Would Melisandre Actually Accomplish Anything by Burning Edric Storm?

In the realm of A Song of Ice and Fire's Blood Magic, Melisandre, a passionate practitioner of blood magic, presents herself as a formidable actress of destiny. She believes that the burning of Edric Storm could summon powerful forces or provide a crucial advantage to Stannis Baratheon. We will delve into the various motivations and potential outcomes of this act from Melisandre's perspective, as well as consider the broader implications for Stannis and the play of prophecy and inputs of king's blood lore.

Prophecy and Vision

Melisandre's actions are often guided by her visions in the flames. These visions are not mere whims; she interprets them as indicators of which paths should be followed. Her belief in Edric's death as a necessary element for Stannis's success stems from a series of visions that suggest such an outcome. She sees the possibility of Stannis overcoming his adversaries through the sacrifice of his young rival, Edric.

The Role of Kingship

Edric as a Baratheon can serve as a significant pawn in the larger game of thrones. He poses a potential threat to Stannis's claim, given that he could rally support for his own claim. By eliminating Edric, Melisandre might believe she is neutralizing a significant threat. However, this perspective aligns more with her strategic vision than with the reality of the situation.

Stannis's Reluctance

Ultimately, Stannis's character plays a crucial role in the decision. His reluctance to comply with Melisandre's plans adds a layer of tension to the narrative. He is portrayed as a reluctant participant in Melisandre's grandiose schemes, stemming from his moral compass. This internal conflict highlights the clash between faith in magic and moral principles.

Outcome and Critique

Considering the context of the narrative, the sacrifice of Edric might not guarantee the success Melisandre envisions. As with many elements in A Song of Ice and Fire, the outcome remains highly unpredictable. Stannis's reluctance and the capricious nature of magic and prophecy in the series make it challenging to predict the true impact of such a sacrifice.

The more interesting question is whether Melisandre intends to accomplish anything at all. If the leech incident with the three kings did not have any real effect, burning Edric could be another strategic ruse to convince Stannis of the power of king's blood. The legend of Azor Ahai states that only after sacrificing his wife did he manage to create Lightbringer. For Stannis, who is Azor Ahai reborn, the need for such an analogous sacrifice makes sense. The leech incident might have been a ploy to illustrate this principle to Stannis, who could sacrifice Shireen, the person he loves most, to fulfill a necessary rite.

Melisandre's possible lack of a cover plan for what should happen after burning Edric further questions the necessity of such a sacrifice. Her visions, though vague, are not entirely random. She would have been able to foresee potential dangers, yet her intentions might have been to frame the actions in a way that absolves her from blame. If the burning of Edric had truly been crucial for awakening a dragon, she would have made efforts to foresee any potential pitfalls.

In conclusion, while Melisandre believes the burning of Edric would serve a purpose, the actual effectiveness of such a sacrifice is questionable. The reluctance of Stannis and the unpredictable nature of magic and prophecy render such a claim unfounded. The real power of king's blood remains a myth, and the true intentions behind Melisandre's actions are open to interpretation.