Between starring as Joel Miller on HBO's post-apocalyptic drama, The Last of Us, and playing the eponymous bounty hunter in Star Wars' live-action TV series, The Mandalorian, actor Pedro Pascal continues to make gains in the current pop-culture landscape. He's known for his season-long stint on Game of Thrones and for portraying Agent Javier Peña in the Netflix series, Narcos. Pascal displays his incredible acting range in each of his parts, but his entry and exit as the fan-favorite, Prince Oberyn Martell remains fresh to this day. He first appeared in Game of Thrones season 4, episode 1, "Two Swords."
While Tyrion Lannister along with Podrick Payne and Bronn wait to welcome the Prince of Dorne, Doran Martell on behalf of King Joffrey, it turns out, the latter actually sent his brother, Oberyn to attend the royal wedding instead. When Tyrion questions Oberyn's absence, one of the bannermen explains he arrived before dawn and doesn't care much for welcome parties. Game of Thrones season 4 premiere also reveals that there exists bad blood between the Martells of Dorne and the Lannisters of Casterly Rock. Shortly afterward, through Oberyn Martell's character, the show explains that the Martells have resented the Lannisters since the Sack of King's Landing.
Pedro Pascal Played Oberyn Martell On Game Of Thrones
Pascal's Game of Thrones character, Oberyn is nicknamed the Red Viper of Dorne. He is most remembered for his tart tongue, fighting abilities, massive sexual appetite, and quick temper. As it's seen, Oberyn and his paramour, Ellaria Sand have already made their way into Littlefinger's brothel in the premiere, and are checking out a lineup. The Kingdom of Dorne in Game of Thrones lore is more accepting of people's sexualities and places a higher degree of importance on individual freedoms than the rest of Westeros. This backdrop quickly explains Oberyn's way of life. A foursome is about to execute but the Lannister anthem, "The Rains of Castamere" hits a nerve in Oberyn, and he steps out of his room.
Oberyn is quick to pin a Lannister soldier's hand to a table without so much as looking at it. A couple of minutes into Game of Thrones season 4 premiere and Oberyn establishes himself as the quick-witted, agile Dornish prince. He's as Tyrion guesses correctly, in the capital for a purpose far bigger than Joffrey's wedding. Oberyn isn't evasive while answering Tyrion's question, "Why did you come to King's Landing, Prince Oberyn?" He recalls his sister, Elia Martell's wedded into the Targaryen family and mentions the horrific massacre that followed in the closing events of Robert's Rebellion.
Elia was married to Rhaegar who left her for another woman, Lyanna Stark of Winterfell. This started a war that ended Elia and her children's lives. She was assaulted and murdered by Gregor Clegane aka The Mountain at Tyrion's father, Tywin Lannister's orders. Tyrion is sorry and insistent on clearing the bad blood between the Lannisters and the Martells, but his position changes when he's accused of regicide and Oberyn stands as a champion for him. The Mountain is the same man Oberyn fights in Game of Thrones season 4, episode 8 "The Mountain and the Viper."
Oberyn Martell Seals His Fate In The Mountain And The Viper
When Tyrion is falsely accused of Joffrey's murder, he refuses to let a few decide his fate and demands a Trial by Combat. Knowing the opposition would name Gregor Clegane as the Crown's champion, Oberyn senses a perfect opportunity to avenge Elia's death. His every move explains his purpose behind the visit and what he meant in Game of Thrones season 4 premiere when the delivers the iconic Game of Thrones quote, "Tell your father I'm here. And tell him the Lannisters aren't the only ones who pay their debts."
During the duel, the agile Oberyn has an upper hand over The Mountain until things take a U-turn leading to his undoing. First, he manages to hurt The Mountain in several places, including the stomach and Achilles tendon with his spear. He doesn't want him to die without confessing the truth about Elia and her children. Ultimately Oberyn's confidence gets in the way, he loses sight and The Mountain knocks him off his feet. Before he has the opportunity to rise back, The Mountain smashes his jaw and starts to narrate the horrific things he did to Elia in the Sack of King's Landing.
In the closing moment of the duel, The Mountain gouges out Oberyn's eyes and crushes his skull. Oberyn's life ends there, but it paves way for Tywin Lannister's death. After being freed by Jamie, Tyrion makes his way to Tywin's chambers and shoots twice him with a crossbow. Oberyn may not have paid the debt directly, but his strong screen presence was enough to shake the dead conscience of the Lannister clan. His steadfastness, way of life, and quick wit lent him an unmatched appeal on Game of Thrones.