Difference between revisions of "Missandei"

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{{Character  
 
{{Character  
| Character_name         = Missandei
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| Character_name = Missandei
| image         = [[File:Missandei2.jpg|250px]]
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| image = [[File:Missandei by eluas2.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = Daenerys and Missandei - by Enife ©  
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| image_caption = Missandei, by Eluas ©  
 
| Alias =
 
| Alias =
 
| Title =
 
| Title =
Line 9: Line 9:
 
| Culture = [[Naath]]i
 
| Culture = [[Naath]]i
 
| Spouse =
 
| Spouse =
| Place_of_Birth =[[Naath]]
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| Place_of_Birth = [[Naath]]
| Date_of_Birth = {{date|289}}<ref>Missandei was "no more than ten" during the events of 299, and mentioned as being "eleven" during events of 300</ref>
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| Date_of_Birth = {{Date|288}} or {{Date|289}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued2)#Missandei|Missandei]] calculation.''</ref>
 
| Place_of_Death =
 
| Place_of_Death =
 
| Date_of_Death =
 
| Date_of_Death =
| Books = [[A Storm of Swords]] (Appears)<br>[[A Feast for Crows]] (Mentioned)<br>[[A Feast for Crows]] (Mentioned)<br>[[A Dance with Dragons]] (Appears)
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| Books = ''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (appears)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (appears)
 
| coat-of-arms =
 
| coat-of-arms =
| Played_by     = [[List of actors of the televised series|Nathalie Emmanuel]]
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| Played_by = [[List of actors of the televised series|Nathalie Emmanuel]]
| TV_series     = [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|Season 3]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 4|Season 4]]
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| TV_series = [[Game of Thrones - Season 3|Season 3]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 4|Season 4]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 5|Season 5]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 6|Season 6]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 7|Season 7]] {{!}} [[Game of Thrones - Season 8|Season 8]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Missandei''' is a servant of [[Daenerys Targaryen]] and former slave. She is [[Naath]]i. Three of her brothers are [[Unsullied]] but one was killed in training and only [[Marselen]] and [[Mossador]] remain.{{Ref|aSoS|27}}{{Ref|aDwD|11}} She has a sweet, strong voice.{{Ref|aDwD|2}}
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'''Missandei''' is a [[Naath]]i scribe in service to [[Kraznys mo Nakloz]], one of the [[Good Masters]] of [[Astapor]]. In the television adaptation, ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', she is portrayed by [[w:Nathalie Emmanuel|Nathalie Emmanuel]] and depicted as a young woman instead of a child.
  
 
==Appearance and Character==
 
==Appearance and Character==
She has a round flat face, dusky skin and eyes like molten gold. {{Ref|aSoS|23}} {{Ref|aDwD|43}} She is no more than ten when she is freed by Daenerys in [[Astapor]].{{Ref|aSoS|23}}  She had turned eleven by the time Daenerys married [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]] {{Ref|aDwD|43}}. Despite her young age she is very strong willed and intelligent.{{Ref|aSoS|71}}
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:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Missandei|Images of Missandei]]''
  
==Education==
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Missandei has a round flat face, dusky skin, and eyes like molten gold.{{Ref|aSoS|23}}{{Ref|aDwD|43}} Although only ten,{{ref|ASOS|Appendix}}{{Ref|aSoS|23}} she is very strong-willed and intelligent.{{Ref|aSoS|71}} She has a sweet, strong voice.{{ref|ADWD|2}} Missandei was taught to refer to herself as "this one" instead of using first-person pronouns, a habit she tries to overcome once she is freed from slavery.{{Ref|aSoS|71}}
Missandei has been trained to speak the [[Common Tongue]] of [[Westeros]], [[High Valyrian]], and bastard Valyrian. {{Ref|aSoS|23}} {{Ref|aSoS|27}} She has some knowledge of [[Ghiscari]]. {{Ref|aSoS|42}} Missandei was taught to refer to herself as "this one" instead of using first-person pronouns. She still uses the phrase out of habit, but tries to drop said habit.: {{Ref|aSoS|71}}
 
 
 
{{Quote|You are good to this- to me. {{Ref|aSoS|71}} }}
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Missandei and her brothers were born at [[Naath]]. She remembers [[Mossador]] teaching her to climb trees. {{Ref|aDwD|11}}
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Missandei and her brothers were born on the island of [[Naath]]. They were eventually captured by raiders from the [[Basilisk Isles]], and sold into [[slavery]] in [[Astapor]]. Three of her brothers became [[Unsullied]], but one was killed in training, and only [[Marselen]] and [[Mossador]] remain.{{Ref|aSoS|27}} She remembers Mossador teaching her to climb trees.{{Ref|aDwD|11}} Missandei had a noticeable gift, easily learning languages. Consequently, the [[Good Masters]] chose to train her as a scribe and translator.{{Ref|aDwD|11}}
  
They were eventually captured by raiders from the [[Basilisk Isles]], then sold into [[slavery]] in [[Astapor]]. While still very young Missandei had a noticeable gift, easily learning languages. Consequently, the [[Good Masters]] chose to train her as a scribe. {{Ref|aDwD|11}}
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Missandei has been trained to speak the [[Common Tongue]] of [[Westeros]], [[High Valyrian]], and bastard Valyrian.{{Ref|aSoS|23}}{{Ref|aSoS|27}} She has some knowledge of [[Ghiscari]].{{Ref|aSoS|42}} Missandei has been seen reading scrolls, so she is literate in at least one writing system.{{Ref|aSoS|23}}
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
===A Storm of Swords===
+
===''A Storm of Swords''===
Missandei was a slave interpreter for [[Kraznys mo Nakloz]] when Daenerys Targaryen came to inspect the [[Unsullied]] in [[Astapor]]. She left untranslated several of his phrases such as "Westerosi whore", "sunset savage", and "Westerosi pigs". She offered to Kraznys both accurate translations of Daenerys' words and notes of the motives behind them. For example, Missandei noted that "she speaks no praise, to keep the price down". While Missandei translated Kraznys' sales pitch to Dany, Kraznys kept poking the slave girl with the end of his lash, urging her to add more details. {{Ref|aSoS|23}}
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[[File:Missandei2.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Daenerys and Missandei - by Enife © ]]
 
 
At one point Kraznys joked that Missandei should tell "[[Barristan Selmy|Arstan Whitebeard]]" that the old man had the smell of piss on him and could not stand without his walking stick. Missandei took the joke literally, but Kraznys prevented her from translating his insults. He had her claim that there was a rival buyer, a "corsair king", though Missandei reminded him that the corsair was only interested in no more than 100 Unsullied. {{Ref|aSoS|23}} When Kraznys ended his pitch and offered to show Astapor to Daenerys, Missandei edited his words to sound more polite and pleasant, leaving out entirely his sexual proposals. {{Ref|aSoS|23}}
 
 
 
After Daenerys struck a bargain with the [[Good Masters]] of Astapor concerning payment for the Unsullied, Kraznys gave Missandei to Daenerys as an interpreter to give them commands until the Unsullied had learned Daenerys's language. Missandei revealed no feelings concerning the decision. {{Ref|aSoS|27}} Both the Good Masters and Missandei were under the impression that Daenerys could only converse in the Common Tongue. Daenerys actually was fluent in Valyrian, and had understood the discussions which Missandei left untranslated. Just after the initial meeting, Missandei was surprised when Daenerys, in High Valyrian, asked her name in order to proclaim her free. {{Ref|aSoS|27}}
 
 
 
As a freedwoman, Missandei was offered employment by Daenerys and listened to her terms of service. She would serve as a handmaiden and interpreter to Dany, kept close by her side until such time as she chose to leave. She would have her freedom guaranteed, but not her safety, thanks to the dangers of hunger, sickness and violence on Dany's journeys.  Missandei accepted, saying she had nowhere else to go. As for the fear of dying, Missandei responded with the phrase "[[Valar Morghulis]]". {{Ref|aSoS|27}}
 
  
Missandei explained to Daenerys basic information on the Unsullied. She also discussed the matter of what to do with the Unsullied once the wars were over. She suggested using them as guard and watchmen for life, or else finding buyers for them. Regarding the latter option Dany pointed that the Unsullied could then be used against her. Missandei offered a third solution, though she seemed troubled over it: that the Unsullied commit mass suicide, ending any potential threat from them. Dany noted that Missandei seemed to personally dread this option, and had a simple question for her new handmaid: "Why do you care?" Missandei was forced to admit that she had two brothers among the Unsullied troops. {{Ref|aSoS|27}}
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Missandei is a slave interpreter and scribe for [[Kraznys mo Nakloz]], when [[Daenerys Targaryen]] comes to inspect the [[Unsullied]] in [[Astapor]]. She leaves untranslated several of his insults, and edits some of his words to sound more polite and pleasant, leaving out entirely his sexual proposals.{{Ref|aSoS|23}}  
  
When Daenerys entered Astapor to complete the deal, Missandei walked to the left side of [[the Silver]]. She pointed at the Plaza of Punishment and explained that it stood at the front of the main gate so that new slaves could witness first-hand the fate of rebellious slaves. {{Ref|aSoS|27}} At the meeting, Kraznys still gave orders to Missandei, despite no longer owning her. Missandei left some of his phrases untranslated, such as "whore of Westeros". As the deal concluded, Missandei witnessed the [[Sack of Astapor]]. {{Ref|aSoS|27}}
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After Daenerys strikes a bargain with the [[Good Masters]] of Astapor concerning payment for the Unsullied, Kraznys gives Missandei to Daenerys as an interpreter to give them commands until the Unsullied have learned Daenerys's language. Missandei reveals no feelings concerning the decision.{{Ref|aSoS|27}} Both the Good Masters and Missandei are under the impression that Daenerys can only converse in the [[Common Tongue]]; therefore Missandei is surprised when Daenerys, in [[High Valyrian]], asks her name in order to proclaim her free. As a freedwoman, Missandei is offered employment by Daenerys as a [[handmaid]] and interpreter, to be kept close by her side until such time as she chooses to leave. Missandei accepts, saying she has nowhere else to go. As for the fear of danger and death, Missandei responds with the phrase "[[Valar morghulis]]". Missandei explains to Daenerys basic information on the Unsullied, and she reveals that three of them were her brothers once.{{Ref|aSoS|27}}
  
During the initial conflict with [[Yunkai]], Missandei explained to Daenerys that the Yunkai'i spoke a Valyrian dialect mutually intelligible to that of Astapor. She also pointed out that the ruling class there dubbed themselves [[Wise Masters]] {{Ref|aSoS|42}}. The night before the battle, Dany was too restless to sleep. Missandei offered to sing her a lullaby of the Peaceful People, but was turned down. Dany instead had her summon "Arstan Whitebeard". {{Ref|aSoS|42}} After a three-day siege of Yunkai, the Wise Masters released a large number of slaves to Daenerys. Missandei explained to them that they owed their freedom to Daenerys. She then had to translate their new term for Daenerys: "Mhysa", [[Ghiscari]] for "Mother". {{Ref|aSoS|42}}
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At the exchange, Kraznys still gives orders to Missandei, despite no longer owning her. Missandei leaves some of his phrases untranslated, such as "whore of Westeros". As the deal concludes, Missandei witnesses the [[fall of Astapor]].{{Ref|aSoS|27}}
  
During the [[Siege of Meereen]], [[Belwas|Strong Belwas]] won a duel against [[Oznak zo Pahl]], but suffered a wound. Daenerys was worried about infection, so she sent Missandei to locate a healer. The man was a Yunkish freedman "renowned for his skill in the healing arts". {{Ref|aSoS|57}} Dany later called for Missandei to have the Silver and the girl's own [[horse]] saddled, in preparation for a visit to the camps. Missandei offered to call the [[bloodrider]]s to serve as guards, but Daenerys chose "Arstan" instead. When [[Mero|The Titan's Bastard]] attempted to assassinate Daenerys, Missandei called for help. "Arstan" was able to wound Mero and save Daenerys. Meanwhile Missandei pulled Dany back on her feet. A number of freedmen, likely responding to Missandei's calls, then attacked Mero; he was torn apart. {{Ref|aSoS|57}}
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During the initial conflict with [[Yunkai]], Missandei explains to Daenerys that the Yunkai'i speak a Valyrian dialect mutually intelligible to that of Astapor.{{Ref|aSoS|42}} The night before the [[battle of Yunkai]], Dany is too restless to sleep. Missandei offers to sing her a lullaby of the Peaceful People of [[Naath]], but is turned down.{{Ref|aSoS|42}} After a three-day siege of Yunkai, the Wise Masters release a large number of slaves to Daenerys. Missandei explains to them that they owe their freedom to Daenerys. She then translates their new term for Daenerys, ''Mhysa'', which is [[Ghiscari]] for "Mother".{{Ref|aSoS|42}}
  
While contemplating gods, Daenerys recalled Missandei's narrative concerning the [[Lord of Harmony (god)|Lord of Harmony]], and later recalled other details concerning [[Naath]] told by Missandei. She noted growing very fond of the girl. {{Ref|aSoS|71}} With Meereen fallen, Daenerys chose [[the Great Pyramid]] as her new seat. Missandei, [[Irri]], and [[Jhiqui]] moved to the royal apartments with her, with Missandei sleeping in her own bed. {{Ref|aSoS|71}} When Missandei served her breakfast, Dany asked her a question concerning the flies of Naath. Missandei responded that Naath has butterflies. Daenerys promised Missandei to take her "home" to Naath one day, but Missandei replied that she was content to stay with the Targaryen. {{Ref|aSoS|71}} While contemplating her various allies' and supporters' reliability, Daenerys noted fearing betrayal by all of them. Missandei, Jhiqui, Irri, [[Grey Worm]], [[Ben Plumm]], and [[Daario Naharis]] all looked suspect in her eyes. {{Ref|aSoS|71}}  
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During the [[siege of Meereen]], [[Belwas|Strong Belwas]] wins a duel against [[Oznak zo Pahl]], but suffers a wound. Dany has Missandei find a healer for him, a Yunkish freedman "renowned for his skill in the healing arts".{{Ref|aSoS|57}} Dany later calls for Missandei to have [[the Silver]] and the girl's own horse saddled, in preparation for a visit to the camps. Missandei offers to call the [[bloodrider]]s to serve as guards, but Daenerys chooses "[[Arstan Whitebeard]]" instead. When [[Mero]] attempts to assassinate Daenerys, Missandei calls for help. "Arstan" is able to wound Mero and save Daenerys and Missandei pulls the queen back on her feet. A number of freedmen, likely responding to Missandei's calls, then tear Mero apart.{{Ref|aSoS|57}}
  
When Daenerys decided to bury the corpses of Meereen, Missandei offered advice, saying the Ghiscari have their honored dead interred in crypts beneath their manses. She suggested boiling the bones clean, and returning them to their kin for burial as an act of kindness. {{Ref|aSoS|71}} Missandei attended the initial meeting of Daenerys with [[Ghael]], the envoy of King [[Cleon]] of Astapor. She made sure that this was Cleon, the former slave of [[Grazdan mo Ullhor]], then whispered to Daenerys information on the background of Cleon. When Ghael detailed Cleon's marriage proposal to Daenerys and his promise to give her many strong sons, Missandei asked the obvious question: whether Cleon ever had sons and, by implication, whether he could father more of them. Ghael was forced to admit that Cleon had only fathered daughters in his previous wedding. {{Ref|aSoS|71}}
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While contemplating gods, Daenerys recalled Missandei's narrative concerning the [[Lord of Harmony]], and later recalled other details concerning [[Naath]] told by Missandei. She notes growing very fond of the girl.{{Ref|aSoS|71}} With Meereen fallen, Daenerys chooses the [[Great Pyramid]] as her new seat. Missandei, [[Irri]], and [[Jhiqui]] move to the royal apartments with her, with Missandei sleeping in her own bed.{{Ref|aSoS|71}} Daenerys promises Missandei to take her "home" to Naath one day, but Missandei replies that she is content to stay with the Targaryen.{{Ref|aSoS|71}} While contemplating her various allies' and supporters' reliability, Daenerys noted fearing betrayal by all of them.{{Ref|aSoS|71}}  
  
Daenerys was surprised to find that several men of Meereen volunteered to become slaves, in exchange for transport to [[Qarth]]. She decided to allow for any man or woman to sell themselves, but forbade anyone to sell their children or wives. She was initially content to have no profit from the sales, but Missandei pointed out that in Astapor the Good Masters had taken a 10% sales tax. Daenerys decided to adopt the same measure for Meereen, adding some much needed gold to the royal coffers. {{Ref|aSoS|71}}
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When Daenerys decides to bury the corpses of Meereen, Missandei offers advice, saying the Ghiscari have their honored dead interred in crypts beneath their manses. She suggested boiling the bones clean, and returning them to their kin for burial as an act of kindness.{{Ref|aSoS|71}} Missandei attended the initial meeting of Daenerys with [[Ghael]], the envoy of King [[Cleon]] of Astapor. Ghael details Cleon's marriage proposal to Daenerys and his promise to give her many strong sons. When Missandei asks about Cleon's sons, Ghael is forced to admit that Cleon only fathered daughters in his previous wedding.{{Ref|aSoS|71}}
  
At night, Daenerys suffered from nightmares. She rose from her bed, leaving her paramour Irri asleep. She noted Missandei and Irri sleeping in their own beds. Missandei soon woke up and discovered Dany missing. She went in search of her queen, finding her in the terrace garden. She was puzzled to hear Daenerys mention looking for "a house with a red door". Dany then had the girl promise to never lie to her, to never betray her. The two watched the sunrise together, holding hands. {{Ref|aSoS|71}}
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One night Missandei finds Daenerys in the terrace garden. Dany has the girl promise to never lie to her, to never betray her. The two watched the sunrise together, holding hands.{{Ref|aSoS|71}} When Daenerys berates herself for bringing "death and ruin" to [[Slaver's Bay]], Missandei reminds her that she had brought freedom as well.{{Ref|aSoS|71}}
  
When Daenerys berated herself for bringing "death and ruin" to [[Slaver's Bay]], Missandei reminded her that she had brought freedom as well. {{Ref|aSoS|71}}
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===''A Dance with Dragons''===
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[[File:Drazenka Kimpel Missandei.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Missandei, by Drazenka Kimpel © FFG]]
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Missandei takes on the role of herald for [[Daenerys Targaryen]].{{Ref|aDwD|2}} {{Ref|aDwD|55}} At night, Missandei wakes her to inform her that [[Stalwart Shield]] has been murdered. During the day, Missandei announces the entry of Daenerys to the hall. She uses the same opening line every day:{{Ref|aDwD|2}}
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{{Quote|All kneel for Daenerys Stormborn, the Unburnt, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the [[Andals]] and the [[Rhoynar]] and the [[First Men]], [[Khaleesi]] of [the] Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Shackles, and Mother of [[Dragon]]s.{{Ref|aDwD|2}}}}  
  
===A Dance with Dragons===
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Missandei is distraught when [[Mossador]], one of her brothers, is killed by the [[Sons of the Harpy]].{{Ref|aDwD|11}} Before falling asleep one night, Missandei shares some of her memories of Mossador with Dany. The queen again offers Missandei a chance to return to Naath, but she replies that at Naath she would be afraid, easy prey for slavers. She feels safe with the Targaryen, calling her "mother" in a whisper and hugging her tight, and Dany kisses her goodnight.{{Ref|aDwD|11}} That night Daenerys has a vision of [[Quaithe]], but Missandei finds her at the pool, apparently talking to nobody at all. This makes Dany wonder whether Quaithe was actually there.{{Ref|aDwD|11}}
[[File:Missandei4.jpg‎‎|Missandei by Paul Phillips©|thumb|250px]]
 
Missandei took on the role of herald for [[Daenerys Targaryen]].{{Ref|aDwD|2}} {{Ref|aDwD|55}} At night, Missandei woke up Daenerys to inform her that [[Stalwart Shield]] was murdered. Daenerys moved to the hall, waiting for the corpse to be transferred for examination. {{Ref|aDwD|2}} During the day, Missandei announced the entry of Daenerys to the hall, signaling the beginning of the daily audience with envoys and petitioners. Missandei used the same opening line every day:{{Ref|aDwD|2}}
 
  
{{Quote|All kneel for Daenerys Stormborn, the Unburnt, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the [[Andal]]s and the [[Rhoynar]] and the [[First Men]], [[Khaleesi]] of [the] Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Shackles, and Mother of [[Dragon]]s. {{Ref|aDwD|2}} }}  
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When [[Galazza Galare]], the [[Green Grace]], arrives at the Great Pyramid escorted by a dozen [[White Graces]], Daenerys tasks Missandei with having the girls fed and entertained.{{Ref|aDwD|23}}
  
She was distraught when [[Mossador]], one of her brothers, was killed by the [[Sons of the Harpy]]. In the night, Daenerys was roused by [[Irri]] to be informed about the latest series of murders. Dany could hear someone weeping, but could not place the voice. Irri had to point out that Missandei wept for her brother. {{Ref|aDwD|11}} After meeting with [[Skahaz mo Kandaq]] and deciding on a new strategy against the [[Sons of the Harpy]], Daenerys returned to the royal apartments. Finding Missandei still crying, she invited the girl to sleep with her, which Missandei accepted. Before falling asleep, Missandei shared some of her memories of Mossador with Dany. Dany once again offered Missandei a chance to return to Naath. Missandei replied that at Naath she would be afraid, easy prey for slavers. She felt safe with the Targaryen, calling her "mother" in a whisper and hugging her tight, and Dany kissed her goodnight. {{Ref|aDwD|11}}
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Following a visit to the camps of refugees outside Meereen, Daenerys invites Missandei to join her in the water. While swimming, the girl claims to have heard strange sounds in the night: someone scratching at the wall's old, crumbling bricks. She believes the Astapori are trying to enter. [[Irri]] and [[Jhiqui]] claim to have heard nothing that night. Daenerys dismisses the sounds as mere dreams.{{Ref|aDwD|36}} [[Viserion]] is later discovered to have used his flame and claws to carve a hole in the walls.{{Ref|aDwD|68}}
  
Dany herself was unable to sleep that night, and left the bed and heading to the terrace pool for a swim. There she had a vision of [[Quaithe]]. Missandei woke up and went in search for her. She discovered Dany still at the pool, apparently talking to nobody at all. This made Dany wonder whether Quaithe was but a shadow, a memory - never physically there. Just before dawn, Missandei served breakfast to Dany, still at the garden. {{Ref|aDwD|11}}
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Two nights prior to her wedding, Daenerys has a sexual encounter with [[Daario Naharis]]. In the morning, Missandei asks about her health, having overheard the sounds of the lovemaking, but having misunderstood their meaning:{{Ref|aDwD|43}}
 +
{{Quote|In the black of night this one heard you scream.{{Ref|aDwD|43}}}}
  
In the day, Daenerys had a meeting with [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]], concerning his petition to re-open the [[fighting pits]]. Daenerys wanted them closed for good, mentally noting that Missandei seemingly shared her opinion. [[Reznak mo Reznak]], [[Galazza Galare]], Skahaz, and [[Belwas]] were all in favor of the petition, though each for his own reasons. [[Barristan Selmy]] wanted to introduce Westerosi-style [[Tourneys in Westeros|tourney]] to Meereen, using the fighting pits as tourney grounds. {{Ref|aDwD|11}}
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At dawn on Daenerys's wedding day, Missandei insists that the queen should have a simple, full breakfast of goat cheese, olives, and raisins. She points out that Daenerys needs her strength, and mere [[wine]] is not enough. She also points out that Dany is "such a tiny thing". She understands that Dany has second thoughts about the wedding, suggesting that it is not too late to cancel the wedding. Missandei insists that Dany does not love Hizdahr and could choose another husband, but Dany responds that a queen marries for duty, not love.{{Ref|aDwD|43}}  Missandei reports that both [[Reznak mo Reznak]] and [[Skahaz mo Kandaq]] wish to escort the queen to the [[Temple of the Graces]], as part of her marriage procession. Dany insists on riding [[the Silver]] to the Temple, until Missandei reminds her that "you cannot ride in a [[tokar]]". Missandei arranges a sedan chair for her.{{Ref|aDwD|43}} Missandei has turned eleven by the time Daenerys marries [[Hizdahr zo Loraq]].
  
[[Galazza Galare]], the [[Green Grace]], arrived at the Great Pyramid escorted by a dozen [[White Graces]]. Daenerys tasked Missandei with having the girls fed and entertained. {{Ref|aDwD|23}} About 25 days later, Missandei interrupted a conversation between Daenerys and Selmy to announce that Skahaz had requested an audience. He wanted to give her the latest reports of the surveillance team which followed Hizdahr. The would-be-king had visited 11 pyramids. {{Ref|aDwD|30}}
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Following the wedding, Daenerys has a disappointing consummation with Hizdahr. Missandei does her best to comfort Daenerys, sharing her memories with Dany. She is still talking when the queen falls asleep.{{Ref|aDwD|50}}
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[[File: SirHeartsalot_SerBS&M.jpg‎‎‎| Ser Barristan comes to understand why Daenerys is so fond of Missandei - by Sir-Heartsalot ©|thumb|350px|right]]
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Missandei washes Daenerys's hair prior to visiting the [[fighting pits]], their long awaited re-opening. When Daenerys claims that half of Meereen would be there to see her, Missandei insists that the spectators only want to see men bleeding and dying. Missandei later reports that [[Quentyn Martell]] and his [[Dornishmen]] are expecting an audience.{{Ref|aDwD|52}}
  
Following a visit to the camps of refugees outside Meereen, Daenerys returned to the royal apartments. There he found Irri and Jhiqui arguing over [[Rakharo]], while Missandei studied an old scroll. She stopped the argument and headed for the terrace pool, inviting Missandei to join her in the water. While swimming, the girl claimed to have heard strange sounds in the night: someone scratching at the wall's old, crumbling bricks. She believed the Astapori were trying to enter. Irri and Jhiqui claimed to have heard nothing that night. Daenerys dismissed the sounds as mere dreams. {{Ref|aDwD|36}} [[Viserion]] was later discovered to have used his flame and claws to carve a hole in the walls. {{Ref|aDwD|68}}
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When Daenerys disappears on [[Drogon]]'s back, her consort Hizdahr takes full control of [[Meereen]]. He has Missandei replaced as herald, citing that it is undignified for a king to use a child or a former slave as a herald.{{Ref|aDwD|52}}{{Ref|aDwD|55}} [[Irri]] and [[Jhiqui]] move out of the royal apartments, leaving Meereen with most of Daenerys's [[Dothraki]] ''[[khalasar]]''.  The ''khalasar'' has set out to search the [[Dothraki sea]] for their missing queen. Hizhar chooses to establish his own suite of rooms, and Daenerys's [[cupbearers of Daenerys Targaryen|cupbearers]] move with him. This leaves Missandei the only occupant of the royal apartments, described by Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] as a "forlorn little ghost".{{Ref|aDwD|55}}
  
Missandei reminded Daenerys of her arranged meeting with Reznak and Galazza to discuss wedding preparations. {{Ref|aDwD|36}} When [[Daario Naharis]] brought news that [[Ben Plumm]] and the [[Second Sons]] had defected to the enemy, there were varying reactions in the court of Meereen. Surrounded by the voices of her advisors, Daenerys asked them to be quiet. She noted that only Missandei heard her the first time. Dany had to raise her voice and repeat the order to silence them. {{Ref|aDwD|36}} Two nights prior to her wedding, Daenerys had a sexual encounter with Daario. In the morning, Missandei asked about her health, having overheard the sounds of the lovemaking, but having misunderstood their meaning: {{Ref|aDwD|43}}
+
Barristan continues sharing the apex of the [[Great Pyramid]] with Missandei, having his own cell by the royal apartments.{{Ref|aDwD|55}}{{Ref|aDwD|59}} Missandei assures him that Daenerys would not leave without them. She reveals that Skahaz, the former leader of the [[Brazen Beasts]], has asked for a secret meeting with Barristan, who send his own reply through the former herald.{{Ref|aDwD|55}}
  
{{Quote|In the black of night this one heard you scream. {{Ref|aDwD|43}} }}
+
Before his ''coup d'etat'' against Hizhahr, Barristan warns Missandei to not leave the queen's chambers for any reason that night.{{Ref|aDwD|67}} He deposes Hizdahr and is proclaimed [[Hand of the King|Queen's Hand]], ruling in the name of the missing Daenerys. He arranges for [[Quentyn Martell]], mortally burned by [[Rhaegal]], to be transferred to the bed of Daenerys. Missandei takes care of the wounded man for three days, sitting at his bedside night and day and offering him water and [[milk of the poppy]]. Barristan tries to arrange some assistance for her efforts, but the cupbearers fear the sight of the burned Dornishman, and the [[Blue Graces]] do not reply to his summons. Missandei reports the death of Quentyn just before the dawn. She is certain that the "[[Dorne|Dornish]] gods" took him home and that Quentyn smiled at death, finally beyond pain.{{Ref|aDwD|68}}{{Ref|aDwD|70}}
  
At dawn on Daenerys' wedding day, Missandei insisted that the queen should have a simple, full breakfast of goat cheese, olives, and raisins. She pointed that Daenerys needed her strength, and mere [[wine]] was not enough. She also pointed out that Dany was "such a tiny thing". She understood that Dany was having second thoughts about the wedding, suggesting that it was not too late to cancel the wedding. Dany instead thought that it was too late for such a decision. Missandei insisted that Dany did not love Hizdahr, and could choose another husband, but Dany responded that a queen marries for duty, not love. {{Ref|aDwD|43}}
+
Missandei aids Ser Barristan in taking control of the court of Meereen. He uses one of her ideas in negotiations with the enemy, offering each man's weight in gold ransom for the release of the hostages ([[Daario Naharis]], [[Hero]], [[Jhogo]]). While the Wise Masters neither want nor need the gold, their mercenaries are likely to support the deal, creating division in the enemy ranks. Barristan finds Missandei's strategy reminiscent of both [[Petyr Baelish]] (whose plans included bribes) and [[Varys]] (whose plans included fostering division in the enemy ranks).{{Ref|aDwD|70}}
 
 
Missandei reported that both Reznak and Skahaz wished to escort the queen to the [[Temple of the Graces]], as part of her marriage procession. Dany insisted on riding [[the Silver]] to the Temple, until Missandei reminded her that "you cannot ride in a [[tokar]]". Daenerys still felt that the palanquin, which Reznak had suggested, was a poor choice for a hot day, and had Missandei arrange a sedan chair for her. {{Ref|aDwD|43}} Following the wedding, Daenerys had a disappointing consummation with Hizdahr, who was drunk and did not last long. Daenerys herself was unable to sleep. Missandei listened to her crying, and approached the bed. Daenerys asked the girl to keep her company, unwilling to be alone. Missandei did her best to comfort Daenerys, sharing her memories with Dany. She was still talking when the queen fell asleep. {{Ref|aDwD|50}}
 
 
 
Missandei washed Daenerys' hair prior to visiting fighting pits, their long awaited re-opening. Missandei accepted that the pits would open, but suggested that Daenerys herself did not have to attend the opening. When Daenerys claimed that half of Meereen would be there to see her, Missandei instisted that the spectators only wanted to see men bleeding and dying.  {{Ref|aDwD|52}} Missandei later reported that [[Quentyn Martell]] and his [[Dornishmen]] were expecting an audience. {{Ref|aDwD|52}}
 
 
 
When Daenerys disappeared on [[Drogon]]'s back, her consort Hizdahr took full control of [[Meereen]]. He had Missandei replaced as herald, citing that it was undignified for a king to use a child or a former slave as a herald.  {{Ref|aDwD|52}} {{Ref|aDwD|55}} [[Irri]] and [[Jhiqui]] moved out of the royal apartments, leaving Meereen with most of Daenerys's [[Dothraki]] ''[[khalasar]]''.  The khalasar has set out to search the [[Dothraki Sea]] for their missing queen. Hizhar had chosen to establish his own suite of rooms, and Daenerys's [[cupbearers of Daenerys Targaryen|cupbearers]] moved with him. This left Missandei the only occupant of the royal apartments, described by Selmy as a "forlorn little ghost". {{Ref|aDwD|55}}
 
[[File: SirHeartsalot_SerBS&M.jpg‎‎‎| Ser Barristan comes to understand why Daenerys is so fond of Missandei - by Sir-Heartsalot ©|thumb|240px|right]]
 
[[Barristan Selmy]] continued sharing the apex of the [[Great Pyramid]] with Missandei, having his own cell by the royal apartments. {{Ref|aDwD|55}} {{Ref|aDwD|59}} Missandei approached him in the terrace, overhearing the [[knight]] voicing his thoughts. He wondered whether Daenerys was flying home to [[Westeros]]. The soft voice of Missandei replied from behind him, startling Selmy. He had not heard her approach, nor felt her standing right behind him. She assured him that Daenerys would not leave without them, then revealed the real reason she approached him: a message from Skahaz. She explained that the former leader of the [[Brazen Beasts]] still entered and exited the Pyramid at will. He asked for a secret meeting with Selmy. Selmy send his own reply through the former herald. {{Ref|aDwD|55}}
 
 
 
Before his ''coup d'etat'' against Hizhahr, Selmy visited the royal apartments, where he found Missandei among her piles of scrolls and books. He warned her to not leave the queen's chambers for any reason that night. {{Ref|aDwD|67}} Selmy deposed Hizdahr in a coup d'etat and was proclaimed [[Hand of the King|Queen's Hand]], ruling in the name of the missing Daenerys. He arranged for [[Quentyn Martell]], mortally burned by [[Rhaegal]], to be transferred to the bed of Daenerys. Missandei took care of the wounded man for three days, sitting at his bedside night and day and offering him water and [[milk of the poppy]]. Barristan tried to arrange some assistance for her efforts, but the cupbearers feared the sight of the burned Dornishman, and the [[Blue Graces]] did not reply to his summons. Missandei reported the death of Quentyn just before the dawn. She was certain that the "[[Dorne|Dornish]] gods" took him home and that Quentyl smiled at death, finally beyond pain. Barristan kepts his thoughts on the matter to himself, that Quentyn had no lips to smile. {{Ref|aDwD|68}} {{Ref|aDwD|70}}
 
 
 
Missandei was interested in the fate of Quentyn's corpse, but Selmy reminded her to get some proper sleep, in her own bed instead of a chair. She offered the same advise to him, having noted that Selmy gets little sleep at night. {{Ref|aDwD|70}} Missandei aids Ser Barristan in taking control of the court of Meereen. He used one of her ideas in negotiations with the enemy, offering each man's weight in gold ransom for the release of the hostages ([[Daario Naharis]], [[Hero]], [[Jhogo]]). While the Wise Masters neither want nor need the gold, their mercenaries are likely to support the deal, creating division in the enemy ranks. Selmy finds Missandei's strategy reminiscent of both [[Petyr Baelish]] (whose plans included bribes) and [[Varys]] (whose plans included fostering division in the enemy ranks). {{Ref|aDwD|70}}
 
  
 
==Quotes about Missandei==
 
==Quotes about Missandei==
{{Quote|''"The little scribe with the big golden eyes was wise beyond her years. She is brave as well. She had to be to survive the life she's lived".''{{Ref|aSoS|71}}}} - [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
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{{Quote|The little scribe with the big golden eyes was wise beyond her years. She is brave as well. She had to be, to survive the life she's lived.{{Ref|aSoS|71}}|thoughts of [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}
 
 
 
 
{{Quote|''"She relied so much on the little scribe that she oft forgot that Missandei had only turned eleven"''. {{Ref|aDwD|43}}}} - [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
 
  
 +
{{Quote|She relied so much on the little scribe that she oft forgot that Missandei had only turned eleven.{{Ref|aDwD|43}}|thoughts of [[Daenerys Targaryen]]}}
  
{{Quote|''"Eleven years of age, yet Missandei is as clever as half the men at this table and wiser than all of them".'' {{Ref|aDwD|70}} }} - [[Barristan Selmy]], comparing Missandei to the [[Ruling council of Meereen]]
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{{Quote|Eleven years of age, yet Missandei is as clever as half the men at this table and wiser than all of them.{{Ref|aDwD|70}}|thoughts of [[Barristan Selmy]], comparing Missandei to the [[ruling council of Meereen]]}}
  
==References and Notes==
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==References==
{{references|2}}
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{{references}}
  
 
[[Category:Characters from Naath]]
 
[[Category:Characters from Naath]]
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[[Category:Courtiers and followers of Daenerys Targaryen]]
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[[Category:Scribes]]
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[[Category:Translators]]
 
[[Category:Slaves and freedmen]]
 
[[Category:Slaves and freedmen]]
[[Category:Courtiers and followers of Daenerys]]
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[[Category:Handmaids]]
[[fr:Missandei]][[zh:弥桑黛]]
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[[fr:Missandei]]
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[[ru:Миссандея]]
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[[zh:弥桑黛]]

Revision as of 09:42, 1 August 2022

Missandei
Missandei by eluas2.jpg
Missandei, by Eluas ©

Allegiance House Targaryen
Culture Naathi
Born In 288 AC or 289 AC[1]Naath
Books

Played by Nathalie Emmanuel
TV series Season 3 | Season 4 | Season 5 | Season 6 | Season 7 | Season 8

Missandei is a Naathi scribe in service to Kraznys mo Nakloz, one of the Good Masters of Astapor. In the television adaptation, Game of Thrones, she is portrayed by Nathalie Emmanuel and depicted as a young woman instead of a child.

Appearance and Character

See also: Images of Missandei

Missandei has a round flat face, dusky skin, and eyes like molten gold.[2][3] Although only ten,[4][2] she is very strong-willed and intelligent.[5] She has a sweet, strong voice.[6] Missandei was taught to refer to herself as "this one" instead of using first-person pronouns, a habit she tries to overcome once she is freed from slavery.[5]

History

Missandei and her brothers were born on the island of Naath. They were eventually captured by raiders from the Basilisk Isles, and sold into slavery in Astapor. Three of her brothers became Unsullied, but one was killed in training, and only Marselen and Mossador remain.[7] She remembers Mossador teaching her to climb trees.[8] Missandei had a noticeable gift, easily learning languages. Consequently, the Good Masters chose to train her as a scribe and translator.[8]

Missandei has been trained to speak the Common Tongue of Westeros, High Valyrian, and bastard Valyrian.[2][7] She has some knowledge of Ghiscari.[9] Missandei has been seen reading scrolls, so she is literate in at least one writing system.[2]

Recent Events

A Storm of Swords

Daenerys and Missandei - by Enife ©

Missandei is a slave interpreter and scribe for Kraznys mo Nakloz, when Daenerys Targaryen comes to inspect the Unsullied in Astapor. She leaves untranslated several of his insults, and edits some of his words to sound more polite and pleasant, leaving out entirely his sexual proposals.[2]

After Daenerys strikes a bargain with the Good Masters of Astapor concerning payment for the Unsullied, Kraznys gives Missandei to Daenerys as an interpreter to give them commands until the Unsullied have learned Daenerys's language. Missandei reveals no feelings concerning the decision.[7] Both the Good Masters and Missandei are under the impression that Daenerys can only converse in the Common Tongue; therefore Missandei is surprised when Daenerys, in High Valyrian, asks her name in order to proclaim her free. As a freedwoman, Missandei is offered employment by Daenerys as a handmaid and interpreter, to be kept close by her side until such time as she chooses to leave. Missandei accepts, saying she has nowhere else to go. As for the fear of danger and death, Missandei responds with the phrase "Valar morghulis". Missandei explains to Daenerys basic information on the Unsullied, and she reveals that three of them were her brothers once.[7]

At the exchange, Kraznys still gives orders to Missandei, despite no longer owning her. Missandei leaves some of his phrases untranslated, such as "whore of Westeros". As the deal concludes, Missandei witnesses the fall of Astapor.[7]

During the initial conflict with Yunkai, Missandei explains to Daenerys that the Yunkai'i speak a Valyrian dialect mutually intelligible to that of Astapor.[9] The night before the battle of Yunkai, Dany is too restless to sleep. Missandei offers to sing her a lullaby of the Peaceful People of Naath, but is turned down.[9] After a three-day siege of Yunkai, the Wise Masters release a large number of slaves to Daenerys. Missandei explains to them that they owe their freedom to Daenerys. She then translates their new term for Daenerys, Mhysa, which is Ghiscari for "Mother".[9]

During the siege of Meereen, Strong Belwas wins a duel against Oznak zo Pahl, but suffers a wound. Dany has Missandei find a healer for him, a Yunkish freedman "renowned for his skill in the healing arts".[10] Dany later calls for Missandei to have the Silver and the girl's own horse saddled, in preparation for a visit to the camps. Missandei offers to call the bloodriders to serve as guards, but Daenerys chooses "Arstan Whitebeard" instead. When Mero attempts to assassinate Daenerys, Missandei calls for help. "Arstan" is able to wound Mero and save Daenerys and Missandei pulls the queen back on her feet. A number of freedmen, likely responding to Missandei's calls, then tear Mero apart.[10]

While contemplating gods, Daenerys recalled Missandei's narrative concerning the Lord of Harmony, and later recalled other details concerning Naath told by Missandei. She notes growing very fond of the girl.[5] With Meereen fallen, Daenerys chooses the Great Pyramid as her new seat. Missandei, Irri, and Jhiqui move to the royal apartments with her, with Missandei sleeping in her own bed.[5] Daenerys promises Missandei to take her "home" to Naath one day, but Missandei replies that she is content to stay with the Targaryen.[5] While contemplating her various allies' and supporters' reliability, Daenerys noted fearing betrayal by all of them.[5]

When Daenerys decides to bury the corpses of Meereen, Missandei offers advice, saying the Ghiscari have their honored dead interred in crypts beneath their manses. She suggested boiling the bones clean, and returning them to their kin for burial as an act of kindness.[5] Missandei attended the initial meeting of Daenerys with Ghael, the envoy of King Cleon of Astapor. Ghael details Cleon's marriage proposal to Daenerys and his promise to give her many strong sons. When Missandei asks about Cleon's sons, Ghael is forced to admit that Cleon only fathered daughters in his previous wedding.[5]

One night Missandei finds Daenerys in the terrace garden. Dany has the girl promise to never lie to her, to never betray her. The two watched the sunrise together, holding hands.[5] When Daenerys berates herself for bringing "death and ruin" to Slaver's Bay, Missandei reminds her that she had brought freedom as well.[5]

A Dance with Dragons

Missandei, by Drazenka Kimpel © FFG

Missandei takes on the role of herald for Daenerys Targaryen.[6] [11] At night, Missandei wakes her to inform her that Stalwart Shield has been murdered. During the day, Missandei announces the entry of Daenerys to the hall. She uses the same opening line every day:[6]

All kneel for Daenerys Stormborn, the Unburnt, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Khaleesi of [the] Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Shackles, and Mother of Dragons.[6]

Missandei is distraught when Mossador, one of her brothers, is killed by the Sons of the Harpy.[8] Before falling asleep one night, Missandei shares some of her memories of Mossador with Dany. The queen again offers Missandei a chance to return to Naath, but she replies that at Naath she would be afraid, easy prey for slavers. She feels safe with the Targaryen, calling her "mother" in a whisper and hugging her tight, and Dany kisses her goodnight.[8] That night Daenerys has a vision of Quaithe, but Missandei finds her at the pool, apparently talking to nobody at all. This makes Dany wonder whether Quaithe was actually there.[8]

When Galazza Galare, the Green Grace, arrives at the Great Pyramid escorted by a dozen White Graces, Daenerys tasks Missandei with having the girls fed and entertained.[12]

Following a visit to the camps of refugees outside Meereen, Daenerys invites Missandei to join her in the water. While swimming, the girl claims to have heard strange sounds in the night: someone scratching at the wall's old, crumbling bricks. She believes the Astapori are trying to enter. Irri and Jhiqui claim to have heard nothing that night. Daenerys dismisses the sounds as mere dreams.[13] Viserion is later discovered to have used his flame and claws to carve a hole in the walls.[14]

Two nights prior to her wedding, Daenerys has a sexual encounter with Daario Naharis. In the morning, Missandei asks about her health, having overheard the sounds of the lovemaking, but having misunderstood their meaning:[3]

In the black of night this one heard you scream.[3]

At dawn on Daenerys's wedding day, Missandei insists that the queen should have a simple, full breakfast of goat cheese, olives, and raisins. She points out that Daenerys needs her strength, and mere wine is not enough. She also points out that Dany is "such a tiny thing". She understands that Dany has second thoughts about the wedding, suggesting that it is not too late to cancel the wedding. Missandei insists that Dany does not love Hizdahr and could choose another husband, but Dany responds that a queen marries for duty, not love.[3] Missandei reports that both Reznak mo Reznak and Skahaz mo Kandaq wish to escort the queen to the Temple of the Graces, as part of her marriage procession. Dany insists on riding the Silver to the Temple, until Missandei reminds her that "you cannot ride in a tokar". Missandei arranges a sedan chair for her.[3] Missandei has turned eleven by the time Daenerys marries Hizdahr zo Loraq.

Following the wedding, Daenerys has a disappointing consummation with Hizdahr. Missandei does her best to comfort Daenerys, sharing her memories with Dany. She is still talking when the queen falls asleep.[15]

Ser Barristan comes to understand why Daenerys is so fond of Missandei - by Sir-Heartsalot ©

Missandei washes Daenerys's hair prior to visiting the fighting pits, their long awaited re-opening. When Daenerys claims that half of Meereen would be there to see her, Missandei insists that the spectators only want to see men bleeding and dying. Missandei later reports that Quentyn Martell and his Dornishmen are expecting an audience.[16]

When Daenerys disappears on Drogon's back, her consort Hizdahr takes full control of Meereen. He has Missandei replaced as herald, citing that it is undignified for a king to use a child or a former slave as a herald.[16][11] Irri and Jhiqui move out of the royal apartments, leaving Meereen with most of Daenerys's Dothraki khalasar. The khalasar has set out to search the Dothraki sea for their missing queen. Hizhar chooses to establish his own suite of rooms, and Daenerys's cupbearers move with him. This leaves Missandei the only occupant of the royal apartments, described by Ser Barristan Selmy as a "forlorn little ghost".[11]

Barristan continues sharing the apex of the Great Pyramid with Missandei, having his own cell by the royal apartments.[11][17] Missandei assures him that Daenerys would not leave without them. She reveals that Skahaz, the former leader of the Brazen Beasts, has asked for a secret meeting with Barristan, who send his own reply through the former herald.[11]

Before his coup d'etat against Hizhahr, Barristan warns Missandei to not leave the queen's chambers for any reason that night.[18] He deposes Hizdahr and is proclaimed Queen's Hand, ruling in the name of the missing Daenerys. He arranges for Quentyn Martell, mortally burned by Rhaegal, to be transferred to the bed of Daenerys. Missandei takes care of the wounded man for three days, sitting at his bedside night and day and offering him water and milk of the poppy. Barristan tries to arrange some assistance for her efforts, but the cupbearers fear the sight of the burned Dornishman, and the Blue Graces do not reply to his summons. Missandei reports the death of Quentyn just before the dawn. She is certain that the "Dornish gods" took him home and that Quentyn smiled at death, finally beyond pain.[14][19]

Missandei aids Ser Barristan in taking control of the court of Meereen. He uses one of her ideas in negotiations with the enemy, offering each man's weight in gold ransom for the release of the hostages (Daario Naharis, Hero, Jhogo). While the Wise Masters neither want nor need the gold, their mercenaries are likely to support the deal, creating division in the enemy ranks. Barristan finds Missandei's strategy reminiscent of both Petyr Baelish (whose plans included bribes) and Varys (whose plans included fostering division in the enemy ranks).[19]

Quotes about Missandei

The little scribe with the big golden eyes was wise beyond her years. She is brave as well. She had to be, to survive the life she's lived.[5]

—thoughts of Daenerys Targaryen

She relied so much on the little scribe that she oft forgot that Missandei had only turned eleven.[3]

—thoughts of Daenerys Targaryen

Eleven years of age, yet Missandei is as clever as half the men at this table and wiser than all of them.[19]

—thoughts of Barristan Selmy, comparing Missandei to the ruling council of Meereen

References