Who is the little girl that Ned meets in the brothel?
Table of Contents
On the bustling, labyrinthine streets of Westeros and through the dimly lit corridors of King's Landing, destiny is written not in ink but in blood. In the Game of Thrones universe, power is the ultimate quest, but the inherent philosophy that governs the series goes beyond that. The threads of Nietzschean philosophy are woven into the very fabric of the narrative. Nietzsche’s ideas about power, destiny, and the morality of society reveal themselves in the stark contrast between nobility and commoners, and the perpetual struggle between power and justice.
In the fifth episode of the first season, one moment stands out as a stark example of Nietzsche’s philosophy made manifest. It's the moment when Eddard Stark meets a baby girl, a bastard child of Robert Baratheon, in one of Littlefinger's brothels. This encounter, though short, holds profound significance and adds multiple layers to the series’ narrative.
The Bastard Child: A Symbol of Nietzsche’s ‘Will to Power’?
According to Nietzsche, 'Will to Power' is a fundamental component of human nature, representing the inner drive to overcome, expand, and reach the highest possible position in life. Robert Baratheon's multiple bastards, including the infant girl Eddard meets at the brothel, can be seen as symbols of Robert's 'Will to Power'. His offspring, born outside the societal norms of wedlock, underline his refusal to abide by conventional morality, reflecting his pursuit of personal gratification and dominance.
'Eternal Recurrence' and the Cycle of Power
Nietzsche's concept of 'Eternal Recurrence' postulates that all events will repeat themselves in an infinite loop. In the context of Game of Thrones, this could be symbolized by the cyclical nature of power. The baby girl, as a bastard, is at the periphery of the power dynamics, yet her existence has the potential to disrupt the equilibrium. Despite her disadvantaged birth, her royal blood grants her a claim to the throne, thereby having the potential to throw Westeros into chaos. The scenario is reminiscent of Jon Snow's arc, another bastard who ascended to crucial leadership roles.
Morality in Shades of Grey
Nietzsche challenges conventional ideas of morality, arguing that it isn't inherently 'good' or 'bad'. Instead, actions should be viewed through the lens of whether they are life-affirming or life-denying. The baby girl’s existence, born out of wedlock, brings societal ideas of morality into question. Despite the scandal of her conception, her existence affirms life, making the brothel a place not just of sin, but also of life's generation.
The ‘Ubermensch’ and the Unborn Destiny
Nietzsche's idea of the 'Ubermensch', or the 'Overman', is about transcending human limitations and creating one's own values. The bastard baby girl’s life, despite her birth’s circumstances, holds potential. She could choose to be confined by her birth, or she could rise above societal restrictions, like Jon Snow. Her life, therefore, embodies the idea of 'becoming who you are' – a central tenet of Nietzsche’s 'Ubermensch'.
The brief encounter with the bastard baby girl in the brothel is a poignant moment in the tapestry of Game of Thrones. It highlights the intricate dance between power and morality, destiny and choice. More so, through the lens of Nietzsche’s philosophy, it exemplifies the human struggle for power, the ambiguity of morality, and the endless cycle of life’s events. While we, the viewers, do not know what the destiny holds for this child, her existence undeniably adds a layer of depth and philosophical richness to the series.
