One Game of Thrones theory surrounding one of the show’s most important deaths adds to Oberyn Martell’s character, somehow making Pedro Pascal’s stint on the series even cooler. Out of the Game of Thrones cast, Pedro Pascal has arguably been the most successful in his post-Thrones career, with his upcoming MCU role making him one of the most prominent movie stars in the industry. It’s surprising in retrospect that Pascal only appeared on Game of Thrones in one season, as his character’s death against the Mountain is one of the show’s most truly unforgettable moments.

Opinions on the best season of Game of Thrones vary, but season 4 is almost unanimously agreed to be one of the best. The book adapts the second half of A Storm of Swords, exploring the events in the aftermath of the Red Wedding, Daenerys’ conquest of Slaver’s Bay, and the trial of Tyrion Lannister following the Purple Wedding. Oberyn Martell first arrived in King’s Landing for the wedding between Joffrey Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell, but he stayed due to unfinished business with the Lannisters. One theory suggests he acted on that business before his death.

A Game Of Thrones Theory Suggests Oberyn Poisoned Tywin

Theory Suggests That The Martell Plan Was Always To Kill Tywin Lannister

The theory that Oberyn killed Tywin isn’t new, but it’s fun to reflect on now, given Pedro Pascal’s ever-growing stardom, as a way of moderately heightening his impact on the series. Oberyn is an unforgettable character, but he ultimately doesn’t have much effect on the series, especially given the botched Dorne plotline, and this idea gives him some additional flavor. The theory suggests that Oberyn poisoned Tywin at some point before his death.

the idea is that Tywin consumed this poison, causing him to be on the toilet in the middle of the night, where Tyrion found him.

The poison he utilized would have been Widow’s blood, which is described in the A Song of Ice & Fire novels as one that “shuts down the bladder and bowels until the person dies from the body’s own poisons.” So, the idea is that Tywin consumed this poison, causing him to be on the toilet in the middle of the night, where Tyrion found him. While it doesn’t seem likely there will ever be confirmation or denial, the theory definitely aligns with Oberyn’s character motivation and skill set.

Oberyn is known to have trained in poisons at the Citadel in Oldtown, and he applies poison to his spears in Tyrion’s trial by combat, causing Ser Gregor to die after the fight. His motivation is there, seeing as he wants revenge on Tywin for ordering the Mountain to kill his sister. At one point in the books, Oberyn even says to Tyrion, “Your father won’t’ live forever,” furthering the belief that he always intended for this to happen. He doesn’t live to see Tywin die, but it’s by Tyrion’s hand that it eventually happens.

Oberyn Poisoning Tywin Improves Game Of Thrones

The Theory Doesn’t Detract From Tyrion & Tywin’s Moment

Oberyn Martell poisoning Tywin is a fun theory to think about, as it doesn’t really detract from any other area of the show. No matter what, Tyrion is the one who dealt the final blow to Tywin, giving him a last chance to look his father in his cold eyes as he fired the crossbow bolts into him. Tywin’s death is a vital moment in Tyrion’s arc, allowing him to finally overcome the shadow that’s reigned over him for his entire life. It elevates Game of Thrones if it’s true and doesn’t detract from the Tyrion/Tywin moment.

Oberyn Martell’s 29 Minutes Of Screen Time Made Pedro Pascal A Star

Oberyn’s Screen Time Is Shockingly Low

In retrospect, it’s shocking that Oberyn Martell only had 29 minutes of screen time in the entirety of Game of Thrones. For reference, Tyrion and Jon had over ten times that amount and even Ned Stark had three times that amount in just one season. Oberyn was barely in the show and yet he’s one of the most memorable characters, which is arguably what led to Pedro Pascal’s late-blooming career breakout. It took some time after the series ended for him to really find his way, but the 2020s have seen him become one of the most recognizable actors in the world.

While many Game of Thrones stars have struggled to find their footing after the show, Pedro Pascal has become an iconic Star Wars character, the beloved lead on The Last of Us, and a future Avenger. Not to mention, he’s had supporting roles in several blockbuster films, including the upcoming Gladiator II. It serves as a testament to the notoriety of Game of Thrones, where even small roles gave actors a chance to distinguish themselves, as practically every character in George R.R. Martin’s world is written with intricacy and distinction.