Why Didn't Brienne of Tarth Reciprocate Tormund's Feelings?

In the world of 'Game of Thrones', many complex relationships and underlying emotions play a significant role in the story's dynamics. One such intriguing aspect is the apparent unreciprocated feelings of Tormund Giantsbane towards Brienne of Tarth. Why didn't Brienne return Tormund's advances, and what factors influenced her decision? This article explores the reasons behind her lack of interest and delves into the characters' background to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Understanding Tormund's Perspective

Tormund Giantsbane, a wildling, finds himself attracted to Brienne due to her physical attributes. Similar to Tormund, many find her 'big' in terms of her height and presence. However, beyond her physical appearance, Tormund doesn't know much about Brienne. Famously, he only learns of her name and background during the battle with the wight attack. When he visits Winterfell after the Wall collapses, he inquires about 'the big woman,' suggesting a lack of deeper knowledge about her. His lust for her is based solely on what he perceives from a physical standpoint. This approach to seduction often falls short with characters like Brienne, who are known for being more than just their physical appearances in the story.

Brienne's Perspective and Background

Brienne of Tarth, on the other hand, has a different perspective. Her journey through the Seven Kingdoms has been marked by battles, trials, and a relentless determination to protect Sansa Stark. Unlike Tormund, Brienne is not interested in the notion of seduction, as the show and books suggest. Her primary focus is on her role as a protector and her ongoing struggle with her own self-perception.

Her reluctance to reciprocate Tormund's feelings is rooted in several factors. Firstly, Brienne is not confident in her own attractiveness. Her dedication to protecting others and completing missions often leaves little time for her to consider her own appeal. Moreover, her prolonged period of virginity until Jamie Lannister's involvement further underscores her disinterest in romantic or physical relationships. The fact that she had a secret crush on Jaime can add another layer to her reluctance; the realization that a man she admired may not reciprocate her feelings likely solidified her decision not to pursue Tormund.

Revelations and Bonds

While the comic relief theory highlights the showrunners' need to inject some levity into the narrative, it doesn't account for the deeper emotional and character-driven aspects. In the books, Brienne and Tormund have not yet interacted, making their relationship purely speculated through the lens of the show.

Regardless of the source, it's important to consider the complexities of their characters. Jaime Lannister's connection with Brienne, as evidenced by his willingness to lose his hand to protect her, has built a bond that extends beyond just physical attraction. Their shared history and the mutual respect they have for each other likely contributed to Brienne's ethos and her subsequent conclusion that she had a crush on Jaime, even if she didn't perceive him as honorable initially. Her belief in his dishonor and her own unattractiveness might have prevented her from reciprocating Tormund's feelings, viewing these qualities as insurmountable barriers.

Conclusion

In summary, the unreciprocated feelings of Brienne of Tarth for Tormund Giantsbane can be attributed to a combination of personal confidence, career focus, and the bond she shares with Jaime Lannister. Understanding these factors provides a nuanced insight into the intricate web of emotions and relationships that define 'Game of Thrones', offering a deeper appreciation for the show's rich storytelling and character development.