In a world as expansive as Westeros, it is easy to lose track of some characters, and Thoros of Myr is probably not a character that most Game of Thrones fans think about all too often.
Even though he may not be the most recognizable character, Thoros has played an important role in both Game of Thrones and he’s arguably still playing an even more important role in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. Now, we’re taking a closer look at who Thoros was in the hit HBo series and how that character compares to his original counterpart.
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THE SHOW
Though he was mentioned during the first season, Thoros was not seen until Season 3’s second episode, “Dark Wings, Dark Words.” As a red priest of the Lord of Light, Thoros was a warrior with many vices. Although he was originally sent by the High Priest of R’hllor to convert Robert Baratheon away from the Faith of the Seven, Thoros became a part of his court and engaged in drinking and womanizing like the King.
During the Greyjoy Rebellion, Thoros fought for his friend, King Robert. He became known for leading the way a flaming sword during the final battle, though Thoros laters tells Jorah that he was too drunk at the time to remember his actions. During the show, Thoros is seen as a part of the Brotherhood Without Banners. Led by Beric Dondarrion, the Brotherhood is a group of outlaws who oppose the Lannisters and protects the peasantry. Thoros and Beric sell Gendry to Melisandre to the ire of Arya who adds their names to her death list.
Like other Red Priests and Priestesses, Thoros can see visions of the future by staring into flames, something he encourages the Hound to try, which results in his vision of the Wall. Thoros also possesses the ability to resurrect the dead. However, he is only ever seen reviving Beric, whom he has saved six times. This may mean that he is only able to resurrect those he has a close bond with. Thoros even credits the first time he saved Beric with restoring his faith in the Lord of Light.
In “The Climb,” he tells Melisandre that, even though he had stopped believing in R’hllor, after seeing Beric die, “I knelt beside his cold body and said the old words. Not because I believed in them, but… he was my friend, and he was dead…And for the first time in my life, the Lord replied. Beric’s eyes opened, and I knew the truth.” Thoros’s ability inspired Melisandre’s successful attempt to resurrect Jon Snow following his death at the end of Season Five.
THE BOOKS
Unlike in Game of Thrones, Thoros was initially sent to Westeros to try to convert King Aerys II Targaryen, not the future King Robert. Though his order believed that King Aerys would be receptive to the faith due to his obsession with fire, Thoros was unsuccessful in his mission and ultimately began to doubt his own faith upon witnessing the King’s cruelty. His relationship with King Robert is similar between the books and the show.
Thoros’s first revival of Beric is a bit different in the books. In the show, Thoros’s prayer specifically asks the Lord of Life to bring his friend back from the dead. However, in A Storm of Swords, Thoros is said to have accidentally revived Beric while performing a traditional burial ritual on Beric.
Most significantly, Thoros is involved with the Lady Stoneheart plotline that was not incorporated into the show. During A Feast for Crows, Thoros reveals that the Brotherhood found Catelyn Stark’s body after the Red Wedding. Though Thoros himself refused to attempt to revive her, Beric gives her the kiss of life, passing the flame of life to her and killing him in the process. Catelyn is brought back as the cruel Lady Stoneheart who seeks revenge on anyone associated with the Freys or the Lannisters regardless of whether or not they personally harmed the Starks.
THOROS’ FINAL FATE
Thoros dies in Season 7’s third episode, “Beyond the Wall.” He is injured by an undead snow bear while traveling beyond the Wall with Jon Snow and others during the Wight Hunt. Though Beric tries to cauterize the wound, Thoros freezes to death overnight. Thoros’s death meant that Beric was on his “last life” and could not be revived again, and Beric ultimately died during the Battle of Winterfell while rescuing Arya Stark.
In the still-ongoing narrative of the books, Thoros is still alive as of A Dance with Dragons. Though many abandoned the Brotherhood as a result of Lady Stoneheart’s leadership, Thoros has stayed with the group. However, he expresses his displeasure at the fact that the group’s honorable work has been forsaken in favor of Lady Stoneheart’s revenge. Thoros seems to be losing his faith again, as he can no longer see visions in flames.
