a risky action.

Considering these factors, Lancel's decision to follow the child into the basement was not entirely implausible. It was driven by his character's psychology and the circumstances of the narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lancel's decision to follow the child into the basement was a combination of curiosity, duty, and misplaced trust. His belief in the Sparrows' invincibility and his sense of responsibility for the organization's goals led him to take this risky action. While the outcome was catastrophic, the writers' motivation for this sequence was both narrative and character-driven, making it a pivotal moment in the show.