Difference between revisions of "Moqorro"

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The formal robes of Moqorro have turned into salt-stained rags, and Victarion decides to offer his "sorcerer priest" new clothes. But there is no red cloth aboard the ''[[Iron Victory]]'', since the crimson-and-scarlet robes of the red priests are alien to [[Ironborn]] culture. Victarion instructs [[Tom Tidewood]] to saw new robes for Moqorro, using whatever cloth is at hand. He donates some of his own tunics for this purpose. The tunics are colored black and cold, displaying the colors of [[House Greyjoy]]. The cloth used for the banners and sails of their ships are of the same color. So Tom fashions robes in somber black, with hints of golden threat at collar, cuffs, and hem. The effect is not what Victarion had in mind. The priest is effectively clad in black from head to heel, and the overall appearance is completed by his tattooed mask of red-and-orange flames. He looks more sinister than ever, and the crew fears and shuns him. {{Ref|aDwD|63}} If the shadow of Moqorro chances to fall on a crew member, the men start spitting. {{Ref|aDwD|63}} <ref>Casting your shadow on a person or dwelling is associated with bad luck in various folkloric traditions. In areas of Europe and Asia spit (saliva) is thought to ward-off the [[w:evil eye|evil eye]]. </ref> People still urge Victarion sacrifice Moqorro to the Drowned God, including even Rodrik Sparr who had rescued the priest from the sea.{{Ref|aDwD|63}}
 
The formal robes of Moqorro have turned into salt-stained rags, and Victarion decides to offer his "sorcerer priest" new clothes. But there is no red cloth aboard the ''[[Iron Victory]]'', since the crimson-and-scarlet robes of the red priests are alien to [[Ironborn]] culture. Victarion instructs [[Tom Tidewood]] to saw new robes for Moqorro, using whatever cloth is at hand. He donates some of his own tunics for this purpose. The tunics are colored black and cold, displaying the colors of [[House Greyjoy]]. The cloth used for the banners and sails of their ships are of the same color. So Tom fashions robes in somber black, with hints of golden threat at collar, cuffs, and hem. The effect is not what Victarion had in mind. The priest is effectively clad in black from head to heel, and the overall appearance is completed by his tattooed mask of red-and-orange flames. He looks more sinister than ever, and the crew fears and shuns him. {{Ref|aDwD|63}} If the shadow of Moqorro chances to fall on a crew member, the men start spitting. {{Ref|aDwD|63}} <ref>Casting your shadow on a person or dwelling is associated with bad luck in various folkloric traditions. In areas of Europe and Asia spit (saliva) is thought to ward-off the [[w:evil eye|evil eye]]. </ref> People still urge Victarion sacrifice Moqorro to the Drowned God, including even Rodrik Sparr who had rescued the priest from the sea.{{Ref|aDwD|63}}
  
Victarion considers the priest useful. Moqorro seems to know the strange shores of [[Slaver's Bay]] in ways the Ironborn do not, he is knowledgeable in the secrets of "dragonkind". He has come to regard his sorcerer as more powerful than the three [[warlocks]] from [[Qarth]] serving Euron. Even if the three combine their powers. He is aware that [[Aeron Greyjoy]] would disapprove of his decision to employ Moqorro, but figures that his priestly brother and his pieties are now far away. {{Ref|aDwD|63}}
+
Victarion considers the priest useful. Moqorro seems to know the strange shores of [[Slaver's Bay]] in ways the Ironborn do not, he is knowledgeable in the secrets of "dragonkind". He has come to regard his sorcerer as more powerful than the three [[warlocks]] from [[Qarth]] serving Euron. Even if the three combine their powers. He is aware that [[Aeron Greyjoy]] would disapprove of his decision to employ Moqorro, but figures that his priestly brother and his pieties are now far away. {{Ref|aDwD|63}} Every night "the sorcerer priest" lights a fire on the forecastle of the ''Iron Victory'', then stalks around the flames and chants prayers. His skin shines in the firelight, reminding Victarion of polished [[w:Onyx|Onyx]]. The tattooed flames seem to dance with their master, twisting and bending, melting into one another, their colors seemingly changing with every turn of the priest's head.{{Ref|aDwD|63}} At one point, an oarsman claims that Moqorro is not praying, but summoning demons. Victarion orders the oarsman scourged, until his shoulders, back, and buttocks are covered in blood. {{Ref|aDwD|63}}
  
 
Moqorro claims that the Iron Fleet can prey on ships located between the [[Isle of Cedars]] and the hinterlands of [[Astapor]]. The ''[[Ghiscari Dawn]]'', a [[Ghiscari Empire|Ghiscari]] trading galley,  is the first to be located and captured. Further convincing Victarion that Moqorro's claims are accurate. {{Ref|aDwD|63}} The captured captain speaks a guttural Ghiscari dialect, and Moqorro translates his words into the Common Tongue.{{Ref|aDwD|63}} The captured man claims that the "War for Meereen" has already ended, and that Daenerys is dead. Moqorro counter-claims that Daenerys is still alive, as he has seen the face of the missing queen in his sacred fires. Victarion decides the captive captain is a liar, and sacrifices him to the Drowned God. He promises Moqorro that he will in time offer the "Red God" his due, but the seas are ruled by the Drowned God. Moqorro replies that there are only two gods, R'hllor and the [[Great Other]] whose true name is forbidden. {{Ref|aDwD|63}} In response, Victarion decides to rename the ''Ghiscari Dawn'' to the ''[[Red God's Wroth]]'', in honor of the "wizard" and his god. Moqorro greets the decision with a bow of his head, and the phrase: "As the captain says". {{Ref|aDwD|63}}
 
Moqorro claims that the Iron Fleet can prey on ships located between the [[Isle of Cedars]] and the hinterlands of [[Astapor]]. The ''[[Ghiscari Dawn]]'', a [[Ghiscari Empire|Ghiscari]] trading galley,  is the first to be located and captured. Further convincing Victarion that Moqorro's claims are accurate. {{Ref|aDwD|63}} The captured captain speaks a guttural Ghiscari dialect, and Moqorro translates his words into the Common Tongue.{{Ref|aDwD|63}} The captured man claims that the "War for Meereen" has already ended, and that Daenerys is dead. Moqorro counter-claims that Daenerys is still alive, as he has seen the face of the missing queen in his sacred fires. Victarion decides the captive captain is a liar, and sacrifices him to the Drowned God. He promises Moqorro that he will in time offer the "Red God" his due, but the seas are ruled by the Drowned God. Moqorro replies that there are only two gods, R'hllor and the [[Great Other]] whose true name is forbidden. {{Ref|aDwD|63}} In response, Victarion decides to rename the ''Ghiscari Dawn'' to the ''[[Red God's Wroth]]'', in honor of the "wizard" and his god. Moqorro greets the decision with a bow of his head, and the phrase: "As the captain says". {{Ref|aDwD|63}}
 +
 +
The following day, Moqorro predicts a [[w:Squall|squall]] and the prediction comes true. Three ships of the Iron Fleet vanish, with no evidence if they floundered, run aground, or were blown off course. Moqorro assures him that three ships are not permanently lost. {{Ref|aDwD|63}}
  
  

Revision as of 08:33, 7 February 2013

Moqorro
Blackflmae.jpg
Moqorro Image by Robert O'Leary

Alias Black Flame
Title Slave of R'hllor
Allegiance R'hllor
Born Volantis
Book A Dance with Dragons (Appears)

Moqorro is a red priest in service to the R'hllor faith.

Appearance and education

Moqorro is a huge man, taller than Jorah Mormont and twice as wide. His torso is massive. [1] Victarion Greyjoy estimates that he and Moqorro are about the same height. Though not the same size, since the priest is twice as wide as Victarion. His belly has the size of a boulder. [2] His skin is black as pitch, his hair white as snow. [1] His facial hair resembles a lion's mane. The hair is colored "bone-white".[2] Victarion finds Moqorro's skin unnaturally black. He recalls that Summer Islanders have nut brown skin, the Dothraki have red-brown skin, and the Dusky woman has skin the color of charcoal and earth. Moqorro's skin matches none of them. His skin is really black, blacker than coal, jet, or the wings of a raven. To Victarion this skin seems to have undergone charring. He has a mental image of a man roasting in the flames. [2] Flames are tattooed across Moqorro's cheeks and brow, flames colored yellow and orange. [1] Victarion recognizes these "frozen flames" to be slave tattoos, which he considers "marks of evil". [2] Moqorro's booming voice sounds like a bass drum to Tyrion Lannister. [1] To Victarion this voice sounds deep, as if coming from the bottom of the sea. [2]

Moqorro wears scarlet robes, embroidered at sleeve, hem, and collar with orange "flames". These decorative elements of his robes are satin. He carries with him an iron staff, equally tall to himself. Its "crown" (top) depicts a dragon's head. [1] Whenever Moqorro stamps the lower end of his staff on a surface, the "maw" (mouth) of the dragon spits out a crackling green flame. [1]

Moqorro prays in the dialect of Volantis. He is fluent in the Common Tongue of Westeros, which he speaks with hardly a trace of accent. [1] Moqorro chants in a language which Kerwin claims to be High Valyrian. [2] He is able to converse in modern Ghiscari dialects. [3]

Recent Events

A Dance with Dragons

In Volantis, Jorah Mormont and Tyrion Lannister seek passage to Meereen. The Widow of the Waterfront instructs them to board the cog Selaesori Qhoran, which is headed to Qarth by way of New Ghis. She reports that Benerro saw in his flames that the ship will never reach its destination. [4] Aboard the ship, Tyrion meets fellow passenger Moqorro. He is a red priest, escorted by five slave warriors of the Fiery Hand who have been tasked to guard him. [1] The high priest Benerro has reportedly chosen him to bring the faith of R'hllor to Daenerys Targaryen. Tyrion suspects that Moqorro was in part chosen for his fluency in the Common Tongue. [1]

Aboard the ship, the priest settles on a daily routine. At dusk, Moqorro lights his nightfire in an iron brazier, located in the middle of the ship. He prays aloud to R'hllor, while his guards chant responses in the dialect of Volantis. The ship's crew gathers round to join him in prayer. [1] The crew consists of a free-born captain, four freedmen who serve as ship's mates, and 50 slaves who serve as sailors and are legally bound to the ship. Of them, three of mates and more than 30 of the sailors are fervent worshippers of R'hllor. Tyrion notes that the captain always emerges to observe the evening prayers, but never actually takes part in them. He suspects that the captain is not a R'hlorr worshiper but dares not interfere with Moqorro's activities. Tyrion concludes that Moqorro is the "true master" of the ship for this voyage. The real authority which nobody dares to challenge. [1]

After a week of observing the evening ritual, Tyrion has come to recognize the standard elements in Moqorro's prayers. The priest first thanks his deity for the Sun which keeps them warm, for the stars which over them as the ship sails this "cold black sea". The prayers of the guards and the crowd contain requests for the deity, asking R'hllor to light their fire and protect them from the dark, to light their way and keep them warm. They describe the night as being dark and full of terrors, and ask their deity to save them from scary things. [1] The concluding prayers of the priest are more personal. Moqorro describes himself as a Slave of R'hllor and asks the "Lord of Light" to bless him and to light his way "in the dark places of the world". He then asks the deity to defend the "righteous slave" Benerro. And to grant courage and wisdom to Benerro, filling his heart with fire. [1] Tyrion considers the evening ritual to be a mummer's show, but keeps this thought to himself. He eventually notices Penny observing the ritual for the first time and approaches her, shifting his attention away from the priest. [1]

When the evening prayers end, the ship's crew disperse. But as every night, Moqorro remains by his nightfire. He rests by day and keeps vigil through the dark hours. As if tending to his sacred flames is necessary for the return of the Sun at dawn. [1] After conversing with Penny, Tyrion squats across from Moqorro and warms his hands through proximity to the nightfire. Moqorro stares into the flickering fires, lost in some vision. Moqorro often claims to see visions of "days yet to come" which , if true, Tyrion finds to be a fearsome gift. After a while, Moqorro notices the presence of the dwarf and raises his eyes to meet those of his new companion. He greets the dwarf with a solemn nod of the head, and calls him "Hugor Hill". "Hugor" is the current alias of Tyrion, which no other person aboard seems to acknowledge or use. [1]

Moqorro asks whether "Hugor" has come to pray with him. Tyrion answers in jest, that someone told him that the night is dark and full of terrors. He has his own question, however, curious to know what the priest sees in the flames. Moqorro claims to see dragons in the flames, old and young, true and false, bright and dark. He also claims to see Tyrion in the flames, a small man with a big shadow. A small man "snarling" in the midst of all.[1] Tyrion suspects that Moqorro is intentionally flattering him, as every fool loves to hear assurances concerning his/her own importance. He keeps this suspicion to himself and answers in jest. He claims that "snarling" does not fit an amiable fellow as himself, and suggests that Moqorro's vision could actually have depicted Penny. Moqorro replies with a definite "no" to this suggestion, though he softens the reply by calling "Hugor" a friend. Surprising Tyrion, since they are not that familiar with each other. [1]

Changing the subject, Tyrion asks whether the priest has predicted the time length of their journey to Meereen. Moqorro fails to reply, asking whether "Hugor" is eager to behold the "world's deliverer" (Daenerys). Tyrion lies, claiming to be eager to taste the olives of the city. He then changes the conversation topic again, wishing to know whether their slow-traveling ship is named after a Triarch of Volantis or a turtle. Moqorro chuckles in response, explaining that the term "qhoran" is equivalent to the Westerosi terms "steward" or "magister". Tyrion then asks what "selaesori" means. Moqorro translates the term to something "imbued with a pleasant aroma", "fragrant" or "flowery" for short. Tyrion suggests the translation "Stinky Steward", which Moqorro corrects to "Fragrant Steward". Tyrion thanks him for the lesson, and Moqorro replies that he is pleased to have enlightened the dwarf. He hopes "Hugor" will eventually allow him to also enlighten his friend in the truth of R'hllor. Tyrion replies "someday", though he means that Moqorro can preach to his decapitated head following his demise. [1] [5]

Tyrion bemoans that this voyage is boring. He can not keep himself preoccupied with the mystery of someone else's identity, because everyone is just who they appear to be. He can not take comfort in a congenial companionship, because no one is particularly congenial on this ship. He finds Moqorro to be the only interesting person aboard, though he quickly corrects himself that Penny could also be interesting. [1] As the voyage continues, Tyrion spends more time with Penny. They start having their meals together. At times the two dwarfs seat for their meal with Moqorro's guards, whick Tyrion nicknames "the fingers". Since they are five and are members of a Fiery Hand. [1] One night Tyrion suffers from constant nightmares and keeps waking up. He gives up on trying to sleep and heads for the deck. He finds Moqorro still awake, keeping vigil on the dying flames of his nightfire. Tyrion soon notices a dull red glow in the sky, a glow to the northeast of their current position. He also notes that the Moon seems bigger, monstrous, and swollen. Its color is red. He asks Moqorro to explain this red sky, and the priest replies that the sky is always red above Valyria. They are currently closer to its ruins than the crew would like. [1]

Moqorro asks his companion whether the stories concerning Valyria are known to the Sunset Kingdoms. Tyrion mentions sailors' tales that anyone which lays eyes on the coast of Valyria is doomed. He asks the priest whether the red glow derives from a reflection of the Fourteen Fires on the clouds. Moqorro answers that there could be 14 flames or 14,000 flames, for what man would dare to actually count them? He points to his "friend" that wisdom advises against looking too deeply at these Fires. He claims that they are the flames of divine wrath and no human flame can match them. For "we" humans are small creatures. [1] Tyrion asks whether the captain intends to test the effects of the curse. Moqorro reveals that the captain dares nothing and his chosen course would take them 50 leagues (277,8 kilometers/172,6 miles) from their current location, at what the captain considered a safe distance from the "accursed shore" of Valyria. It was Moqorro himself who commanded the captain to steer the shortest course to Slaver's Bay, because they are not alone in seeking Daenerys. The priest aims to arrive to his destination as soon as possible. [1]

Tyrion "warily" asks whether Moqorro has seen the others in his flames. He worries that the red priests could have discovered the existence of "Griff" (Jon Connington), and his "young prince" (Aegon Targaryen). And that their prophecy leaves room for just one hero, making their reaction to a second Targaryen uncertain. Moqorro answers that he has not seen the other seekers, only their shadows. One of them in particular. A tall and twisted thing with one black eye and ten long arms, sailing on a sea of blood.[1] [6]

The Selaesori Qhoran spends 12 days becalmed at the Gulf of Grief. The crewmen are in a foul mood. They use rowing boats to tow the ship to little effect, an exhausting job. A sudden western wind finally puts an end to their ordeal, though a storm front looming on the horizon. Moqorro and two of his guards take positions at the sterncastle. Tyrion is surprised as it is noon, and the priest and his guards typically emerge from their cabin at dusk. [7] Moqorro greets "Hugor" with a solemn nod. He explains to his companion that the storm is a sign of divine wrath, evidence that the Lord of Light will not suffer being mocked. Tyrion suddenly figures out what is going on. He points out that they were told this ship will never reach her destination. He had figured that either the captan will change course towards Meereen, or Moqorro and his guards will seize control of the ship and head in search of Daenerys. But he is now suspicious that neither plan was what Benerro saw in his flames, and asks Moqorro to confirm this suspicion. In a voice solemn as a "funeral bell", the priest explains that Benerro saw this storm in his flames. [7]

The ship and its crew wrestle with the storm for many hours. Near midnight, the ship is located in the eye of the storm. Moqorro stands on the forecastle, facing the storm. He keeps his staff raised above his head, as he recites a prayer in a booming voice. When the ship exits the eye and the wind returns, the scarlet robes of the priest swirl in the wind. Moqorro shouts something, and green flames emerge from the dragon's maw of his staff. He seems to aim his flames at the storm and they simply vanish into the night. [7] The ship survives the storm, though severely damaged. An enumeration of crew and passengers reveals that 9 men went overboard during the storm. Among them Moqorro and two of his guards. Tyrion wonders if either Benerro or Moqorro managed to predict this. [7] The prophecy of Benerro turns out to be accurate. The ship drifts at sea for 19 days, with its food and water supply dwindling. On the morning of the 20th day, the survivors are located and targeted by a slaver ship. [7]

According to Rodrik Sparr, the ship of Moqorro "went down" (sunk) in a storm, and the sorcerer spend ten days in the water. He was eventually discovered and retrieved by the ship Grief, captained by Rodrik himself. [2] At the time Victarion Greyjoy leads the Iron Fleet to the Shield Islands. Victarion has divided the fleet to three squadrons, which are supposed to make their way separately towards the Isle of Cedars. They are plagued by storms and only 54 ships make it to the Isle. [2] The ship Grief is the 54th and last to arrive. Rodrik Sparr comes aboard the Iron Victory to meet Victarion. He brings with him a prisoner, Moqorro, which he claims to have fished out of the sea. He believes that Moqorro is a wizard. He presents the priest to Victarion as a gift from the Drowned God. [2]

Victarion doubts the story of Rodrik is accurate. He points that a man who actually spend ten days in the water would have either drowned, or have gone mad from drinking seawater. He questions the prisoner, asking whether he claims to be a sorcerer. Moqorro claims to be just a humble Slave of R'hllor. Victarion examines the salt-stained rags of Moqorro, which seem to pink in color. He finds it probable that these were red robes whose color has faded. He jokingly announces to his crew that they have a "pink priest" aboard. A pun on the term "red priest" used for the priests of R'hllor. [2] Wulfe One-Ear counters that what they have is a "demon priest". Longwater Pyke instead jokes that Moqorro's robes caught fire and the priest jumped overboard to put them out. The joke causes general laughter in the crew. [2]

Burton Humble urges Victarion to send Moqorro to the Drowned God, before the sorcerer brings a curse upon them all. Wulfe focuses on another point of Rodrik's story: a ship sinking and only the priest clinging to the wreckage. He wonders what happened to the crew, and whether the sorcerer summoned demons to devour them. He points that they still don't know what happened to this ship. [2] Moqorro answers that what happened to his ship was a storm. He crosses his arms against his chest. Several Ironborn are now calling for his death, yet Victarion notes no apparent fear in Moqorro. The captain also notices, however, than even the monkeys around them seem to dislike the "wizard". The monkeys were previously chattering above their heads, but are now screaming. [2]

Victarion has to decide the fate of the priest but hesitates. He contemplates that Moqorro came out of the sea, and that the Drowned God might have meant for the Iron Fleet to find him. Since Euron Greyjoy already has pet wizards, why should not Victarion follow his example? He chooses to question Rodrik, on what makes this "ragged red priest" a wizard. Rodrik answers that Moqorro knows things. He knew that Grief was heading for Slaver's Bay before anyone had a chance to tell him. He already knew that the other ships were waiting for them at the Isle of Cedars, something kept secret from him. He also told Rodrik that Victarion was going to die, unless they brought him in contact with the imperiled captain. Victarion snorts at disbelief in this prediction of his own death. He was ready to command the execution of the prisoner, to order his men to cut the throat of the priest and throw him overboard. But the sudden agonizing pain on his arm reminds Victarion of his infected wound. He briefly stumbles seizes the railing to keep himself from falling down. [2]

One of the Ironborn accuses Moqorro of cursing the captain, though Victarion has no idea which one. Other men soon join in accusing Moqorro and calling for his death. They want to cut his throat and prevent the sorcered from summoning demons against them. Longwater Pyke draws his dirk first, and prepares to move against Moqorro. Victarion calls for all them to stop and return to their duties. He instructs Burton Humble to transport the "wizard" to the captain's cabin. Half the men around him and Moqorro have blades in their hands, and hesitate to move. Having not decided whether to attack or to obey. Victarion seizes Moqorro by the arm and pulls him away. Personally transporting the captive to his cabin. [2]

Victarion and Moqorro enter the captain's cabin, finding the Dusky woman waiting there for Victarion. She turns toward him with a silent smile. She then takes her first look at the priest and her lips draw back, revealing her teeth. She hisses in sudden fury, making a snake-like sound. Victarion does not appreciate this reaction and backhands her. He commands her to be quiet and to bring wine for him and his guest.[2] He then addresses Moqorro, asking whether the priest has seen Victarion's death. He wants to know where and when he dies. Whether he dies in battle or in other circumstances. He warns Moqorro not to lie, or Victarion will split his skull open and feed Moqorro's brains to the monkeys. Moqorro cryptically says that "your death is with us now". He asks to examine Victarion's hand. [2] He claims to have seen Victarion in the flames of his nightfires. A man striding through the flames, stern and fierce, holding a great axe covered in blood. Yet, a man blind to the strings that make him dance. Seeing this warrior as a puppet. A description which angers Victarion. [2]

Victarion removes his glove and displays his wound to Moqorro. He mentions that it was given to him by a man with a rose on his shield (Talbert Serry), and that he was simply scratched by a thorn of this rose. Moqorro warns that even the smallest scratch can prove to be a mortal wound. He offers to heal this wound. He asks for a blade, silver or iron, and a brazier for the fire needed. He warns his new patient that he will experience terrible pain, but the infected hand will be returned to him. Victarion finds him similar to the mousy Kerwin, who also warned of pain before treating the wound. He contemplates that these "magic men" are all the same. [2] Victarion brags that he laughs at pain, and Moqorro will have all the required instruments for his treatment. But he warns that if the priest fails to heal the wound, he will personally cut his throat. Moqorro agrees to these terms, though Victarion notes his eyes shining. [2] The treatment lasts for many hours. The crew is unable to see what is going on, and the door to the cabin is barred. They can hear however sounds from inside. Laughter, though laughter simultaneously wild, deep, dark, and mad. Singing in a high wailing tone, and in a strange language which Kerwin claims to be High Valyrian. At the sound of this song the monkeys flee the ship, screeching and leaping into the water. [2]

Victarion emerges from his cabin at sunset, his arm charred and blackened. He instructs his crew to severe the throat of Kerwin and throw him overboard. Moqorro has told the captain that this sacrifice will bring them favorable winds, which will accompany them all the way to Meereen. He has seen this in the flames. He has also told Victarion that Daenerys Targaryen has already married someone else (Hizdahr zo Loraq), though the captain simply resolves to make her a widow. [2]

The formal robes of Moqorro have turned into salt-stained rags, and Victarion decides to offer his "sorcerer priest" new clothes. But there is no red cloth aboard the Iron Victory, since the crimson-and-scarlet robes of the red priests are alien to Ironborn culture. Victarion instructs Tom Tidewood to saw new robes for Moqorro, using whatever cloth is at hand. He donates some of his own tunics for this purpose. The tunics are colored black and cold, displaying the colors of House Greyjoy. The cloth used for the banners and sails of their ships are of the same color. So Tom fashions robes in somber black, with hints of golden threat at collar, cuffs, and hem. The effect is not what Victarion had in mind. The priest is effectively clad in black from head to heel, and the overall appearance is completed by his tattooed mask of red-and-orange flames. He looks more sinister than ever, and the crew fears and shuns him. [3] If the shadow of Moqorro chances to fall on a crew member, the men start spitting. [3] [8] People still urge Victarion sacrifice Moqorro to the Drowned God, including even Rodrik Sparr who had rescued the priest from the sea.[3]

Victarion considers the priest useful. Moqorro seems to know the strange shores of Slaver's Bay in ways the Ironborn do not, he is knowledgeable in the secrets of "dragonkind". He has come to regard his sorcerer as more powerful than the three warlocks from Qarth serving Euron. Even if the three combine their powers. He is aware that Aeron Greyjoy would disapprove of his decision to employ Moqorro, but figures that his priestly brother and his pieties are now far away. [3] Every night "the sorcerer priest" lights a fire on the forecastle of the Iron Victory, then stalks around the flames and chants prayers. His skin shines in the firelight, reminding Victarion of polished Onyx. The tattooed flames seem to dance with their master, twisting and bending, melting into one another, their colors seemingly changing with every turn of the priest's head.[3] At one point, an oarsman claims that Moqorro is not praying, but summoning demons. Victarion orders the oarsman scourged, until his shoulders, back, and buttocks are covered in blood. [3]

Moqorro claims that the Iron Fleet can prey on ships located between the Isle of Cedars and the hinterlands of Astapor. The Ghiscari Dawn, a Ghiscari trading galley, is the first to be located and captured. Further convincing Victarion that Moqorro's claims are accurate. [3] The captured captain speaks a guttural Ghiscari dialect, and Moqorro translates his words into the Common Tongue.[3] The captured man claims that the "War for Meereen" has already ended, and that Daenerys is dead. Moqorro counter-claims that Daenerys is still alive, as he has seen the face of the missing queen in his sacred fires. Victarion decides the captive captain is a liar, and sacrifices him to the Drowned God. He promises Moqorro that he will in time offer the "Red God" his due, but the seas are ruled by the Drowned God. Moqorro replies that there are only two gods, R'hllor and the Great Other whose true name is forbidden. [3] In response, Victarion decides to rename the Ghiscari Dawn to the Red God's Wroth, in honor of the "wizard" and his god. Moqorro greets the decision with a bow of his head, and the phrase: "As the captain says". [3]

The following day, Moqorro predicts a squall and the prediction comes true. Three ships of the Iron Fleet vanish, with no evidence if they floundered, run aground, or were blown off course. Moqorro assures him that three ships are not permanently lost. [3]


Victarion's crew live in great fear of Moqorro and among them he is known as "Black Flame". This name given to him by Steffar Stammerer, who could not pronounce Moqorro's name properly.

Moqorro studied the glyphs on the Dragon Horn and next plans to make Victarion the master of the Dragon Horn so he can bind the dragons to his will.[9]

Quotes

Dragons old and young, true and false, bright and dark. And you. A small man with a big shadow, snarling in the midst of it all.[1]

Moqorro to Tyrion Lannister.

References and Notes

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 33, Tyrion VIII.
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 56, The Iron Suitor.
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 63, Victarion I.
  4. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 27, Tyrion VII.
  5. Another possible translation of "Selaesori Qhoran" is "Perfumed seneschal", though whether the name of the ship relates it to the warning of Quaithe is uncertain.
  6. The twisted thing with ten arms is probably a kraken. There is a man with a kraken on his sigil and a black eyepatch: Euron Greyjoy.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 40, Tyrion IX.
  8. Casting your shadow on a person or dwelling is associated with bad luck in various folkloric traditions. In areas of Europe and Asia spit (saliva) is thought to ward-off the evil eye.
  9. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 63 - Victarion I