Oberyn Martell
The Red Viper: A deadly, unpredictable warrior seeking justice with a poisoned spear.
Oberyn Nymeros Martell, nicknamed the Red Viper, is a fictional character in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its television adaptation, Game of Thrones, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. Introduced in 2000's A Storm of Swords, he is the youngest brother of Doran and Elia Martell from the desert kingdom of Dorne. Unlike his sickly, pensive brother Doran, Oberyn is notorious for his dangerous, unpredictable nature and his affinity for poisons. He travels to King's Landing to claim the Dornish seat on the small council and seek vengeance for his sister Elia's death at the hands of Ser Gregor Clegane, whom he suspects acted on orders from Tywin Lannister.
- Role
- Prince of Dorne / Knight
- Affiliation
- House Martell
- Region
- Dorne
- Status
- Deceased
- Weapon_of_choice
- Spear
- Notable_title
- The Red Viper
Lore & Background
Oberyn is described as hotheaded, forceful, and lustful, with a quick wit and a barbed tongue. His legend was fearsome; Tywin Lannister called him 'always been half-mad,' while Doran noted he was 'ever the viper.' He earned his nickname from wearing red clothing and rumors of using poisoned weapons in duels. At age sixteen, he dueled Lord Edgar Yronwood over a paramour; both drew blood, but Yronwood died of a festered wound rumored to be poisoned, leading to Oberyn's exile to Oldtown and Lys. He later served with the Second Sons, founded his own sellsword company, and studied poisons at the Citadel, earning six maester links before quitting from boredom. He is bisexual and fathered eight illegitimate daughters known as the Sand Snakes.
In Their Own Story
In A Storm of Swords, Oberyn leads a Dornish envoy to King's Landing. When Tyrion Lannister is accused of murdering Joffrey Baratheon, Oberyn volunteers as his champion against Ser Gregor Clegane. During the duel, Oberyn gains the upper hand with superior speed, impaling Clegane and demanding he confess to raping and killing Elia and her children. Distracted by the confession, he is tripped, and Clegane gouges out his eyes before smashing his unarmored face with a mailed fist. Though Oberyn dies, his spear was coated in manticore venom, ensuring Clegane's slow, agonizing death. In later books, news of his death incites the Sand Snakes to attempt war, but Doran reveals Oberyn acted as his enforcer all along.
Reader's Guide
Oberyn Martell is a formidable fighter whose primary weapon is a spear, often laced with manticore venom. His combat style relies on speed and agility rather than heavy armor; he wears only a light visorless halfhelm. He challenges the rigid honor codes of Westeros by prioritizing retribution over tradition. His arc culminates in the trial by combat where his emotional need for a verbal confession from Gregor Clegane proves fatal, yet his strategic use of poison fulfills his goal of vengeance. In the TV adaptation, Pedro Pascal's portrayal highlights these traits, earning positive reviews and nominations including the NewNowNext Award and a SAG Award as part of the ensemble cast.
Did You Know?
- Oberyn managed to obtain six links of the maester's chain at the Citadel before quitting due to boredom.
- He is responsible for the crippling of Willas Tyrell during a joust, though the two remained friends afterward.
- Doran sent Oberyn into temporary exile to Oldtown and then Lys after Oberyn killed Lord Edgar Yronwood in a duel over a paramour.
- Oberyn has eight illegitimate daughters collectively known as the 'Sand Snakes'.
- He served in the famous sellsword company Second Sons before founding a company of his own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Oberyn Martell?
Oberyn Nymeros Martell, known as the Red Viper, is a Prince of Dorne and the youngest brother of Doran and Elia. He travels to King's Landing in A Storm of Swords to secure his family's political interests while seeking personal vengeance for his sister's death.
What are Oberyn Martell's fighting abilities?
He is a master spearman who utilizes a poisoned weapon, earning him a reputation as a deadly and unpredictable warrior. His combat style relies on speed and agility rather than heavy armor or brute strength.
How does Oberyn Martell die?
During his trial by combat against Gregor Clegane, he nearly wins but is distracted by taunting the Mountain about Elia's fate. This momentary lapse allows Clegane to crush him, resulting in Oberyn's death before the poison can take effect.
Why is Oberyn Martell important to the story?
His arrival sets off a chain of events that leads to his own tragic demise and the subsequent imprisonment of Tyrion Lannister. Additionally, his actions deepen the conflict between House Lannister and House Martell regarding the past crimes against Elia.
What is the significance of the nickname 'Red Viper'?
The title reflects both his Dornish heritage and his lethal fighting style involving a poisoned spear that strikes quickly and silently. It serves as a warning to enemies about his dangerous nature and refusal to follow traditional knightly codes.
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