Oberyn Martell

The Red Viper: A deadly, unpredictable warrior seeking justice with a poisoned spear.

Oberyn Nymeros Martell, nicknamed the Red Viper, is a fictional character in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its television adaptation, Game of Thrones, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. Introduced in 2000's A Storm of Swords, he is the youngest brother of Doran and Elia Martell from the desert kingdom of Dorne. Unlike his sickly, pensive brother Doran, Oberyn is notorious for his dangerous, unpredictable nature and his affinity for poisons. He travels to King's Landing to claim the Dornish seat on the small council and seek vengeance for his sister Elia's death at the hands of Ser Gregor Clegane, whom he suspects acted on orders from Tywin Lannister.

Quick Facts

Series

A Song of Ice and Fire character; Game of Thrones

Portrayed by

Pedro Pascal

Creator

George R. R. Martin

First

Novel:
A Storm of Swords (2000)
Television:
"Two Swords" (2014)

Last

Novel:
A Storm of Swords (2000)
Television:
"The Mountain and the Viper" (2014)

Also known as

The Red Viper of Dorne

Gender

Male

Family

House Martell

Lore & Background

Oberyn is described as hotheaded, forceful, and lustful, with a quick wit and a barbed tongue. His legend was fearsome; Tywin Lannister called him 'always been half-mad,' while Doran noted he was 'ever the viper.' He earned his nickname from wearing red clothing and rumors of using poisoned weapons in duels. At age sixteen, he dueled Lord Edgar Yronwood over a paramour; both drew blood, but Yronwood died of a festered wound rumored to be poisoned, leading to Oberyn's exile to Oldtown and Lys. He later served with the Second Sons, founded his own sellsword company, and studied poisons at the Citadel, earning six maester links before quitting from boredom. He is bisexual and fathered eight illegitimate daughters known as the Sand Snakes.

Reader's Guide

Oberyn Martell is a formidable fighter whose primary weapon is a spear, often laced with manticore venom. His combat style relies on speed and agility rather than heavy armor; he wears only a light visorless halfhelm. He challenges the rigid honor codes of Westeros by prioritizing retribution over tradition. His arc culminates in the trial by combat where his emotional need for a verbal confession from Gregor Clegane proves fatal, yet his strategic use of poison fulfills his goal of vengeance. In the TV adaptation, Pedro Pascal's portrayal highlights these traits, earning positive reviews and nominations including the NewNowNext Award and a SAG Award as part of the ensemble cast.