*This is the third in a series of catch-up articles we’re posting to help everyone be the best Game of Thrones fan they can be come Sunday.
Part One: The Wall Isn’t Just a Physical Barrier
Part Two: Bran Isn’t the Only One Who Knows Jon’s Parentage
Okay, Ser Gregor probably doesn’t do much worrying about anything these days. Hell, he probably didn’t worry about too much before his… metamorphosis? Despite what a deplorable character he is, the Mountain has never cared too much about repercussions because frankly, he hasn’t had to. His size and strength alone are enough to quell most of his enemies, and beyond that, he’s lived his life in the service of one of the most powerful families in Westeros, and NOW he’s the Queen’s personal bodyguard. No one can accuse Ser Gregor Clegane of being easy to kill, this much we know.
While vast swaths of the internet salivate for the much-hyped Cleganebowl that we have absolutely no indication is happening, here at Geek we suspect another threat could take down the Mountain. You may have heard of the lady in question. Her name is Ellaria Sand, and she is not here for Lannister BS.
In a quest for revenge that’s already dwarfed that of her late lover’s, Ellaria’s taken out Myrcella, Areo Hotah and the PRINCE OF DORNE. She didn’t bother waiting for a trial by combat to fall into her lap — she chased her vengeance with a fury, and now she’s taking said quest on the road. If you’ll recall, she and Lord Varys literally promised Lady Olenna “vengeance with fire and blood” if she joined Team Dany in their attempt to retake the Iron Throne. Presumably, that’s the main reason why Dorne’s new HBIC threw in with the dragon queen. No one’s under the impression she gives a flying frack who sits the Iron Throne, but while there are still Lannisters alive, her thirst for revenge will remain unquenched. And who better to be the recipient of some of it than the very Lannister soldier that killed her lover?
While we know next to nothing about what the Dornish contingent will get up to in the seventh season, she’s seen in the trailer making out with Yara Greyjoy, so it’s safe to say she’s definitely in the game. That’s a far cry from getting close enough to the Mountain to give him a deadly smooch, but if there’s anyone Ellaria would like a shot at more than Cersei, it’s the Mountain. If she gets the chance, she’ll no doubt take it. The terrible thing is, it’s just as likely we’ll see her lose as it is we’ll see her emerge victorious.
While there’s some serious poetic justice in finishing the job Oberyn started with his poisoned spear, Oberyn’s fatal flaw was his obsession with vengeance — the very thing that’s his lover’s primary motivation currently. It’s possible Ellaria could fall victim to the same thing if she isn’t careful. As much as we love her (fierce with a capital F*** YOU, that one), she can be a bit… rash. Just look at the regime change she perpetuated without a second thought.
That went well enough, but she’s still vulnerable to the same arrogance and obsession Oberyn was, if not moreso now that she’s been so successful. In any case, with serious evidence that the Hound heads north this season and zero indication the Mountain follows, Ellaria could wind up in a far better position to off him than anyone else. And if she gets a shot, you can bet she’ll take it.
What do you want more? Cleganebowl or Kiss of Death? Let us know in the comments!
Watch the latest trailer below if you need to get any more hype.
Game of Thrones premieres this Sunday(!!!!!!), July 16th at 9 pm on HBO.
Photos: HBO
