Understanding Melisandre's Green Eyes Misconception in Game of Thrones
In the world of Game of Thrones, the green eyes of Melisandre hold a lot of mystical significance. However, there is a common misconception surrounding her reference to Arya Stark's green eyes. Let's delve into the nuances behind this idea and the retcons that came into play.
Original Intentions and Misinterpretations
The notion that Melisandre was referring to specific individuals, one of whom was the Night King, when she met Arya Stark in season 2 is a point of controversy. It is widely believed that Melisandre had prophetic eyes into the future, seeing the deeds of Arya and the darkness within her. However, the showrunners later revealed that this interpretation was incorrect. The scene featuring Melisandre and Arya in season 2 was heavily retconned to maintain narrative coherence and fan satisfaction.
The Season 2 Scene: A Closer Look
When rewatching the Season 2 scene in an unbiased manner, it becomes evident that the showrunners had a different idea in mind. Melisandre appears to be afraid of Arya, indicating that the darkness in Arya's eyes is not the result of seeing the Night King’s death. This detail contradicts the fan theory as Melisandre would feel respect and love rather than fear. Additionally, Melisandre casually mentions blue eyes, which suggests that the green eyes were not specifically tied to the Night King.
Narrative Context and Retcon
The retcon comes into play when we consider the broader narrative. The showrunners knew that Arya would kill the Night King for years, but the scene featuring Melisandre and Arya was filmed much earlier, before the retcon. This filming context is crucial because the scene is not mentioned in the books, and it was never intended to be part of the original story.
Books vs. Show: Foreshadowing and Destiny
The books and show both had plans for Arya's killing spree and vengeful nature. The original scene in season 2 was meant to foreshadow these traits, not to denote the Night King or any specific character. Even after the retcon, there was no reason to assume Arya would kill a significant green-eyed character like Cersei Lannister. Retcons can sometimes feel forced if they are used multiple times, as they may diminish the impact of the original narrative.
The Frey’s Glimmer of Truth
If one must adhere strictly to the show's narrative, a retcon would imply that at least one Frey had green eyes. This detail could be considered a cheerful twist in the meshwork of retcons, adding an extra layer of complexity to the storyline.
Ultimately, the green eyes referenced by Melisandre were likely meant to signify Arya's destiny as a killer, rather than any specific character's eyes. This retcon solidifies the storyline and maintains the thematic elements of destiny and prophetic sight.
Conclusion: The green eyes mentioned by Melisandre during her meeting with Arya Stark were not intended to point towards the Night King or specific green-eyed characters. They served as a broader symbol of Arya's fate and her path of vengeance. The retcon added depth to the narrative and prevented narrative inconsistencies, ultimately enriching the storytelling experience.