Jaime and Brienne’s Relationship

Published May 11, 2019 · Updated July 6, 2022

Hi guys,

I wanted to add a different take to the conversation about Jamie leaving Brienne. I understand why many viewers reacted with disbelief to Brienne’s emotional breakdown, especially since we’ve really only seen Brienne as a strong and stoic woman thus far in the show. I do, however, disagree with the take that it’s uncharacteristic. Here’s why:

In the feast scene prior, Jaime brings up Brienne dancing with Renly Baratheon during the drinking game. Since this show tends to not insert unnecessary references into the dialogue, I decided to brush up on my knowledge of that dance.

We first hear about the dance in season 5, when Podrick asks Brienne how she came to serve Lord Renly. Brienne shares a heartbreaking story of how her father threw a ball in efforts of finding her a suitor – and it was the first time in her life she felt admired, attractive, and wanted ( “…it was wonderful. None of the boys noticed how mulish and tall I was.”) That is, until she noticed her suitors laughing and taunting her off to the side, making her come to the conclusion that she was “the ugliest girl alive, a great lumbering beast”. When she tried to run away, Renly took her into his arms and danced with her. In a room full of men treating Brienne terribly, Renly showed kindness.

Brienne has never had luck with the men in this world, and yet Renly’s one act of kindness was enough to make her dedicate her life to his cause. I think it’s also crucial to remember that when Renly died, Brienne broke down in tears. She mourned over the one man who looked past her height, her “mulish” looks, and saw her merits as a warrior and as a person. This makes the only other time in the show we’ve seen Brienne so emotionally vulnerable – and it’s when she’s mourning the loss of a man who treated her with dignity.

Which brings me to Jaime and Brienne’s relationship. Jamie went farther than Renly ever did. He saved her life. He gave her Oathkeeper. He left his sister and his house to fight under her. He knighted her. And now, he loves her romantically and wants to sleep with her. If Brienne cries over the death of a man who wanted to dance with her, how does she not lose it after Jamie Lannister leaves her?

I believe the reference to Brienne and Renly’s dance was a callback to remind viewers of the one other man Brienne loved, and how torn up she was over his death. Because of this, it makes sense to me that Brienne is outside in a housecoat crying over Jaime.

If you read this novel, thank you not only for your time spending making a great podcast but in interacting with listeners too. Keep up the great work, your hard work is not unnoticed and very appreciated. This podcast adds another layer of enjoyment to what has already been a really fun ride.

Cheers from Colorado,
Taylor B.

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