Game of Thrones, Episode 1: Winter is Coming
Lyanna Stark's Role in the Episode
Lyanna Stark does not physically appear in the episode, but her presence looms heavily over multiple key conversations, making her a pivotal figure in the background of the story. Her memory serves as a driving force behind Robert Baratheon’s motivations and a symbol of past conflicts that shaped the present political landscape.
Key Contributions:
- Robert’s Mourning at Her Crypt:
- Robert insists on visiting Lyanna’s tomb upon his arrival at Winterfell, despite Cersei’s protests.
- His grief and longing for her are evident when he states, “She should be on a hill somewhere with the sun and the clouds above her.”
- This moment reinforces Robert’s inability to move on, his romanticized version of their past, and his resentment toward the Targaryens, whom he blames for her death.
- Catalyst for Robert and Eddard’s Relationship & the Rebellion:
- Lyanna is the main link between Robert and Ned. Her alleged abduction by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen sparked Robert’s Rebellion, ultimately leading to Robert becoming King.
- Robert still harbors deep hatred for Rhaegar, confessing, “In my dreams, I kill him every night.”
- This lingering bitterness highlights Robert’s inability to let go of the past, which affects his rule and foreshadows future conflicts.
- Influences Robert’s Proposal to Unite Houses Stark and Baratheon:
- When Robert suggests marrying Joffrey and Sansa, it echoes what could have been if Lyanna had married him instead of being involved with Rhaegar.
- This political move symbolizes Robert’s desire to bind their families together in a way he never could with Lyanna.
Impact Rating: 6.5/10
- Symbolic Importance – Lyanna’s story serves as a foundational piece of Westeros’ recent history, influencing Robert, Ned, and the entire Targaryen conflict.
- Drives Emotional & Political Motivations – Robert’s unresolved grief and bitterness toward the Targaryens, as well as his bond with Ned, stem from her loss.
- Foreshadows Future Revelations – Her true fate and relationship with Rhaegar remain mysterious, setting up one of the most significant plot twists in the series.
- Indirect Role – Unlike other major characters, Lyanna does not appear in the episode and does not take any direct action. Her impact comes entirely through dialogue and memories.
Final Score: 6.5/10 - While Lyanna is not physically present, her legacy shapes key characters and political decisions, making her an essential background figure in the episode.
[[Category:Game of THrone