Queen Margaery Tyrell was one of the most captivating and politically intelligent characters in the television series Game of Thrones. Known for her beauty, charm, and strategic mind, Margaery quickly became a fan favorite as she navigated the dangerous world of King’s Landing. Her rise to power and her eventual death in the Great Sept of Baelor shocked audiences and marked one of the most devastating moments in the series. The death of Queen Margaery not only ended the Tyrell family’s influence but also changed the power dynamics of Westeros forever.
The Rise of Queen Margaery Tyrell
Before discussing the tragic death of Queen Margaery in Game of Thrones, it’s important to understand her background and the political brilliance that made her such a formidable figure. Margaery Tyrell, portrayed by Natalie Dormer, was the daughter of Mace Tyrell and a member of House Tyrell of Highgarden, one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the Seven Kingdoms. From her early appearances, Margaery showed ambition far beyond her years. She understood that power in Westeros was not only gained through force but also through alliances and public perception.
Her charm and intelligence made her a beloved figure among the people of King’s Landing. Margaery knew how to present herself as a compassionate and humble queen, visiting orphans, feeding the poor, and showing kindness in a way that contrasted sharply with the arrogance of other nobles. This skill in manipulating public opinion would later make her a threat to the ruling Lannisters.
Her Marriages and Political Strategy
Margaery’s path to becoming queen was not a straight one. Her first marriage was to King Renly Baratheon, who was killed early in the series. Despite Renly’s secret that he was in love with her brother Loras Tyrell, Margaery played her role gracefully and continued to seek influence in court. After Renly’s death, she aligned herself with the Lannisters, understanding that power could still be achieved through marriage.
Her next marriage was to King Joffrey Baratheon, the cruel and unpredictable boy-king. Margaery managed to win over the people’s hearts and even softened Joffrey’s public image to some extent. However, Joffrey’s sudden poisoning at their wedding known as the Purple Wedding once again disrupted her plans. Though the event shocked the kingdom, Margaery’s family quickly worked to maintain their hold on power by arranging her marriage to Joffrey’s younger brother, Tommen Baratheon.
Margaery’s Relationship with King Tommen
Queen Margaery’s marriage to King Tommen was one of affection and careful manipulation. Tommen, being young and inexperienced, was deeply influenced by her charm and kindness. She used her position not only to guide Tommen but also to subtly push back against the dominance of his mother, Cersei Lannister. Their rivalry became one of the central storylines of Game of Thrones, as both women sought control over the Iron Throne through the young king.
Margaery was clever in her methods. Unlike Cersei, who relied on threats and intimidation, Margaery used empathy and persuasion. She understood the importance of perception and worked tirelessly to maintain her image as the kind and pious queen. However, this same skill made Cersei view her as a dangerous rival. Their conflict would eventually lead to Margaery’s downfall.
The Rise of the Faith Militant
The turning point for Margaery Tyrell came when the Faith Militant, led by the High Sparrow, began to gain power in King’s Landing. Initially, Cersei believed she could use the Faith to weaken her enemies, particularly the Tyrells. However, this decision backfired when both Margaery and Cersei found themselves imprisoned by the very religious movement Cersei had empowered.
Margaery’s imprisonment was one of the darkest moments in her storyline. Accused of perjury and falsehood, she endured humiliation and confinement in the Sept. Yet even in captivity, Margaery’s intelligence shone through. She adapted quickly, appearing to repent and aligning herself publicly with the Faith, though it was clear that she was working on a long-term plan to restore her family’s influence and protect her brother Loras.
Margaery’s Last Days
As Queen Margaery regained her freedom, she played a delicate political game. Outwardly, she appeared loyal to the High Sparrow, but privately, she was attempting to secure her family’s survival. She convinced Tommen to support the Faith, creating an uneasy alliance between the Crown and the Church. This alliance effectively removed Cersei’s power and positioned Margaery as one of the most influential people in Westeros.
However, Margaery underestimated the depths of Cersei’s ruthlessness. While Margaery believed she could control the situation through diplomacy and strategy, Cersei was planning something far more destructive. The trial of Cersei and Loras Tyrell was set to take place at the Great Sept of Baelor, and it would ultimately become the site of one of the most catastrophic events in the series.
The Death of Queen Margaery Tyrell
The death of Queen Margaery Tyrell occurred in Season 6, Episode 10, titled The Winds of Winter. The scene remains one of the most shocking and visually stunning moments in Game of Thrones history. On the day of the trial, Margaery, the High Sparrow, Loras Tyrell, and many other key figures gathered inside the Great Sept of Baelor. Unbeknownst to them, Cersei had devised a plan to eliminate all her enemies in one devastating move.
Cersei used wildfire, a highly explosive green substance, hidden beneath the Sept to destroy it entirely. As the tension built, Margaery began to sense that something was wrong. She tried to warn the High Sparrow and others that Cersei’s absence from the trial was suspicious, realizing too late that they were all in grave danger. Her words were ignored, and moments later, the wildfire ignited, consuming the Great Sept in a massive explosion.
In that instant, Margaery Tyrell, her brother Loras, the High Sparrow, and hundreds of others perished. The explosion not only obliterated the Great Sept but also ended the Tyrell family’s power in King’s Landing. It was a moment of triumph for Cersei but one of profound tragedy for Margaery, who had worked tirelessly to secure her position and protect her loved ones.
The Symbolism Behind Margaery’s Death
Margaery’s death symbolized the destruction of hope and diplomacy in the political landscape of Westeros. She represented a softer, more strategic approach to leadership one based on compassion, intellect, and manipulation rather than violence. Her demise signaled a turning point in the series, where brute force and vengeance triumphed over reason and strategy.
The wildfire explosion also marked the complete transformation of Cersei Lannister. With Margaery and the Faith Militant gone, Cersei seized absolute power and crowned herself Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Margaery’s death thus paved the way for Cersei’s reign, one that would eventually lead to even greater destruction.
Legacy of Queen Margaery Tyrell
Although her time on the series ended in tragedy, Margaery Tyrell’s legacy remains significant. She was one of the few characters who truly understood the importance of public perception and the delicate balance between power and compassion. Her ability to influence kings and navigate the treacherous politics of King’s Landing made her a standout among the many ambitious figures in the series.
Even in death, Queen Margaery’s presence lingered in the narrative of Game of Thrones. Her story serves as a reminder of how dangerous the pursuit of power can be in a world where loyalty is fragile and enemies are everywhere. Her intelligence and subtle manipulation made her a queen unlike any other one who ruled not by fear, but by understanding.
The death of Queen Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones remains one of the most memorable moments in the show’s history. Her character arc from a young noblewoman to the clever and compassionate Queen of the Seven Kingdoms showcased her brilliance and ambition. Her tragic end inside the Great Sept of Baelor was a shocking reminder of the brutal reality of power in Westeros. Though she met her death in fire and destruction, Margaery Tyrell’s legacy as a cunning, graceful, and politically astute leader continues to captivate fans, cementing her place as one of the most unforgettable characters in the world of Game of Thrones.