Episode 5 Recap: The Wolf and the Lion
The 5th episode of Season 1 of Game of Thrones opens at the tourney ground. Lord Commander Barristan Selmy is at the tournament ground when Lord Eddard Stark meets him to talk about the death Ser Hugh of the Vale. Barristan brings to the attention the fact that Ser Hugh had no family or friends and so he always was at the night vigil by himself. Eddard suspicions of Hugh’s death are evident with the question of how he could get another set of armor after being made a knight without any many. Barristan quips about how not long ago during the Robert’s Rebellion how they were on the opposite sides of the battle. He reveals to Eddard King Robert is planning to joust during the day’s activities. Eddard finds King Robert tormenting Lancel Lannister, before sending him elsewhere. Robert insists on riding in the joust but Eddard tells him he is fat for his armor, and that the other knights would let him win. Robert gives up but adds they can watch the joust from the stands.
The first tilt is between Ser Gregory Clegane and Ser Loras Tyrell. Loras gives Sansa Stark a flower, which speaks to her romantic imagination. Littlefinger and Lord Renly wager on the joust, with Renly choosing his lover, Loras. Loras is riding a mare in the heat that makes the Mountain’s horse throw off its rider. Angry Gregor beheads his horse then attacks Loras. Sandor Clegane comes to Loras’s defense, and a fight ensues until King Robert orders them to cease. Gregory leaves the tourny immediately while Sandor bows. Ser Loras announces Sandor the winner.
In the Riverlands, Tyrion Lannister’s blindfold is removed and finds that his party is on the road into the valley of the array. Catelyn notes that she said they were riding for Winterfell often and loudly to confuse anyone following them. Tyrion commends her cunningness while pointing out his father would provide a handsome reward for his safe return. He also mentions that Lysa Arryn, Catelyn’s sister and their destination, has gone insane. Tyrion maintains his innocence in the attempt on Brian’s life. The party comes under attack from one of the hills tribes. Tyrion kills for the first time and saves Catelyn’s life.
At Winterfell, Bran is angry about bein left alone. Maester Luwin tries to calm him down but fails. Bran is angry that he is no longer able to practice archery. Luwin suggests he could learn how to use a short bow and Bran is pleased.
In the Red Keep, Lord Varys tells Eddard that the king is a fool and will soon be dead unless Eddard saves him. Eddard wants to know why he is telling him now. Varys says he had to be sure he could trust Ned. He confirms that Jon Arryn was assassinated with a poison called Tears of Lys because he started asking the same questions Ned is circling now.
Arya, while swords training overhears Varys and magister Illyrio Mopatis talking about how events have been set in motion and how the Wolf and Lion would soon be at each other’s throat. Arya tells her father what she overheard, but she does not use the right words, obscuring the message. They are interrupted by Yoren, who warns Eddard of Catelyn’s capture and arrest of Tyrion.
In a meeting convened by the king, King Robert informs Eddard that Daenerys Targaryen is pregnant and that her son would claim the iron throne. He wants them dead. Eddard finds it abhorrent that Robert would assassinate an innocent girl. Ned refuses to order the death of Daenerys and resigns from his position of the Hand.
Ser Loras meets his lover, Renly. Loras convinces Renly to claim the crown for his own. Cersei and Robert momentarily bond over the threat of Daenerys but lose their connection when Robert says there was no chance for their marriage. Eddard finds another of Robert’s bastards and is confronted by Jaime on his way back to King’s Landing. Eddard says that Jaime cannot kill him since Catelyn holds Tyrion hostage. Jaime knows this, so instead he kills Eddard’s guards and wounds Eddard himself.