Unanswered Questions About Melisandre's Survival: Why No One Attempted to Kill Her?

Melisandre, the enigmatic and powerful red witch, captivated audiences with her otherworldly abilities and complex character. However, one question often arises among fans: why didn’t anyone actually attempt to kill her? To answer this, we will delve into the unique characteristics of the red witches, the specific incident with Stannis's maester, and the pivotal moment when these questions come into play.

The Red Witches: Capable and Invulnerable?

Red witches, in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, are capable of many incredible feats. Their knowledge and powers extend far beyond what is commonly understood, making them a significant threat to any who would challenge them. Despite their remarkable abilities, there is surprisingly little recorded evidence of anyone ever attempting to kill one of these witches. This is partly due to the sheer terror and respect induced by their powers. One reason is the apparent invulnerability granted by their flames. In the novel, Melisandre’s flames serve as a protective shield, rendering her immune to physical harm. Her ability to withstand lethal poison is further evidence of this invulnerability. Even when Maester Cressen attempted to poison her, the poison had no effect, as both parties were affected by the poison in the same manner.

The Incident with Maester Cressen

In a pivotal moment, Maester Cressen of Stannis Baratheon attempted to poison Melisandre. This incident occurs in the season four episode of the Game of Thrones series. Cressen, under the guise of providing a cup of wine, attempted to deliver a fatal dose of poison. However, the plot backfired when the poison rendered both Cressen and Melisandre incapacitated, with Cressen ultimately dying and Melisandre surviving. Cressen’s motive was likely tied to his desire to save Stannis by removing the looming threat of Melisandre. The fact that she was willing to drink the poison and survive showcases the unique nature of red witches and their connection to the flame. The flame itself appears to be a protection conferred upon them, allowing them to withstand otherwise lethal substances.

Melisandre’s Powers and Stannis’s Dilemma

Melisandre’s death would have posed a significant threat to Stannis, given his dire circumstances. With only a small, depleted army and the harsh winter closing in, Stannis needed every advantage he could get. Moreover, he was forced with the realization that without Melisandre, his chances of achieving victory would be severely diminished. The loss of his family and the death of Renly further cemented his reliance on Melisandre. Stannis knew firsthand about the dangers posed by Melisandre, as she had sacrificed her own child to become pregnant. This dark side of Melisandre's powers made it even more critical for Stannis to believe in her. This belief and his need to secure his claim to the Iron Throne pushed him to view her actions as both powerful and necessary for survival.

Interrogation and Capture

Given Stannis’s dire situation, one might wonder if he would have captured and interrogated Melisandre. Logically, in such a predicament, capturing and interrogating an individual with her powers would have been a feasible solution. However, the urgency of the situation demanded immediate action. Stannis knew he needed to march quickly to Winterfell if he was to stand a chance of seizing the city. He did not have time to send a party after Melisandre, and thus, missed the opportunity to gain valuable information from her or eliminate her as a threat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the survival of Melisandre amidst attempts on her life can be attributed to a combination of her innate protective powers, the fear and respect instilled by the red witches, and Stannis’s immediate need to act in his own best interest. The question remains: why did no one fully attempt to kill her? The answer likely lies in the extraordinary nature of red witches and the specific circumstances that surrounded their interactions in the story. Further exploration of these elements would undoubtedly provide a more comprehensive understanding of Melisandre’s role in the narrative.

Keywords: Melisandre, Red Witch, Stannis Baratheon