Mhysa
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| "Mhysa" | |
|---|---|
| Game of Thrones episode | |
 Daenerys, center, is hailed by the freed Yunkish as their "mhysa", or mother, as the season closes. The uplifting scene received praise,[1][2][3] as well as criticism for alleged colonialistic undertones.[4] | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 10 |
| Directed by | David Nutter |
| Written by | |
| Featured music | Ramin Djawadi |
| Cinematography by | Robert McLachlan |
| Editing by | Oral Norrie Ottey |
| Original air date | June 9, 2013 |
| Running time | 62 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Mhysa" is the third season finale of the American medieval epic fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and its 30th episode overall. Written by executive producers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, and directed by David Nutter, it originally aired on June 9, 2013 on HBO in the United States.[5]
The episode revolves on the aftermath of the events instigated by "The Red Wedding," in which Tywin Lannister is revealed to be the mastermind behind the massacre — with Walder Frey and Roose Bolton having conspired with the Lannisters against the Starks. As a result, House Frey receives the Seat of Riverrun and Roose Bolton is appointed the new "Warden of the North". Elsewhere, House Greyjoy begins a new military campaign. In the North, Maester Aemon sends out ravens to alert the whole of Westeros about the arrival of the White Walkers. And across the narrow sea, the freed slaves of Yunkai hail Daenerys as their "mhysa", the Old Ghiscari language's word for "mother".[6]
According to Nielsen Media Research, "Mhysa" was seen by 5.4 million household viewers in the United States, a twenty-eight percent increase compared to the second season finale, "Valar Morghulis". After its broadcast, the episode received generally positive reviews from television critics, with some of them addressing its anticlimactic closure of the series' third season, and its establishment of potential storylines for the fourth season, such as through the final scene's "glimmer of hope". The episode received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series at the 65th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.[7]
At the Twins
The Stark army is massacred and Robb's mutilated corpse is paraded through the camp. Lord Frey, now in charge of Riverrun, and Roose Bolton, now Warden of the North, discuss recent events and Roose reveals that the Blackfish escaped. Nearby, Arya and Sandor, who witnessed the desecration of Robb's corpse earlier, pass a group of Frey soldiers who are boasting about the event. An enraged Arya suddenly stabs one soldier to death while Sandor kills the others. Arya ponders the potential of the coin given to her by Jaqen H'ghar.
In King's Landing
Tyrion learns of the Stark murders and warns Tywin that the Northerners will never forget his role. Tywin asserts his authority over Joffrey and orders Tyrion again to impregnate Sansa for the good of the family. He also belittles his son by saying that he was lucky to not be drowned at birth. Meanwhile, Varys offers Shae a sack of diamonds to sail away from King's Landing, but she refuses. Jaime arrives in King's Landing with Brienne, and he visits Cersei.
At Dragonstone
Stannis informs Davos of Robb's death and Melisandre's plans to sacrifice Gendry. Davos helps Gendry escape and Stannis orders his execution, but Davos protests, presenting Aemon's letter. Melisandre tells Stannis that only he can save the North from the White Walkers and that he will need Davos' help.
In the North
Ygritte confronts Jon while he is washing his wounds. He confesses his love for her but she says she knew he was an infiltrator all along. Ygritte shoots Jon with three arrows, deliberately only wounding him, before he escapes on his horse and returns to Castle Black.
At the Dreadfort, Theon begs for death and his torturer is revealed as Ramsay Snow, Roose Bolton's bastard son, who renames Theon as 'Reek'.
On the Iron Islands
At Pyke, Balon receives a letter from Ramsay demanding the Ironborn's withdrawal from the North, along with a box containing Theon's genitals. Balon refuses to negotiate but Yara takes 50 Ironborn to rescue him.
At the Wall
In the Nightfort, Sam's and Bran's parties meet and Sam realizes that Bran is Jon's brother. Sam warns them and gives them dragonglass weapons and guides them to the passage north. At Castle Black, Sam and Gilly meet Aemon, who sends 44 ravens with messages warning the south of the northern threat.
Outside Yunkai
The freed slave population are presented to Daenerys, who explain to them that freedom is their birthright and that they must defend and fight to maintain it. Impromptu, the former slaves hail and adore her as their mhysa, which Missandei explains is Old Ghiscari for "mother". She is elevated into the sky as her dragons roam freely.
Production
Writing
"Mhysa" was written by executive producers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, based on George R. R. Martin's original work from his novel A Storm of Swords. Chapters adapted from A Storm of Swords to the episode were chapters 42, 49, 53 to 55, 57, 63, and 64 (Daenerys IV, Jon VI, Arya XI, Tyrion VI, Davos V, Bran IV, Jaime VII, Davos VI).[8]
Casting
After being absent for the entire second season, Peter Vaughan returns as Maester Aemon and Josef Altin returns as Pypar. This episode also marks the return, after a long absence, of Patrick Malahide as Balon Greyjoy and Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy.
