Margaery Tyrell's Death in Game of Thrones: Why It Matters

Why Does Margaery Tyrell's Death Feel So Tragic?

The death of Margaery Tyrell is shocking and, difficult for many fans. There is a strong emotional connection that viewers have to her, especially because she’s a character that many admire - given her kindness and ability to move through a hostile realm with grace and compassion.

Margaery Tyrell has quickly become a standout in a show known for its ruthlessness and complex characters who are often morally gray and difficult to categorize - she represents an unlikely hero who chooses kindness, in a universe which rarely rewards that choice. Her story shows a remarkable ability to find those opportunities to work toward something better - with those qualities - she is easily one of those memorable characters that make this show more complex.

How Did Margaery Tyrell Meet Her Demise?

Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) and Margaery (Natalie Dormer) in the Great Sept in Game of Thrones season 3, episode 4 Image

Margaery Tyrell's demise is abrupt and dramatic - leaving fans in shock, after being used as a political pawn for much of her run in Game of Thrones. She ends up on the losing end when the powerful Cersei Lannister sets off a devastating explosion at the Great Sept of Baelor - an event that causes chaos and mayhem.

She perishes along with her father and brother - the only family who's been a constant, and her anchor as she navigates those events, which brings to the surface, just how those decisions often lead to dire and heartbreaking consequences. Many are left to wonder whether this loss - this heartbreaking scene will change how the future of Westeros will unfold, leaving a large void in its power structures, given her unique position and, those relationships that she was so adept at cultivating - with many asking whether there are any characters who will be able to fill her shoes, those roles that have shaped those relationships that are vital for this series - as it’s going to have an impact on the events, and those alliances that shape this universe.

How Did Margaery Tyrell Use Her Cleverness to Advance Her Political Career?

Natalie Dormer as Margaery Tyrell looking over her shoulder with a shocked expression in Game of Thrones Image

Margaery is often described as a person who has the unique skill set - to move through the complicated, and power struggles, those who watch her journey through this series - those key events where she manages to form a relationship that’s unexpected, with the powerful King Joffrey.

While her cunning and, strategic maneuvering might not always be viewed as a positive attribute, there's a strong sense that she's making those decisions because of her deep need to protect those she cares for - given her connection to her brother - a connection that’s been a powerful element of this story, it turns out that her story shows that there’s no other character who is able to see the unseen - to anticipate, those challenges - and to move ahead.

Does Margaery Tyrell’s Death Wind Up Being A Mistake For Those Who Plotted Against Her?

Close-up of the Night King in Game of Thrones, with White Walkers in the background Image

Margaery Tyrell makes those unwise choices as she maneuvers through those relationships, one of the key choices that will shape those events: She must navigate a relationship with the cruel, ruthless Cersei Lannister, and the High Sparrow who emerges as one of those dominant forces who wants to make his mark in Westeros.

When she gets entangled with these figures - those individuals, their ambition and willingness to take a path of ruthlessness. It’s no surprise, she loses those key relationships as a result. The explosion of the Great Sept - it seems to be the culmination of this complex, and heartbreaking, event.

How Does Margaery Tyrell’s Death Wind Up Changing The Events of Game of Thrones?

Margaery Tyrell's presence is vital, those characters who shape this world and those conflicts, it’s no surprise that there’s a wave of those responses. Her death creates a gap in the story and those events: With the absence of that character and those skills of charm and persuasion. Her death marks a key point: the shift as power is re-aligned in the realm, a conflict, a shift of alliances, a war between the remaining houses – this universe - will never be the same again.

Many fans feel like there was so much potential for those characters and those storylines - particularly those who believed she would be a force to reckon with. Some fans will have to consider what she could have accomplished in those later seasons as she could have navigated, this complex realm - and to survive the most tumultuous of events.

Does Margaery Tyrell’s Death Seem Vindicated By Her Final Moments?

Margaery Tyrell in her final scene - one of those remarkable moments: Her intellect and, quickness to assess a situation - those moments before she meets her end - one of those moments where she seems to have understood just how Cersei was maneuvering.

It’s a tragic and ironic twist, because she is able to recognize what is happening, a moment where viewers are given a sense that she has gained wisdom that was unexpected. Ultimately – this final scene allows the audience to realize how powerful those characters who were underestimated, have the potential to impact the future - despite how short their lifespan is in this show.