A Clash of Kings re-read

[viZion]

So this book starts off pretty well. You get a decent prologue and then three great POVs in which some cool stuff happens. Then you get hit with a Bran. Has there ever been a more buzz-killing main character ever written? Yeah, we get it, you can't walk and it sucks but you can dream. *yawn*

As I struggle through this Bran chapter, I did find it interesting to note that Old Nan says that the comet means that dragons have returned. Nice call. She's the first one to say that the comet means something other than glory for her buddies.

[viZion]

Quick question: Where did Melisandre come from and why did she decide to take up with Stannis? I mean, I know she's from Asshai or something but why did she come over to Westeros to be with Stannis? I can remember wondering that the first time I read the series as well. So either I keep missing the answer (I do have a tendency to gloss over areas where people start spitting out boring prophecies or dreams; I likes the warring and political intrigue) or the question simply hasn't been answered. Anyone know?

[Boaz]

Originally Posted by viZion

Has there ever been a more buzz-killing main character ever written?

I like you more with every post.

Melisandre came from Asshai, I assume via the Free Cities. Stannis' wife, Selyse, converted to the worship of Rh'llor. I don't know if Mel converted Selyse or came after. I suspect that a priestess of her power only arrived after she or her superiors heard of the possibilities.

Dragonstone is and island in the Narrow Sea. There is great commerce and communication with the Free Cities. Stannis hired Salladhor Saan from the Free Cities. Patchface came from the Free Cities. Stannis' parents were known to vacation in the Free Cities.

Also, Selyse's maiden name was Florent. The Florents don't appear to me to be the most stable of people. Delena allowed Robert to deflower her on Stannis and Selyse's wedding night... in the bridal bed no less. Alester sided with Renly against Stannis but switched sides upon Renly's death. Alester then misread Stannis' personality and tried to sue for peace after the disaster on the Blackwater. Axell quickly converted to Rh'llor after Melisandre came to Dragonstone. So, I don't find it difficult to see how Selyse was swayed to the Lord of Light.

Back to Mel... Later in ACOK, Thoros confessed the reason his superiors sent him to Westeros was because he was such a failure. They sent him to a land of harsh winters and stubborn pagans to remove him from their sight.

But Melisandre is obviously not a failure. She's powerful. We don't know if she's playing her own game or if she is under orders from superiors.

[Aegon the Unworthy]

I have a son a little younger than Bran (making him in Martin parlance "almost a man grown") so I dont find the passages so boring...but to each their own

For some discussion on Melisandre, I present The Red Lady Conspiracy Theory

The import of that thread is that its possible Melisandre is indeed not a worshipper of R'hllorskates. That and no matter what you post, its been posted before and someone will delight in pointing it out to you.

Enjoy

[viZion]

Originally Posted by Aegon the Unworthy

That and no matter what you post, its been posted before and someone will delight in pointing it out to you.

The other day I came up with a crackpot theory that Arya is also a bastard child of Rhaegon and Lyanna. Has that one already been posted, too? If so, I won't bother to share even for any humorous value it may contain.

[Aegon the Unworthy]

I said someone...not me. Im always delighted to discuss even old, beaten, dead, dug up, reburied, and somehow unearthed again ideas.....others not so much, the internet is full of haters

Of course you better support your idea. You will rue an unsupported hypothesis...oh yes rue.