Septon Meribald's "Broken Men" Speech (ASOIAF reading)

Summary

The script explores the tragic transformation of common folk into 'Outlaws,' driven by war's brutality. Initially, they join with dreams of glory, but the harsh realities of battle, loss, and survival lead them to steal and betray their own kind. The narrative emphasizes the transition from hopeful warriors to desperate, broken men, highlighting the compassion needed for these individuals while acknowledging the danger they pose.

Takeaways

• 🦅 Outlaws are diverse, much like birds, with some being noble and others driven by greed and malice.
• 🎵 The romanticized image of outlaws as good men fighting against tyranny is a common theme in songs and stories.
• 🏰 Many outlaws are common folk who were forced into a life of crime due to war and hardship.
• 🛡️ War can turn simple villagers into soldiers, often poorly equipped and unprepared for the realities of battle.
• 💔 The emotional toll of war is immense, with soldiers witnessing the death of loved ones and comrades.
• 🗡️ The brutality of war can lead to a breakdown of morality, with soldiers resorting to theft and violence for survival.
• 🏹 Outlaws often start as soldiers who have lost their way, becoming disconnected from their homes and families.
• 🛡️ The transition from soldier to outlaw can be marked by a loss of identity and a struggle for basic necessities.
• 🏹 The harsh realities of war can transform men into 'faceless men', clad in steel and devoid of their humanity.
• 🏞️ Home becomes an abstract concept for outlaws, as they are left to survive in a world that no longer recognizes them.
• 🥺 There is a call for empathy towards these 'broken men', recognizing their plight and the circumstances that led them to their current state.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the script?

The script explores the theme of 'Outlaws,' contrasting the romanticized view of outlaws as heroes fighting against tyranny with the harsh reality of broken men driven by desperation and circumstance.

How does the script describe the transformation of common folk into outlaws?

The script describes a process where common folk, poorly equipped and led into war, experience the horrors of battle, loss, and hardship, which eventually leads them to break the law out of survival, turning from men into 'beasts.'

What role do the 'Wicked Lords' play in the narrative?

The 'Wicked Lords' are portrayed as figures of authority who exploit the common folk, leading them into wars and leaving them to suffer, which contributes to their transformation into outlaws.

Why do the common folk initially join the war?

The common folk join the war out of a sense of duty, influenced by songs and stories that romanticize the idea of war as an adventure, without fully understanding the brutal reality of battle.

What are the physical hardships faced by the soldiers in the script?

The soldiers face numerous physical hardships, including inadequate clothing and footwear, lack of proper weapons, injuries from battle, and illness from drinking bad water.

How does the script depict the psychological impact of war on the soldiers?

The script depicts the psychological impact as severe, with soldiers experiencing trauma from witnessing death and violence, losing their sense of identity, and eventually succumbing to fear and despair.

What is the significance of the 'Faceless Men clad all in steel' in the script?

The 'Faceless Men clad all in steel' symbolize the overwhelming force of the knights, whose charge is described as the 'Iron Thunder,' causing the soldiers to break and flee, further illustrating their vulnerability and the brutality of war.

How does the script differentiate between the romanticized outlaw and the reality of a broken man?

The script contrasts the romanticized outlaw, who fights against injustice, with the reality of a broken man, who turns to crime out of necessity and becomes more beast than man due to the harshness of war.

What is the final state of the soldiers described in the script?

The final state of the soldiers is one of despair and dehumanization, where they live day to day, focusing solely on survival, with all thoughts of home and former identities gone.

What advice does the script give regarding the 'Traveler' and 'broken men'?

The script advises the 'Traveler' to be wary of broken men due to their potential danger but also to feel pity for them, acknowledging the tragic circumstances that led to their downfall.

What does the script suggest about the nature of war and its effect on individuals?

The script suggests that war is a brutal and dehumanizing experience that can transform ordinary people into outlaws, driven by survival instincts rather than moral or societal norms.