Did Stannis' Wife, Selyse, Really Kill Herself?
Hello, everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Game of Thrones to explore a question that's been on many fans' minds: did Stannis Baratheon's wife, Selyse, really kill herself? Let's grab some coffee, get comfortable, and delve into this intriguing topic. Guys, explore more in Relationships and did stannis wife kill herself.
Selyse Baratheon: A Brief Overview
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's quickly recap who Selyse Baratheon was. Portrayed by the talented Tara Fitzgerald, Selyse was the wife of Stannis Baratheon and the mother of his two children, Shireen and Dale. She was a devout follower of the Lord of Light, R'hllor, and became increasingly unhinged as the series progressed. Her obsession with the red god led her to support the burning of Mance Rayder and, ultimately, her own daughter, Shireen.
The Scene: Selyse's Death
In the fifth season of Game of Thrones, we witness Selyse's apparent suicide. After being confronted by her husband for her role in Shireen's death, Selyse hangs herself in her chambers. Or does she?
The Evidence: Was It Really Suicide?
The Note
Selyse leaves behind a note confessing to her role in Shireen's death and expressing her desire to join her daughter in the Lord of Light's embrace. However, some fans have pointed out that the note is written in a shaky, hurried scrawl, unlike Selyse's usually neat handwriting. Could this be a sign that the note was written under duress or by someone else entirely?
The Position of the Body
When Stannis discovers Selyse's body, she's hanging from a hook used for lighting torches. However, some fans have noticed that the hook is positioned rather low, making it unlikely that Selyse could have reached it to hang herself. Could someone else have placed her there to make it look like a suicide?
The Motive
While Selyse was certainly guilty of terrible acts, her love for her daughter was undeniable. It seems out of character for her to take her own life, especially after expressing her desire to be reunited with Shireen. Could someone have taken advantage of her grief to silence her permanently?
The Alternatives: Who Could Have Killed Selyse?
If Selyse didn't kill herself, who could have? Here are a few theories:
Stannis
Some fans believe that Stannis himself may have killed Selyse. After all, he was furious with her for her role in Shireen's death. However, this theory is unlikely, as Stannis is later shown to be genuinely grief-stricken over Selyse's death.
Melisandre
The red priestess, Melisandre, had a significant influence over Selyse. Some fans believe that she may have orchestrated Selyse's death to remove a rival for Stannis' affections. However, there's no concrete evidence to support this theory.
The Night's Watch Deserter
A less popular theory suggests that the Night's Watch deserter who betrayed Stannis may have killed Selyse. However, this theory is largely based on speculation and has little evidence to support it.
The Impact of Selyse's Death
Regardless of whether Selyse killed herself or not, her death had a significant impact on the story. Stannis' grief and guilt over Selyse's death contributed to his eventual defeat at the Battle of Winterfell. Moreover, her death marked the end of one of Game of Thrones' most complex and tragic relationships.
The Unanswered Questions
Despite all the evidence and theories, the question of whether Selyse really killed herself remains unanswered. Perhaps we'll never know the truth. But that's part of what makes Game of Thrones so fascinating - even after all these years, there's still so much to explore and debate.
Conclusion
So, did Stannis' wife, Selyse, really kill herself? The evidence is inconclusive, and the theories are plentiful. But one thing's for sure - Selyse's death was a pivotal moment in Game of Thrones, and her legacy continues to echo throughout the realm. Until next time, keep those theories coming, and let's continue to celebrate the magic of Game of Thrones!