Game of Thrones Episode 38: The Mountain and the Viper

Tyrion Lannister’s fate is decided in a trial by combat, while several other storylines converge on betrayal, violence, and political maneuvering across the North and the Vale.

At Mole’s Town, wildlings attack the settlement and kill many of the inhabitants. Gilly is caught in the chaos, but Ygritte spares her and lets her escape with her baby. Back at Castle Black, Sam is distraught and fears Gilly has been killed, but the other men reassure him that she may still be alive.

At Moat Cailin, Theon Greyjoy arrives under Ramsay Snow’s orders and persuades the remaining ironborn to surrender in exchange for safe passage home. Once the garrison gives up, Ramsay has the ironborn flayed as punishment. As a reward, Roose Bolton formally legitimizes Ramsay, making him his son in law and giving him a lawful claim to House Bolton’s name.

At the Eyrie, Petyr Baelish is questioned by the lords of the Vale after Lysa Arryn’s death. He claims that she killed herself, and Sansa Stark is brought forward to support that account. Sansa reveals who she is, confirms Petyr’s version of events, and helps convince the nobles that he is innocent.

On the road, Sandor Clegane and Arya Stark reach the Bloody Gate, but they are turned away and do not enter the Eyrie.

In Meereen, Jorah Mormont admits to Daenerys Targaryen that he once spied on her for Robert Baratheon. Daenerys is enraged by the confession and banishes him from Meereen.

The episode’s centerpiece is Tyrion’s trial by combat in King’s Landing. Tyrion’s champion is Prince Oberyn Martell, while Ser Gregor Clegane fights for the crown. Oberyn initially dominates the duel, using his speed and a poisoned spear to wound Gregor badly. He forces Gregor to confess that he killed Elia, but Oberyn then presses too close, giving Gregor the opening he needs. Gregor grabs Oberyn, crushes his skull, and kills him. Gregor also dies from his own wounds shortly afterward, but the verdict goes against Tyrion: he is sentenced to execution for Joffrey’s murder.