Red comet
The red comet is a comet that appeared in the sky over Westeros in 298 AC. It is red, with a long tail that to some appears to cover half the sky. It is visible by day and outshines the moon at night.[1][2] Some believe the color of the comet is blood red.[3] It was first spied by Jhogo just prior to the birth of Daenerys Targaryen's dragons.[4]
The Red Comet should not be confused with the red wanderer.
Names for the Comet
There are as many names as there are interpretations for this ominous heavenly body. In King's Landing is goes by "King Joffrey's Comet" at court and the "Red Messenger" in the streets.[5] It is also called the "Red Messenger" by the soldiers in the Riverlands.[3] Among the Faith it is known as the "Sword that Slays the Season."[6] Among the Night's Watch, it is known as Mormont's Torch.[7] The comet's Dothraki name is "shierak qiya", meaning "bleeding star".[8] Gendry names it the "Red Sword" on account of its sword-like shape.[9]
Meanings of the Comet
Among the peoples of Westeros and abroad, the comet takes on different meanings. To some, like Melisandre and Old Nan, it signals the coming of dragons.[1][6] Old Nan claimed to be able to smell the comet. To others it hails future triumph and ascent to a throne for Joffrey and Daenerys and simply future triumph for Edmure Tully.[5][8][3] To many more, such as Brynden Tully, Aeron Greyjoy and Osha it signifies the onset of war and the bloodshed that comes with it.[3][10][6] Some, like Greatjon Umber look upon the comet as a symbol of vengeance.[3]
To Daenerys who first sees it on the night she had burned Khal Drogo, the night her dragons had awakened. It is a herald of her coming, a sign meant for her to follow, which she does through the red wastes. The comet slowly fades as Daenerys takes to sea from her final stop at Qarth and in one vision in the House of the Undying the Undying Ones claim to have sent the comet to guide Daenerys to them[11].
Recent Events
A Game of Thrones
As Daenerys Targaryen's khalasar waits s night falls before Khal Drogo’s funeral pyre, it is Ser Jorah that first notices the red comet; it is the first star of the evening. It is said that the more fiercely a man burned in life, the brighter his star. Daenerys uses this as a sign to light the pyre. [4]
A Clash of Kings
Arya Stark is journeying north with Yoren and his recruits for the Wall disguised as Arry. She lies and looks up at the in for the night, she looks up at the comet comet which she thinks is both splendid and scary comet. Gendry, the smith called it “The Red Sword,” saying it looked sword, the blade still red-hot from the forge. She can see the sword but to her it looks like her father’s great sword Ice, covered in blood as it had been after her father’s head was cut off.[9]
Quotes
References and Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 3, Tyrion I.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 7, Catelyn I.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 72, Daenerys X.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 2, Sansa I.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 4, Bran I.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 5, Arya II.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 12, Daenerys I.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 1, Arya I.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 11, Theon I.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 48, Daenerys IV.