The Deadly Secrets of Westeros: Unraveling the Game of Thrones Poison Plot

Death is a prominent aspect of Game of Thrones, with the show gaining attention for its bold and shocking on-screen killings of beloved characters. No one was exempt from the threat of death in Westeros, where nobles and warriors often met violent ends through battles or public executions. However, there were those who opted for a less conventional approach to ensure the effective elimination of their targets. Though lacking in glamour, poison proved to be a reliable and cunning weapon of choice.

In Westeros, honor is understood in a peculiar manner. Certain knights would go to extreme lengths, sacrificing their lives and causing harm to innocents in order to serve the whims of a monstrous ruler who happened to sit on the Iron Throne. They would even set cities ablaze as a means of provoking their adversaries. However, poisoning their intended target was often viewed as crossing a moral boundary. Many in Westeros believe that any action taken on the battlefield, even through deception, is justifiable. Poison, on the other hand, is seen as a weapon utilized by those who are unable or unwilling to engage in direct combat.

Common poisons in Game of Thrones

In Westeros, there is a wide array of toxic substances to choose from. Many poisons are obtained through various methods, similar to those used in reality. Some naturally occurring toxicants, like Wolfsbane, exist in Westeros just as they do in the real world. Deadly nightshade also grows in this land and is used by doctors as a medicine, although it is much more effective as a poison. Venomous animals, such as a scorpion-like arachnid known as a manticore, can have their fluids extracted and refined to obtain an extraordinarily lethal venom. While native to Essos, the old continent, many individuals utilize these creatures' natural gifts for purposes such as alchemy or assassination. Essos is also the home of basilisks, venomous reptiles about the size of dogs, whose blood induces violent madness. Additionally, the crannogmen, an offshoot of the First Men who settled in the swamps of the Neck, have the ability to find bog water heavily laden with bacteria and parasites, thus turning it into a natural poison. These naturally occurring substances can be weaponized.

Moreover, specially crafted poisons can result in a diverse range of unique physiological effects. For instance, an assassin's poison called Sweetsleep ensures a peaceful death. By administering small doses, shaking fits can be alleviated, whereas slightly larger doses can induce a permanent coma in the victim. Tears of Lys, a poison without color, taste, or odor, causes swift death by triggering stomach sickness and high fevers. Widow's Blood, on the other hand, is a crimson liquid that brings about the shutdown of the victim's bladder and bowels, ultimately leading to sepsis and death. The Strangler takes the form of purple crystals that close a victim's airway, resulting in suffocation resembling choking. Lastly, the long farewell is an incredibly potent toxin capable of killing a victim with just a single drop. As its name suggests, although it takes time, its lethality is certain without the antidote.

Who uses poisons in Game of Thrones?

Alchemists and maesters thoroughly study poisons, which are commonly associated with being a "woman's weapon," limited to those who are incapable of fighting on the battlefield. Assassins frequently utilize poisons to eliminate their targets, either by staging the murders to appear as accidents or by deftly maneuvering past numerous guards. The Faceless Man known as Jaqen H'ghar once employed a blow dart dipped in wolfsbane to swiftly incapacitate a target. After spending time with them, Arya Stark developed a strong inclination towards poisoning wine. Poisons are also prevalent among nobles, as spouses, children, and parents frequently discreetly introduce substances into one another's meals in their quest for power. This method of execution is deemed more civilized compared to hiring an outright murderer. Oberyn Martell took great pleasure in poisons, even employing a spear tipped with venom during honorable tournaments. His daughters continued the tradition by coating their daggers with the lethal substance known as the long goodbye. While accessible to all, poisons are predominantly utilized by mercenaries and influential members of the nobility.

The most famous poisonings in Game of Thrones

Joffrey Baratheon, the eighteenth ruler of the Iron Throne, met his grim fate during his own wedding banquet. This momentous event brought swift and profound changes to the realm. Although not technically poisoned, his father fell victim to spiked wine, which led to his untimely demise. Jon Arryn, Robert's trusted adviser, was cunningly dispatched by his own wife using the lethal Tears of Lys. Petyr Baelish played a partial role in orchestrating the deaths of both Joffrey and Arryn. Arya Stark, on the other hand, took matters into her own hands by employing poisoned wine to eliminate most members of House Frey. The venom of a manticore inflicted a mortal wound upon Gregor Clegane by Oberyn Martell, but Qyburn's illicit human experimentation managed to resurrect him in a grotesque mockery of life. Remarkably, Ser Bronn of the Blackwater stands as the sole survivor to make a full recovery from poisoning. Despite suffering from cut wounds inflicted by the poisoned daggers of Tyrene Sand, he was promptly administered the antidote, ensuring his survival.

Poison is a prevalent issue in Westeros, where even the highest-ranking officials cannot enjoy a glass of wine without anxiety. Trusting any meal is utterly impossible. While some may dismiss it as a cowardly approach, poison proves to be one of the most efficient methods of inflicting death in the Game of Thrones. One should never underestimate the power of a mere few drops of venom.