81 pages 2 hours read

A Storm of Swords

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000

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Chapters 71-82Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Content Warning: This section of the guide features discussion of sexual content, graphic violence, death, slavery, emotional abuse, pregnancy termination, and child death.

Chapter 71 Summary: “Tyrion”

On the last day of the trial, Shae is called to the witness stand. She affirms the lie that Tyrion and Sansa plotted Joffrey’s death. She also discredits Tyrion by claiming that he abused her, forcing her to call him her “giant of Lannister” (962) during sex.


Humiliated, Tyrion declares that his father has judged him for being a little person all his life. He resents the city for mocking him even after he saved everyone’s lives. He demands trial by combat, allowing Oberyn to volunteer as his champion.


Tyrion meets with Oberyn before the duel. Oberyn offers to shelter Tyrion in Dorne after the trial. Citing Dornish law of succession (in Dorne, women are allowed to inherit the throne), the Martells will recognize Joffrey’s sister Myrcella as Joffrey’s heir, instead of Tommen. This will likely shift the focus of the war. Before the duel, Oberyn recalls the frustrated relationship between their two families. Tywin resented Elia for marrying Rhaegar, which gave him motive to order Elia’s death.


Oberyn fights Gregor with a poisoned spear. Throughout the fight, Oberyn reminds Gregor of his crime against Elia. This frustrates Gregor, allowing Oberyn to hurt him. Oberyn refuses to kill Gregor until he confesses to his crime.

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