Between The Last of Us and the upcoming season of The Mandalorian Pedro Pascal will be ruling the tv landscape for some time to come. But this isn't his first time in a popular series. In 2013 Pascal appeared in the hit show Game of Throne though, unlike his more recent roles he wasn't exactly a lead. Pascal plays Oberyn Martell the charismatic prince of Dorne but unfortunately the character didn't last long. The series was famed for its willingness to kill characters, so it can be hard to remember everyone who died quickly.
Even so Pascal's Oberyn makes an impression. Oberyn notably impacts the story by serving as the introduction to Dorne but he does so much more than that. He stands out in King's Landing because of his unapologetic showboat personality and general disdain for all things Lannister. And that allows him to make an impression on the audience in only seven episodes. Despite the limited time he gets Oberyn has an important role in the show by shining a light on the events of Robert's Rebellion that most characters ignore. And who can forget his death which was brutal even for Game of Thrones? It's Oberyn's death that sets the rest of the Dorne plot into motion as well meaning the other characters remember him long after he's gone. With Pascal's masterful portrayal Oberyn dominates any scene he's in. Granted Pascal had much to work with as the character has a rich history and unique personality.
Who is Oberyn Martell?
With the title of prince, people may get the wrong impression of his role. Dorne's culture is different from the rest of Westeros. Oberyn has no claim on the Iron Throne or any recent relation to Robert Baratheon Mark Addy . They use prince and princess instead of lord and lady when it comes to the Martell family. This is only the beginning of the Dornish culture that Oberyn introduces. As the younger brother of Prince Doran Alexander Siddig who holds the Martell family seat Oberyn isn't set to inherit anything but he doesn't seem to mind. He represents his brother who cannot make long journeys. Oberyn also shows an unending devotion to his family. He is a skilled fighter renowned for his skill with the staff. His unique and deadly fighting style and knowledge of poisons earned him the moniker the Red Viper. He briefly trained as a maester in his youth but grew bored. Then he lived in Essos for several years becoming a mercenary with the Second Sons and trying his hand at the fighting pits. Basically Oberyn tried a little of everything.
Generally Oberyn does what he wants. Though Dorne is more forgiving about bastardy it's a big deal to the rest of the kingdom that Oberyn travels with Ellaria Sand Indira Varma his base born paramour. The two enjoy the freedoms of their culture, visiting brothels together and sleeping with both men and women. Unlike other places in Westeros Oberyn's fluid sexuality is accepted in Dorne. Oberyn is also the father of the eight bastard daughters collectively referred to as the Sand Snakes. These women have reputations as talented warriors like their father.
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