How Game of Thrones Neglected This Important House of Westeros, Yet the Books Offer Redemption

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Examining House Martell: Game of Thrones vs. A Song of Ice and Fire

Game of Thrones has come under scrutiny for its portrayal of House Martell, one of the renowned Great Houses of Westeros. While the show makes a few references to House Martell—most notably through the character of Oberyn Martell, introduced in season 4—its representation pales in comparison to the depth provided in George R. R.Martin’s literary work, A Song of Ice and Fire. By adhering more closely to the source material, the television adaptation could have transformed House Martell into a much more significant player within the grand chessboard of Westeros.

The initial seasons of Game of Thrones largely stay true to the books; however, as the series progresses, particularly by the contentious eighth season, major alterations occur, sidelining several key characters, including those from House Martell. While some adaptations can enhance a narrative, the treatment of House Martell is notably detrimental. The series not only diminishes the importance of this Great House but also excludes vital characters and alters others to such an extent that their original essence is lost. Fortunately, the forthcoming volumes of A Song of Ice and Fire have the potential to amend these narrative disparities.

Significant Deviations: House Martell in Game of Thrones

Altered Characterizations: House Martell

In adapting the narrative of House Martell, significant changes have been made to pivotal characters that ultimately distort their representation. While Oberyn and Ellaria’s experiences in King’s Landing align somewhat with the books—including Oberyn’s harrowing demise in season 4—the storyline diverges sharply after his death. In the show, Ellaria’s focus shifts to avenging her lover, Oberyn, which starkly contrasts with her book counterpart’s motivations. She prioritizes the safety of her daughters over revenge against the Lannisters, even reprimanding her daughters for desiring vengeance, indicating a depth to her character often overlooked.

“Oberyn wanted vengeance for Elia. Now the three of you want vengeance for him. I have four daughters, I remind you. Your sisters. My Elia is fourteen, almost a woman. Obella is twelve, on the brink of maidenhood. They worship you, as Dorea and Loreza worship them. If you should die, must El and Obella seek vengeance for you, then Dorea and Loree for them? Is that how it goes, round and round forever? I ask again, where does it end?” Ellaria Sand laid her hand on the Mountain’s head.“I saw your father die. Here is his killer. Can I take a skull to bed with me, to give me comfort in the night? Will it make me laugh, write me songs, care for me when I am old and sick?”

– Ellaria to Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene in A Dance With Dragons Chapter 38, “The Watcher”

Contrary to her stance in the books, Ellaria Sand takes the lead in pursuing revenge in the television adaptation, even engaging in acts of aggression against the Lannisters. Moreover, Game of Thrones alters her relationship with her daughters. In the books, she discourages their vengefulness, preferring to seek stability over escalation. The dynamic shifts again as Ellaria becomes consumed by the desire for power, killing Doran Martell in a strategic move devoid of ambition in the original text.

House Martell’s Diminished Role in Game of Thrones

A Central Role in A Song of Ice and Fire

The narrative significance of House Martell is drastically reduced in Game of Thrones, primarily due to the exclusion of key characters like Arianne and Quentyn Martell. In A Feast for Crows, Arianne feels her inheritance is jeopardized by Doran’s apparent favoritism towards her brother Quentyn. Doran’s original plan includes an alliance with the Targaryens, initiating with Arianne’s betrothal to Viserys, which is reevaluated following Viserys’s death. Subsequently, Doran dispatches Quentyn to woo Daenerys Targaryen in hopes of restoring their lineage’s power.

Despite Quentyn’s ultimate failure and demise, he remains essential to Doran’s overarching strategies and underscore House Martell’s ambitions. The absence of another important character, Young Griff, further constrains House Martell’s narrative functions in the series. As a potential descendant of Elia, Young Griff could have introduced new complexities into the power dynamics of Westeros, especially concerning Doran’s motivations for reclaiming the Iron Throne.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1F-07gH5dM

Oberyn Martell Fights The Mountain | Game of Thrones | Max (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1F-07gH5dM)

The overarching narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire effectively positions House Martell as a crucial player in the future of Westeros, a notion underexplored in Game of Thrones. The series instead opts to exploit the dramatic fallout from Oberyn’s death, prioritizing physical conflict over the political intrigue that defines House Martell’s ambition and agency.

A Song of Ice and Fire: A Redemptive Opportunity for House Martell

Awaiting the Winds of Winter & A Dream of Spring

Despite Game of Thrones’ shortcomings in depicting House Martell, fans still have hope as A Song of Ice and Fire progresses. Anticipation builds for The Winds of Winter, which promises to rectify narrative disappointments involving House Martell. After years of delay, George R. R.Martin assures that he is diligently working on the upcoming volume, followed by another installment, A Dream of Spring. These upcoming novels are poised to deliver a more satisfying conclusion for Dorne, allowing House Martell to emerge stronger and more relevant within the story.

Envisioning a Better Future for House Martell

Arianne Martell: The Future of House Martell

As The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring unfold, Arianne Martell is expected to take center stage in the narrative. With Quentyn already deceased and Trystane facing peril due to Cersei’s strategic moves, Arianne’s survival becomes paramount for House Martell’s legacy. Although the elder Sand Snakes remain at risk due to their single-minded revenge pursuits, Doran’s calculated schemes still push for House Martell’s restoration through a potential alliance with the Targaryens.

The looming threat of the White Walkers and the Night King coincides with House Martell’s storyline. Although their exact involvement in the Long Night remains uncertain, Arianne may align with Daenerys Targaryen, driven by her beliefs in female leadership and empowerment. Such an alliance would favor House Martell’s strategic positioning against invaders, showcasing a nuanced participation that was lacking in the show.

Nonetheless, House Martell’s fate won’t solely hinge on Daenerys’s survival; even her demise in the narrative could shift power dynamics significantly. Significantly, Arianne’s survival and leadership could herald a new era for House Martell in Dorne, something that Game of Thrones failed to explore adequately due to the absence of her character.

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