Game of Thrones: Greyscale Explained
Game of Thrones: Greyscale Explained
Greyscale: A Terrifying and Mysterious Disease in Game of Thrones
In the perilous world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, danger lurks at every turn. From pirates and rogue warlords to mad kings and ancient dark magic, the Known World is fraught with peril. However, one of the most dreaded afflictions is the mysterious greyscale disease that ravages the continent of Sothoryos and some abandoned places in Essos. Let’s dive into this fascinating and terrifying disease that has plagued the realm.
What is Greyscale?
Greyscale is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that starts as a single spot on the skin and then spreads, covering the entire body with stiff, mottled black and gray stone-like lesions. Those afflicted with greyscale resemble human gargoyles. There are two known forms of the disease – one that primarily affects children and is survivable, and another that is certain to cause swift death in adults.
Children who survive greyscale are left disfigured, with swathes of their skin covered in dead, rock-like flesh. Although no longer contagious, they face a lifetime of persecution. In some cultures, like that of the wildlings or “free folk,” child survivors are considered unclean and are euthanized. Survival in childhood not only renders the person non-contagious but also grants immunity to the fatal strain that kills adults. It’s as if the disease operates similarly to real-world chickenpox. One famous example is Shireen Baratheon, who lived with greyscale on her face but posed no risk to others.
On the other hand, the fatal form of greyscale usually starts in the fingertips or toes. The infection is painless, and the only noticeable sign is a blackened fingertip or numbness. People suspected of exposure perform a daily ritual of pricking their fingers and toes with a knife. As long as they feel pain, they know they are safe. But if the blade fails to evoke pain, death is sure to follow.
From the initial point of infection, the disease creeps upward, corrupting the tissue along the arm or leg. The numbness spreads, accompanied by a gray, cracked, stone-like appearance. Blindness often follows when the disease covers the face. Some patients die at this stage, unable to breathe when their tongues and lips turn to “stone.” If a patient survives, the disease progresses inward, consuming muscles, bones, and organs. Yet, just before death, every greyscale patient goes mad and becomes a threat to anyone nearby. It’s like a zombie infection, but without the undead.
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The Curse of the Stone Men
Across the Narrow Sea, in Essos, lies a forsaken region known as the Sorrows. This fog-covered land, abandoned since the fall of the ancient Valyrians, is now home to victims of greyscale. The Stone Men, late-stage greyscale patients, and pirates seeking secret channels are the few inhabitants of this cursed land.
The Stone Men often gather on The Bridge of Dream, a ruined bridge stretching over the Rhoyne River. They hibernate like gargoyles, activating only when potential hosts venture near. Once activated, the Stone Men attack without hesitation, driven by an irresistible urge to maim or kill. Legend has it that a “Shrouded Lord,” an infected man who leads the Stone Men, lurks in the shadows. His true intentions and the mystery surrounding his identity remain unknown.
Survivors: Tyrion and Jorah
In the Game of Thrones series, Tyrion Lannister and Jorah Mormont encounter the Stone Men while passing through the Sorrows on their way to join Daenerys Targaryen. Jorah, infected during the attack, is forced to flee the service of his queen and seek treatment from the Maesters in Oldtown.
Meanwhile, Samwell Tarly, studying to become a maester in the Night’s Watch, crosses paths with Ser Jorah. Disillusioned with his training, Sam promises to heal the dying knight using an ancient and forbidden technique discovered by the Maesters long ago. Defying orders, Sam successfully cures Jorah by cutting off the greyscale tissue and treating the raw flesh with special ointments.
Although Sam’s procedure is a groundbreaking success and offers hope for future treatments, he is chastised and confined to menial duties. The technique remains banned, leaving Sam with stolen tomes about Others and the Night’s King as his only solace.
Greyscale may be a terrifying disease, but it also adds depth and intrigue to the world of Game of Thrones. Survivors navigate treacherous waters, battling both physical and societal challenges. They show us that even in the face of darkness, there is always a glimmer of hope.
Original content sourced from ‘Game Rant’
