The Game of Thrones Season 6 premiere is titled “The Red Woman.” That may leave you wondering, “Who is the Red Woman?” Well, unless HBO is throwing a curveball, that’s a question that has already been answered.
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Melisandre (played by Carice Van Houten) is a red priestess from the far off continent of Asshai who debuted in the second season of Game of Thrones. She is a Red Priestess of the Lord of Light, R’hllor, who joined Stannis Baratheon’s court. It was there that she earned the nickname “The Red Woman.”
The significance of her title being used for the name of the Season 6 premiere is that we know followers of R’hllor have the ability to resurrect the dead. Thoros of Myr, somewhat accidently, brought Beric Dondarrion back from the dead, and has since repeated the feat on many occasions. This has led fans to wonder if Melisandre has the same power and could use it to bring Jon Snow back from the dead.
It’s important to remember that even Melisandre was astonished when she learned what Thoros had done. She wasn’t sure such a thing was even possible, but if so it shouldn’t have been within the power of Thoros, who – though he was raised by the Temple of the Lord of Light to become a Red Priest – hadn’t been particularly devout, much preferring sex, fighting, and alcohol to religious contemplation.
So even if Melisandre want to resurrect Jon, there’s the possibility that she isn’t capable. If her logic follows, then if Thoros can do it, surely a faithful follower such as herself would be capable as well, she would only have to discover the means, though the Season 6 trailer suggests Melisandre is experiencing a crisis of faith following Stannis’ death.
It should be noted that Melisandre has been fixated on Jon since they first met. Even if she does have plans or him, they may not be for resurrection – or at least not resurrecting Jon. Perhaps she’d like to bring Lord Stannis back to the living…
Something else to keep in mind is the prophecy of Azhor Ashai, the legendary hero with a burning sword called Lightbringer, who may or may not be connected to the last hero of the First Men, who helped defend Westeros from the White Walkers during the Long Night. According to the teachings of the Lord of Light, Azor Ahai will be reborn once more to defend the world during a time of darkness.
Melisandre believed Stannis Baratheon was Azor Ahai reborn, but fans have theorized that Jon Snow is in fact the true hero of legend come again. With Stannis now dead, perhaps Melisandre will come to believe the same.
Game of Thrones airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
