Introduction
In the treacherous and morally gray world of Game of Thrones, where ambition often trumps honor, and betrayal lurks around every corner, certain characters stand out as beacons of integrity. Ser Barristan Selmy, often hailed as “Barristan the Bold,” is one such figure. Renowned throughout Westeros as one of the greatest knights who ever lived, Barristan represented a fading ideal of chivalry and unwavering loyalty. His journey, from serving the Mad King to guiding Daenerys Targaryen, showcases the complexities of duty, the challenges of maintaining honor in a corrupt world, and the enduring power of a true knight’s oath. His influence as Dany’s advisor, although shorter than in the books, greatly affected her rule and decisions. This article seeks to explore the life, motivations, and legacy of Ser Barristan Selmy, highlighting why he remains an unsung hero in the sprawling saga of Game of Thrones.
A Legacy Forged in Steel
Barristan Selmy’s reputation preceded him. Born into the noble House Selmy, he quickly distinguished himself as a formidable warrior. His early feats of valor earned him knighthood and a place among the most respected fighters in the Seven Kingdoms. During Robert’s Rebellion, he fought valiantly for the Targaryen cause, even earning a pardon from Robert Baratheon himself for his courage. This act of forgiveness demonstrated the respect even his enemies held for Barristan’s skill and unwavering commitment. The stories of his prowess on the battlefield became legendary, solidifying his image as a true knight in a world increasingly defined by political machinations and moral compromise. He truly earned the nickname of “Barristan the Bold” during the War of the Ninepenny Kings and proved he was just as valiant during Robert’s Rebellion.
Serving Under the Crown: Loyalty and Disillusionment
After Robert’s ascension to the Iron Throne, Barristan was appointed Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, a position of immense responsibility and prestige. He dedicated himself to protecting the King, upholding the traditions of the Kingsguard, and serving as a symbol of knightly virtue. However, the reign of Robert Baratheon was far from the age of chivalry Barristan envisioned. The King’s excesses, the court’s intrigues, and the growing corruption within the realm slowly chipped away at Barristan’s faith in the system he had sworn to uphold.
The Pardoning of Ser Jorah
One particularly poignant episode involved Ser Jorah Mormont, who was caught selling poachers into slavery. Barristan, deeply disturbed by this violation of honor and law, insisted on justice. However, Robert Baratheon, swayed by friendship, intended to turn a blind eye. Barristan, though bound by his oath, found himself torn between loyalty to the King and his own moral compass. Ultimately, he played a role in allowing Jorah to flee into exile, demonstrating his capacity for compassion even within the rigid framework of his knightly code.
Dismissal by Joffrey
The ultimate betrayal came with the ascension of Joffrey Baratheon. The young king, manipulated by Cersei Lannister, dismissed Barristan from the Kingsguard, citing his age as a reason. This act was not only a personal affront to Barristan but also a symbolic rejection of the values he represented. Joffrey’s dismissal, motivated by spite and a desire to surround himself with more pliable figures, marked a turning point in Barristan’s life and further underscored the decline of honor within the court. The dismissal made the Kingsguard look less honorable because Barristan was widely regarded as one of the best knights in the realm. To dismiss him simply because of age seemed to indicate there were different reasons, such as his adherence to honor.
Across the Narrow Sea: A New Purpose
Stripped of his position and disillusioned by the corruption he witnessed in Westeros, Barristan sought a new purpose. He crossed the Narrow Sea and found his way to Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled queen seeking to reclaim her birthright. He revealed his true identity to her and swore allegiance to her cause. He saw in Daenerys a potential for just and righteous rule, a chance to restore honor to a world desperately in need of it.
Advisor and Protector
As Daenerys’ advisor and protector, Barristan played a crucial role in shaping her decisions and guiding her towards her goals. He shared his vast knowledge of Westeros, offered counsel on matters of strategy and diplomacy, and served as a constant reminder of the importance of honor and justice. His presence provided Daenerys with a link to the past, a connection to the traditions of knighthood, and a moral anchor in the turbulent seas of politics. His knowledge from serving the Baratheons and Targaryens allowed him to give valuable insight to Dany.
The Struggle for Meereen
The challenges of ruling Meereen, a city rife with political intrigue and simmering rebellion, tested Daenerys’ leadership and Barristan’s patience. He often found himself grappling with the complexities of balancing justice with mercy, of maintaining order while respecting the rights of the people. He witnessed Daenerys’ struggle to reconcile her ideals with the harsh realities of power and offered guidance and support, even when he disagreed with her choices. He always tried to show her how a good queen should act.
The End of a Legend: Death in Meereen
The weight of his commitment to Dany proved too heavy to bear when he was ambushed and killed in the fighting pits. Ser Barristan met his tragic end in the streets of Meereen, ambushed by the Sons of the Harpy, a group of insurgents seeking to overthrow Daenerys’ rule. His death was a devastating blow to Daenerys and her cause. It robbed her of a trusted advisor, a skilled warrior, and a moral compass.
Barristan’s death highlighted the dangers of the path Daenerys had chosen and forced her to confront the true cost of war and conquest. Her anger at the Sons of the Harpy escalated after Barristan’s death. Her reaction and subsequent actions showed how much she relied on him for advice and wisdom. More broadly, his death served as a stark reminder of the decline of chivalry and the erosion of traditional values in the face of ruthless ambition. His values were simply too high for the Game of Thrones.
A Lasting Impression: Legacy
Despite his tragic fate, Ser Barristan Selmy’s legacy endures. He remains a symbol of honor, duty, and unwavering loyalty in a world where such qualities are increasingly rare. He served as an example of what a true knight should be: courageous, compassionate, and committed to upholding justice, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Barristan tried to lead by example.
His influence on Daenerys was profound, shaping her understanding of leadership and justice. He helped her to see the importance of honor and compassion, even in the pursuit of power. Though Daenerys may have strayed from these principles in the end, Barristan’s influence helped her to make better decisions in the early days of her campaign to rule.
Ser Barristan’s bravery impacted Tyrion Lannister and encouraged him to continue to be just as a leader. His choices showed Dany how to act and make decisions that benefited the people she ruled. He served as an example for others.
Conclusion
Ser Barristan Selmy’s story is a testament to the enduring power of honor and integrity in a world consumed by ambition and betrayal. He represented the best of what a knight could be, a beacon of light in the darkness of Game of Thrones. While others sought power and glory, Barristan remained steadfast in his commitment to duty, loyalty, and the principles of chivalry. His life and death serve as a poignant reminder that even in the most ruthless of worlds, honor can still prevail, and that true heroes are those who remain true to their values, even when faced with impossible choices. In a world where dragons flew and magic surged, it was the steadfast honor of an aging knight that truly captivated and inspired. Ser Barristan Selmy was a true hero and the values he lived by will never be forgotten.
