Game of Thrones season 4 episode 1 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Jaime Lannister grapples with his disability and his father's demands in King's Landing, while Oberyn Martell arrives, seeking vengeance for his sister's death. Arya Stark, traveling with The Hound, exacts revenge on Polliver and reclaims her sword, Needle. Jon Snow, back at Castle Black, faces trial and warns of Mance Rayder's approaching army. Amidst grief and political tension, Sansa Stark finds a glimmer of hope in an unexpected offer from Ser Dontos Hollard. The episode highlights themes of vengeance, duty, and the harsh realities of power and war.

Full Episode S04E01 Recap

### Opening Scene: Forging of the Swords - **Tywin Lannister** oversees the melting down of **Ned Stark's** Valyrian steel sword, Ice, to forge two new swords. - He presents one to his son, **Jaime Lannister**, who struggles with the fact that he now only has one hand. ### King's Landing: Jaime and Tywin's Conversation - **Jaime** and **Tywin** discuss Jaime's future. Tywin wants Jaime to leave the Kingsguard and rule Casterly Rock, but Jaime refuses, insisting on staying in the Kingsguard despite his disability. ### Road to Meereen: Dany's Journey - **Daenerys Targaryen** travels towards Meereen with her army and dragons. She finds a slave girl crucified on the road as a warning, deciding to see each victim herself. ### King's Landing: The Martells Arrive - **Oberyn Martell** arrives in King's Landing with his paramour, **Ellaria Sand**, for **King Joffrey's** wedding. He harbors a deep resentment towards the Lannisters for the murder of his sister, Elia. ### The Riverlands: Arya and The Hound - **Arya Stark** and **Sandor "The Hound" Clegane** encounter **Polliver** and Lannister soldiers at an inn. A fight ensues, and Arya reclaims her sword, Needle, while exacting revenge for her friend **Lommy's** death. ### The Wall: Jon Snow's Trial - **Jon Snow** is tried at Castle Black for his time with the wildlings. He admits to breaking his vows but also informs the Night's Watch of **Mance Rayder's** approaching army. ### King's Landing: Tyrion and Shae's Relationship Strains - **Tyrion Lannister** faces relationship troubles with **Shae**, who is upset about his marriage to **Sansa Stark** and feels neglected and used. ### King's Landing: Sansa's Grief - **Sansa** mourns her family's deaths and struggles with her forced marriage to Tyrion. She finds solace in the godswood, the only place she can be alone. ### King's Landing: Joffrey's Disdain for Jaime - **Joffrey** belittles **Jaime** for his lack of accomplishments and for being a one-handed knight. Jaime feels the strain of his son's contempt and his new limitations. ### The Vale: Sansa's Escape Plan - **Ser Dontos Hollard** approaches **Sansa** in the godswood, offering her a way out of King's Landing, symbolized by a family heirloom necklace. ### On the Road: Brienne and Margaery's Conversation - **Brienne of Tarth** talks to **Margaery Tyrell** about the shadow that killed **Renly Baratheon**, swearing to avenge him. Margaery subtly shifts the conversation, focusing on the present and her upcoming wedding to Joffrey. ### The Wall: Jon Warns of the Wildling Threat - **Jon** warns the Night's Watch about the wildlings' plan to attack Castle Black from the south while Mance attacks from the north. ### King's Landing: Oberyn's Vengeance - **Oberyn Martell** confronts **Tyrion Lannister** about the Lannisters' role in his sister Elia's death, signaling his desire for revenge. ### Conclusion: Arya's Dark Turn - The episode ends with **Arya** reclaiming Needle and showing a darker, more vengeful side, marking her transformation influenced by her experiences and the company of The Hound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Tywin Lannister and what does he do with Ned Stark's sword?

Tywin Lannister melts down Ned Stark's Valyrian steel sword, Ice, to forge two new swords.

What is Jaime Lannister's predicament in King's Landing?

Jaime Lannister, now with one hand, is pressured by his father to leave the Kingsguard and rule Casterly Rock, but he refuses.

Why is Oberyn Martell in King's Landing?

Oberyn Martell arrives for King Joffrey's wedding, harboring resentment towards the Lannisters for his sister Elia's murder.

What happens between Arya Stark and Polliver at the inn?

Arya Stark and The Hound encounter Polliver at an inn, leading to a fight where Arya reclaims her sword, Needle, and avenges her friend Lommy's death.

What information does Jon Snow reveal during his trial at Castle Black?

Jon Snow informs the Night's Watch about Mance Rayder's approaching army and the wildlings' plan to attack Castle Black.

What is the state of Tyrion Lannister's relationship with Shae?

Tyrion's relationship with Shae is strained due to his marriage to Sansa Stark and Shae's feelings of neglect and being used.

How is Sansa Stark coping in King's Landing?

Sansa Stark is grieving her family's deaths and struggling with her forced marriage to Tyrion, finding solace only in the godswood.

How does Joffrey Baratheon treat Jaime Lannister?

Joffrey belittles Jaime for his lack of accomplishments and for being a one-handed knight.

What offer does Ser Dontos Hollard make to Sansa Stark?

Ser Dontos Hollard offers Sansa Stark a way out of King's Landing, symbolized by a family heirloom necklace.

What vow does Brienne of Tarth make regarding Renly Baratheon?

Brienne of Tarth vows to avenge Renly Baratheon, who was killed by a shadow with the face of Stannis Baratheon.

What warning does Jon Snow give about the wildlings?

Jon Snow warns that the wildlings plan to attack Castle Black from the south while Mance Rayder attacks from the north.

What is Prince Oberyn Martell's intention in King's Landing?

Prince Oberyn Martell seeks vengeance for his sister Elia's death, implicating the Lannisters in the crime.

How has Arya Stark changed by the end of the episode?

Arya Stark shows a darker, more vengeful side, influenced by her experiences and the company of The Hound.

Game of Thrones season 4 episode 1

Two Swords