The last kiss is a rite practiced by the red priests of R'hllor. When a follower of the Lord of Light dies, priests fill their mouths with fire and breathe flame into the deceased,[1] as they believe that fire cleanses[2] and is a bright gift.[3] Harwin and Thoros of the brotherhood without banners refer to it as the kiss of life.[4]
Recent Events
A Storm of Swords
Thoros of Myr explains to Arya Stark that he administered the last kiss to Lord Beric Dondarrion when Beric died after the battle at the Mummer's Ford. The kiss revived Beric, however, much to the shock of Thoros, who had never seen such an occurrence before and attributes the resurrection to R'hllor.[1]
A Feast for Crows
Thoros tells Brienne of Tarth that when the brotherhood without banners found the body of Catelyn Stark three days after her death, he refused to perform the kiss of life on her because it has been too long. Beric instead touched his lips to Catelyn's, passing the flame of life from him to her.[4]
Quotes
So when his poor torn chest stopped moving, I gave him the good god's own kiss to send him on his way.[1]
When we found her by the river she was three days dead. Harwin begged me to give her the kiss of life, but it had been too long. I would not do it, so Lord Beric put his lips to hers instead, and the flame of life passed from him to her. And … she rose. May the Lord of Light protect us. She rose.[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 39, Arya VII.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 42, Davos II.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 42, Brienne VIII.