A Game of Thrones, Chapter 62, Tyrion
Summary
Lord Tywin requests that Tyrion rides with his clansmen in vanguard, under the command of Ser Gregor Clegane. Dwarf is upset with this assignment and leaves the dinner to join the whore Bronn found for him, Shae. The next morning brings the battle with Stark army. Tyrion and his savages defend the river on the left side of the battlefield. During the battle dwarf manages to kill one knight and take another one prisoner. Lannister army is victorious, however the battle did not go according to Lord Tywin’s plan, who planned the left side to collapse and lure Starks into the trap. Lannisters learn that Robb is hurrying to help the besieged Riverrun.
Quotes
“I saw that great hairy one today, the one who insisted that he must have two battle-axes, the heavy black steel ones with twin crescent blades.”
“Shagga likes to kill with either hand,” Tyrion said as a trencher of steaming pork was laid in front of him.
“He still had that wood-axe of his strapped to his back.”
“Shagga is of the opinion that three axes are even better than two.”
No one looked at him. No one spoke to him. No one paid him any mind. He was surrounded by men sworn to House Lannister, a vast host twenty thousand strong, and yet he was alone.
“In good time. Are you a maiden, Shae?”
“If it please you, m’lord,” she said demurely.
“What would please me would be the truth of you, girl.”
“Aye, but that will cost you double.”
Tyrion decided they would get along splendidly.
Tyrion saw Shagga catch a spearman full in the chest as the fool came on at a run, saw his axe shear through mail and leather and muscle and lungs. The man was dead on his feet, the axehead lodged in his breast, yet Shagga rode on, cleaving a shield in two with his left-hand battle-axe while the corpse was bouncing and stumbling bonelessly along on his right.
Commentary
This chapter is divided into two parts. The first one is a study of Tyrion and his relations with father, Lord Tywin. There doesn’t seem to be the end to humiliation. Tywin Lannister treats Tyrion like a burden he has to bear, however unpleasant it might be. And I can’t stop to wonder if Tyrion was really sent to die “defending the left”. It was his father’s plan after all to send him into heat of the battle where his forces were predicted to collapse. Very disturbing thought.
A key character to Tyrion storyline is introduced: the whore Shae. Feeling that his life may end abruptly on the next day imp intends to go down remembering the best world has to offer. Unfortunately he also engages himself emotionally and this will be his undoing. In the long run.
Second part of the chapter is the battle in most splendid GRRM style. Armies of the Wolf and the Lion clash for the first time and reader is drawn into the killing game with the speed of a charging horse.
What I liked about this battle in particular is the point of view of the dwarf, who is no warrior. Following his like of thinking might be close to what most of us would have thought in similar situation. Contemplating death in this situation is only natural, but is it what heroes do? Tyrion doesn’t seem to have the answer…
What I did not get though is why the army under Roose Bolton marched all night to give Lannisters the battle on their terms, give them the advantage of being rested. The point was to delay Lord Tywin as much as possible, to give Robb enough time to break the siege. Why force the battle?
The ending of this chapter brings a bit of hope as Lannisters realize that they have been outwitted by Robb, who’s on his way to relieve Riverrun.
Tags: Tyrion
