Melisandre
Melisandre of Asshai is a priestess from the land of Asshai who serves the fire god R'hllor, also called the Lord of Light. She is known as the Red Woman because of her red hair, clothes, and striking appearance. Melisandre travels to Westeros to spread her faith and to support Stannis Baratheon in his claim to the throne. She has mysterious powers with fire and shadow and sees visions in flames.
She believes Stannis is a reincarnation of a legendary hero called Azor Ahai. She wins supporters at Stannis’s court, including his wife Selyse, and she converts others to her religion. Melisandre is famous for dangerous magic, including conjuring fire, casting glamour to look young, and making prophecies by looking into fire.
Her most famous act is the birth of a shadow creature that kills Renly Baratheon, Stannis’s rival. She also helps bring about other fatal events through blood magic and dark rituals. When Stannis fights at King’s Landing, Davos Seaworth warns that Melisandre’s power is dangerous, and Stannis’s army is ultimately defeated.
After failing at King’s Landing, Melisandre stays at Dragonstone for a time. She later convinces Stannis to bring his wife and daughter to the war front, and she uses her magic in various ways, including attempts to awaken stone dragons by sacrificing people. At the Wall, she helps in the effort against the wildlings, but she also causes more trouble with her plans.
One of Melisandre’s most controversial acts is burning Shireen Baratheon alive to fulfill what she believes is the will of the Lord of Light. This decision weakens Stannis’s forces and leads to his downfall. After many losses, Melisandre experiences a crisis of faith and begins to doubt herself.
Melisandre later helps revive Jon Snow, whom she had previously warned about danger. She comes to believe that Jon is the true “prince that was promised.” This shifts her allegiance from Stannis to Jon, and she vows to help him defeat the White Walkers.
In the final battles, Melisandre travels with Jon Snow’s forces to Winterfell. She uses her fire magic to light a defensive trench and fights alongside the living. After the Night King is killed by Arya Stark, Melisandre knows her purpose is fulfilled. She removes her magical ruby necklace—revealing an aged body—and dies, turning to dust.
Key points:
- A priestess of the Lord of Light from Essos, nicknamed the Red Woman.
- Uses fire, shadow magic, glamour, and fire visions.
- Helps Stannis and later Jon Snow, but many of her plans cause harm.
- Revives Jon Snow and later believes he is the true savior.
- Dies after her role is completed, removing her magical necklace to reveal her true age.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 11:31 (CET).