Valar Morghulis

👑 In King's Landing

Following the Battle of the Blackwater, Tywin Lannister is appointed Hand of the King, displacing Tyrion. Petyr Baelish is rewarded with Harrenhal. Lord Pycelle confirms that the betrothal vow between Sansa Stark and Joffrey Baratheon is nullified due to treason, paving the way for Margaery Tyrell to be betrothed to the king. Baelish offers Sansa safe passage home, but she declines.

Tyrion, recovering from an assassination attempt and finding himself without allies save for Podrick, suspects his sister Cersei was responsible. Bronn is dismissed from his post as captain of the City Watch. Shae urges Tyrion to flee to Pentos, but he refuses.

🔥 At Dragonstone

Stannis Baratheon confronts Melisandre, initially attempting to strangle her for his defeat. However, his faith is restored when he witnesses visions in the flames, comprehending her role in Renly's death and her continued influence.

⚔️ In the Westerlands

Brienne of Tarth escorts Jaime Lannister towards King's Landing. Along the way, they encounter three women lynched by Stark soldiers for fraternizing with Lannister soldiers. Brienne intervenes, killing the Stark soldiers after one recognizes Jaime. She then ensures the women are buried, reminding Jaime that her loyalty lies with Catelyn Stark, not House Stark.

Meanwhile, Robb Stark confides in Catelyn that he has fallen in love with Talisa and will not honor his arranged marriage to House Frey. Despite Catelyn's counsel, Robb proceeds to marry Talisa.

🐺 At Winterfell

Under siege, Theon Greyjoy dismisses Maester Luwin's advice to join the Night's Watch, fearing Jon Snow's retribution. Theon attempts to rally his men, but is incapacitated by Dagmer and captured by Bolton forces. Luwin is critically wounded by Dagmer.

Bran and his companions discover Winterfell in ruins. They find Luwin dying in the Godswood, who advises them to seek refuge at the Wall before Osha grants him a merciful death.

📜 In the Riverlands

While fleeing Harrenhal, Arya Stark, Gendry, and Hot Pie encounter Jaqen H'ghar. He offers to train Arya in his unique skills, but she declines, stating her priority is finding her family. He bestows upon her a special coin and the phrase "Valar Morghulis," instructing her to use it to find him. He then reveals his ability to change faces before departing.

🐉 In Qarth

Pyat Pree's sorcery traps Jorah Mormont and Kovarro outside the House of the Undying, while Daenerys Targaryen is held captive within. Inside, Daenerys experiences visions: a desolate King's Landing, a journey beyond the Wall, and a reunion with Khal Drogo and their deceased son. She finds her dragons chained, only for Pyat Pree to appear and bind her. Daenerys commands her dragons to unleash fire, killing Pyat Pree and freeing herself and her dragons as the chains dissolve.

Daenerys discovers Xaro Xhoan Daxos in bed with Doreah. Revealing Xaro's wealth was a fabrication, she seals them both in his empty vault. She and her companions then seize Xaro's assets to fund their voyage to Astapor.

❄️ Beyond the Wall

Qhorin Halfhand deliberately provokes Jon Snow into killing him, thereby convincing the wildlings of Jon's defection. Jon is subsequently introduced to the vast wildling army and promised an audience with Mance Rayder.

Meanwhile, Edd, Grenn, and Sam hear three horn blasts, signaling the approach of White Walkers. Edd and Grenn flee, leaving Sam to face an overwhelming army of wights and a White Walker marching towards the Night's Watch encampment.

📈 Audience Performance

Upon its initial broadcast on June 3, 2012, "Valar Morghulis" garnered 4.20 million viewers in the United States, establishing a series viewership record at the time, which was later surpassed in the third season. In the United Kingdom, the episode achieved a viewership of 0.973 million, ranking as the week's highest-rated broadcast.

⭐ Critical Acclaim

The episode garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, it achieved a 92% approval rating from 26 critics, with an average score of 8.6/10. The consensus highlighted the intelligent writing, compelling plot developments, and the impactful concluding scene as key strengths, deeming it a satisfying season finale. Reviewers from IGN and The A.V. Club awarded the episode high marks (9/10 and 'A' grade, respectively), commending its narrative execution and thematic resonance.

🌐 Official and Reference Links

For further exploration and detailed information regarding the episode "Valar Morghulis" and its context within the series, consult the following resources:

• HBO Official Site: Access episode details and related content on the official HBO Game of Thrones portal. Link
• IMDb Database: View comprehensive details, cast, crew, and user ratings for the episode. Link
• Wikiquote Archive: Explore notable quotes and dialogue from the episode. Link

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