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Game Of Thrones: Why Shireen Baratheon’s Death Was The Most Tragic
Shireen Baratheon had one of the most heart-wrenching deaths in Game of Thrones, and it was arguably the most tragic of the many character deaths throughout the shows eight seasons. The young daughter of Stannis and Selyse Baratheon was played by Kerry Ingram and appeared in three seasons of the HBO fantasy drama. She may not have made an impact like some of the other young female characters, such as Arya Stark or Lyanna Mormont, but Shireen's presence was a potent symbol of innocence.
Shireen was first introduced during Game of Thrones season 3. She had contracted Greyscale and was her mother's only surviving child, as her three brothers were stillborn. Selyse resented her daughter for not being able to give Stannis a healthy heir. Even though Stannis was often preoccupied with gaining the power to get the Iron Throne, he had a soft spot for his daughter. Shireen befriended Ser Davos Seaworth from a young age and even gave him reading lessons. Over time, Selyse came to believe that Shireen was too stubborn and sinful, so she sent the Red Priestess, Melisandre, to teach the girl about the Lord of Light, R'hllor.
Stannis' family accompanied the army to the North and was present when they stopped at Castle Black. The group continued on their journey, since Stannis had plans to take over Winterfell from Ramsay Bolton. Along the way, the army encountered a snowstorm. Melisandre suggested that they sacrifice more king's blood to R'hllor to better their chances in the upcoming battle, which was what had been envisioned in the flames. Without any other candidates, Shireen was the only option. After internally debating the decision, Stannis offered up his only child's life in exchange for a chance at power. Shireen was tied up and burned at the stake - and it turned out to be for nothing.
Stannis Cared More About The Iron Throne Than Keeping Shireen Safe
Game of Thrones never backed down from killing off a character, no matter how young the figure was at the time of their death. Rickon Stark, Lyanna Mormont, and all of the Baratheon children were killed. The series didn't even avoid killing direwolves, which usually hurt more than seeing humans meet their ends. Shireen's death, however, was made worse by the fact that her father took advantage of her love and loyalty. Before sacrificing her, he met with his daughter and explained that a man must meet his destiny. Shireen claimed that she would do anything she would to help her father, and he manipulated her faith in him for his own personal gain.
Stannis and Selyse blindly followed a religion that they didn't understand. Shireen's sacrifice turned out to be a needless decision, because all it brought was more misfortune. Not only did it not give Stannis a better chance at claiming the Iron Throne, but it also caused hundreds of his soldiers to desert his efforts. In addition, Selyse committed suicide, and Melisandre abandoned Stannis after realizing she had misinterpreted the prophecy. Stannis and his army were easily beaten and he was later killed by Brienne of Tarth. His selfish actions finally caught up with him, but it came at the price of his family. Shireen had a whole life to live and didn't deserve what happened to her. Her excruciating death wasn't at the hands of an enemy or a personal sacrifice for the greater good. Her own father bartered with her young life, making it the most difficult death in Game of Thrones to accept.
