A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 70: TYRION
Overview
Tyrion endures Shae’s damning testimony and, realizing the trial is a sham, demands trial by combat. Prince Oberyn champions him against Ser Gregor, seeking justice for Elia and her children. Oberyn nearly wins but is brutally slain. Tyrion is condemned and taken to the black cells, shattering any hope of justice.
Summary
At dawn, Tyrion contemplates his options before the final day of his trial, considering confession for the Wall, denial, or trusting Oberyn to defeat Gregor. He is escorted to court under hostile stares, where Shae is produced as the last witness. Shae falsely claims Tyrion and Sansa conspired to kill Joffrey and that Tyrion planned further murders, humiliating him with intimate lies.
Amid mocking laughter, Tyrion rejects the farce, declares himself “guilty” only of being a dwarf, and demands trial by battle. Cersei names Ser Gregor as champion. To Tyrion’s relief, Prince Oberyn Martell rises to champion him, forcing Lord Tywin to accept judgment by combat on the morrow.
Back in his cell, Tyrion reflects that he has wrecked Tywin’s careful plans regardless of the outcome. In the morning, he visits Oberyn, who calmly prepares with a poisoned spear and speaks of Dorne’s grievances, Elia’s fate, and past slights by Tywin. Oberyn hints at Dornish designs involving Myrcella, reinforcing that his true aim is justice for Elia and her children.
Before a vast crowd, Oberyn faces the armored giant Gregor. Using speed, reach, and taunts—repeating “You raped her. You murdered her. You killed her children”—Oberyn tires and wounds Gregor, finally piercing under the arm and driving a broken spear through his belly. As Clegane collapses, Oberyn presses for a confession instead of finishing him.
In a sudden reversal, Gregor seizes Oberyn, confesses to Elia’s rape and murder, and crushes Oberyn’s face, killing him. Tyrion vomits as the crowd panics. With Oberyn dead, Tyrion is condemned and led not to his tower but to the black cells, recognizing his death sentence.
Who Appears
- Tyrion LannisterAccused of regicide; rejects the sham trial, demands trial by combat; loses when Oberyn dies and is condemned to the black cells.
- Prince Oberyn MartellTyrion’s champion; skillfully wounds Gregor seeking justice for Elia but is killed after demanding a confession.
- Ser Gregor CleganeCersei’s champion; endures multiple wounds, then kills Oberyn brutally after confessing to Elia’s rape and murder.
- Tywin LannisterPresides over the trial; forced into trial by combat; condemns Tyrion after Oberyn’s death.
- Cersei LannisterDrives the case against Tyrion; delights in trial by combat with Gregor; fury turns to triumph when Oberyn dies.
- ShaeTestifies falsely that Tyrion and Sansa plotted Joffrey’s murder, publicly humiliating Tyrion.
- Ellaria SandWatches the duel; confident at first, then horrified as Gregor kills Oberyn.
- Mace TyrellTrial judge; questions Tyrion about a champion; reacts to Oberyn’s sudden challenge.
- Prince Oberyn’s attendantsDornish lordlings who arm Oberyn and witness his preparations and intent.
- Ser Addam MarbrandLeads gold cloaks escorting Tyrion to court and later to the black cells.
- Ser Kevan LannisterAt Tywin’s side during judgment by combat; departs with him after the ruling.
- High SeptonInvokes the gods’ judgment before the duel.