The Game of Thrones episode "Oathbreaker" is titled as such because it highlights several characters who break significant vows or allegiances during the episode's events, underscoring a central theme of betrayal and shifting loyalties within the series.
Why "Oathbreaker" is a Fitting Title
The title "Oathbreaker" serves as a thematic umbrella for various pivotal moments in the episode where characters defy established commitments or traditional expectations. These instances contribute to the political and personal turmoil depicted:
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Jon Snow's Departure from the Night's Watch: After his miraculous resurrection, Jon Snow declares his watch ended, stating, "My watch has ended." While his initial oath to the Night's Watch stipulated that his service would not end until his death, his return to life presents a unique circumstance. His subsequent decision to leave the Night's Watch can be interpreted as a breach of the perpetual vow in spirit, marking him as an "oathbreaker" to some, despite having literally died in service. This act frees him to participate in the larger war for the North.
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Smalljon Umber's Betrayal of the Starks: Smalljon Umber, the new lord of House Umber, breaks his family's long-standing loyalty to House Stark. He pledges fealty to Ramsay Bolton, the sadistic new Lord of Winterfell, and delivers Rickon Stark, the youngest surviving son of Ned Stark, along with Osha, as a captive. As proof of his allegiance, he presents Shaggydog's head, Rickon's direwolf. This act is a profound violation of the Umber family's ancient oath to the Starks, directly contrasting with the unwavering loyalty shown by his father, Greatjon Umber, to Robb Stark.
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Daenerys Targaryen's Disregard for Dosh Khaleen Traditions: Upon the death of a Khal, Dothraki tradition dictates that his Khaleesi join the Dosh Khaleen in Vaes Dothrak – a council of widowed Khaleesis who serve as spiritual leaders and advisors. Daenerys Targaryen, having been widowed after Khal Drogo's death, initially avoided this fate. Her return to Vaes Dothrak in this episode and her subsequent actions, which lead to her burning the temple with all the Khals inside, firmly establish her rejection of this traditional "oath" or expected role. Her defiance is a powerful assertion of her intent to pursue the Iron Throne, not to remain in a ceremonial Dothraki role.
These parallel storylines effectively highlight the theme of broken vows and the severe repercussions that follow, making "Oathbreaker" a resonant and accurate title for the episode.
