Purple Wedding

Lore & Background

The story takes place primarily in Westeros, with a parallel storyline unfolding in Essos. After Robb Stark's death at The Red Wedding, three kings claim the throne until Joffrey is poisoned at his wedding to Margaery Tyrell. His death triggers immediate chaos: Tyrion Lannister is accused of the murder, and Tommen Baratheon is crowned king instead. Meanwhile, Sansa Stark manages to escape King's Landing amidst the turmoil. The season also details the grim struggle at the Wall against 100,000 Wildlings, Daenerys Targaryen's difficult rule in Meereen where she chains her dragons, and Arya Stark's journey across Westeros with the Hound before sailing alone to Braavos.

In Their Own Story

The narrative arc of this season focuses heavily on the aftermath of Joffrey's death. King Joffrey is killed by poison at his wedding, a moment that shifts the political landscape instantly. His uncle, Tyrion Lannister, is immediately blamed for the regicide, setting him on a collision course with the law and the court. While the capital reels, young Tommen Baratheon is crowned the new king. The series also follows Sansa Stark as she escapes King's Landing during the confusion. Other major threads include Jon Snow leading the Night's Watch against overwhelming odds, Stannis Baratheon demanding the Wildlings' surrender at the Wall, and Bran Stark traveling north to meet the Three-Eyed Raven.

Reader's Guide

1. **The Wedding**: The season covers the marriage of Joffrey Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell, which serves as the catalyst for the main political shift. 2. **The Poisoning**: King Joffrey is killed by poison during the celebration, an event that dominates the early episodes. 3. 4. **The Succession**: Following Joffrey's death, his younger brother Tommen Baratheon is crowned king of Westeros. 5. **The Escape**: Amidst the chaos of the wedding and its aftermath, Sansa Stark successfully escapes King's Landing.

Did You Know?

• The season consists of 10 episodes, each running approximately 50–60 minutes.
• Filming for the fourth season began on July 8, 2013, and was completed on November 21, 2013.
• Parts of Joffrey's death scene were filmed in California, while other scenes took place in locations like Iceland, Northern Ireland, and Croatia.
• The Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós performed 'The Rains of Castamere' at the wedding reception in episode 2.