Episode 7 Recap: The Bear and the Maiden Fair
Game of Thrones Season 3 episode 7, “The Bear and the Maiden Fair,” opens with Ygritte and the Wildlings making their way to the Castle Black to await the signal from Mance Rayder to begin their attack on the Night’s Watch. Later, Jon confronts Orell, who cut his rope and Ygritte’s rope loose on the wall which almost killed them. Orell retaliates and tells Jon that then reason Ygritte is not complaining is because she is a wildling, and she understands what should happen in situations like that. In the journey through the woods, Orell, who is visibly jealous, tries to convince Ygritte why he would be the better man for her that Jon Snow. Jon is distressed and tries to convince Ygritte that their course as the wildlings is doomed to fail. She is adamant and refuses, telling Jon that he is a wildling now, and if they fail, he has failed too.
In Game of Thrones Season 3 episode 7, the army that is led by Daenerys Targaryen marches on to the great city of Slaver’s Bay. They are very confident that they can take over the city since Yunkai is more famous for training bed slaves than soldiers. Ser Jorah however expertly points out that Yunkai defender are not likely to fight them in open battle, but would probably hole up in their walls and fight away with guerilla tactics. He further advises Daenerys that the conquering of Yunkai will not bring them any closer to their primary goal of retaking Westeros. Daenerys refuses claiming she free the slaves of Yunkai, who are in their thousands. Later, one of the wise Masters of Yunkai, Razdal mo Eraz meets Daenerys in her pavilion where she is surrounded by her dragons who snarl at Razdal when he gets too close to her. Razdal tries to tell Daenerys that Yunkai is a prehistoric civilization and in the years before, many armies have tried but failed in conquering it. Daenerys is unfazed which makes Razdal promise her gold and ships that would transport her army to Westeros in exchange for Daenerys leaving Yunkai in peace.
When we return to Melisandre and Gendry, she is shocked to discover that Gendry does not know the real identity of his father. She reveals to him that he is indeed the bastard son of King Robert Baratheon. They make their way towards Dragonstone and Stannis Baratheon.
Bran continues to make his way north. Osha does not trust the Reeds. She also does not want to go north of the Wall. Osha tells Bran, Rickon and the Reeds about the White Walkers that await them above the Wall. Nearby, the unknown man continues to torture Theon, eventually castrating him.
Elsewhere at Harrenhal, Jaime wants to speak to Brienne one last time before his departure. He feels indebted to Brienne for keeping them safe on their journey and for rescuing him from his suicidal depression after he lost his hand. Brienne tells him he can repay his debt by keeping the pledge of bringing Catelyn Stark’s daughters to her. Jaime leaves. Upon Jaime’s return, Jamie learns that Locke and his cronies have already thrown Brianne into a bear pit to face an angry bear with only a wooden sword for defense. They then sing The Bear and the Maiden Fair mockingly. Jamie jumps into the pit in desperation and pulls her out of the pit.