Rhiannon Hendricks
In season 4, episode 2 of *Game of Thrones*, King Joffrey Baratheon is murdered at his wedding to Margaery Tyrell. The song played at the wedding feast, The Rains of Castamere, was performed by the Icelandic band Sigur Rós. The song is considered by many to be the most iconic song in the series. It was also played at the Red Wedding as the signal for the massacre to begin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song | "The Rains of Castamere" |
| Band | Sigur Rós |
| Singer | Gary Lightbody |
| Drummer | Will Champion |
| Wedding of | Joffrey Lannister and Margaery Tyrell |
| Location | Sept of Baelor |
| Episode | Season 4, Episode 2 |
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What You'll Learn
Sigur Rós performed at the wedding
The Icelandic band Sigur Rós performed at the wedding of King Joffrey I Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell. The wedding, which took place at midday in the Great Sept of Baelor, was also known as the Purple Wedding. Sigur Rós performed "The Rains of Castamere", which is considered by many to be the most iconic song in the Game of Thrones series. The song was also played at the Red Wedding as the signal for the massacre to begin.
Sigur Rós's performance at the Purple Wedding was not their first involvement with the Game of Thrones series. They had previously performed a version of The Rains of Castamere for the season 4 soundtrack and were the "house band" at several other court events. The band is also known to be a fan of the show.
The Purple Wedding was a lavish affair, with 77 dishes planned for the dinner and a variety of entertainment, including pyromancers, pipers, trained dogs, sword swallowers, and a juggler. Despite the opulent setting, the wedding ended in tragedy when Joffrey was poisoned and died, making him the second king of the Baratheon dynasty to meet an early end.
Joffrey's death was plotted by Lord Petyr Baelish and Olenna Tyrell, who wanted Margaery to marry Joffrey's younger brother, Tommen. This ensured that Margaery would still become queen while also removing the cruel and incompetent Joffrey from power.
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The Rains of Castamere was played
At the wedding of Joffrey Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell, the song "The Rains of Castamere" was played. This was not the first time the song had been played in the Game of Thrones series, as it was also played at the Red Wedding, signalling the beginning of the massacre.
The song was performed by the Icelandic band Sigur Rós, who were the "house band" at several other court events prior to the Purple Wedding. The band's performance of "The Rains of Castamere" is considered by many to be one of the most iconic moments of the series. During their performance, Joffrey throws coins at the band, forcing them away.
The song "The Rains of Castamere" holds a significant meaning within the context of the series. It is a Westerosi folk song that has been described as a "romance song". However, it is also associated with the Lannister family, specifically Tywin Lannister, the father of Joffrey's mother, Cersei Lannister. The song is said to be about the power and influence of the Lannister family, and it is often used to assert their dominance and strike fear into their enemies.
The performance of "The Rains of Castamere" at Joffrey's wedding takes on an even darker meaning considering the events that transpire. Similar to the Red Wedding, Joffrey's wedding also ends in tragedy, with Joffrey being poisoned and choking to death during the celebration. This unexpected turn of events leaves the court and guests in shock, and the newlywed Margaery is left widowed.
The song "The Rains of Castamere" and its performance by Sigur Rós at Joffrey's wedding is a memorable and significant moment in the Game of Thrones series. It showcases the power and influence of the Lannister family, while also foreshadowing the tragic events to come.
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The song was also played at the Red Wedding
The Icelandic band Sigur Rós performed "The Rains of Castamere" at King Joffrey's wedding to Margaery Tyrell. The song is considered by many to be the most iconic song in the Game of Thrones series. "The Rains of Castamere" is also played at the Red Wedding, where Edmure Tully marries Roslin Frey.
"The Rains of Castamere" is based on events that took place in Westeros about 40 years before the events depicted in the show. The song immortalizes the brutal downfall of House Reyne at the hands of Tywin Lannister, showcasing his ruthless pursuit of dominance. The lyrics serve as a testament to the power and cunning nature of the Lannisters, but they also foreshadow the eventual downfall and demise of the Lannisters.
The song is also used with cynical irony in later seasons, contrasting against the moments of the Lannisters' downfall. During Joffrey's wedding, a slower and drier version of the song is performed before the band is unceremoniously dismissed by him. Soon after, Joffrey dies, and his face turns purple. The song is heard one last time in the final episode of the show, as Tyrion uncovers the dead bodies of his siblings, Jamie and Cersei.
The song's tune evokes a feeling of loss and a sense of terror for what's to come, making it one of the most popular tunes in "Game of Thrones".
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Hamish the Harper sang Lord Renly's Ride
Hamish the Harper sang "Lord Renly's Ride" at the wedding of Joffrey and Margaery, also known as the Purple Wedding. The wedding took place in the Sept of Baelor, before statues of the Father and the Mother, with the High Septon officiating the ceremony.
Hamish the Harper was the first performer at the wedding feast, which took place in the throne room of the Red Keep. In addition to "Lord Renly's Ride", he also sang "A Rose of Gold", "The Rains of Castamere", "Maiden, Mother, and Crone", and "My Lady Wife". The song "The Rains of Castamere" is particularly notable as it was also played at the Red Wedding as a signal for the massacre to begin.
The Purple Wedding was a lavish affair, with seventy-seven dishes planned for the dinner. In addition to Hamish the Harper, there were various other performers and entertainment, including pyromancers, pipers, trained dogs, sword swallowers, and a juggler. Galyeon sang a song of the Battle of Blackwater with seventy-seven verses, and dancers from the Summer Isles also performed during the wedding feast.
Joffrey, who was known for his cruel and reckless behaviour, drank heavily during the wedding and attempted to provoke his uncle, Tyrion Lannister, who was a dwarf. After Tyrion refused to join in a performance by a pair of dwarf jousters, Joffrey emptied a large royal chalice of wine over his uncle's head. Later, Joffrey began to cough violently and pointed at Tyrion before succumbing to what was believed to be poisoning.
The Purple Wedding was a significant event in the Game of Thrones narrative, marking the death of King Joffrey Baratheon and setting in motion subsequent political alliances and conflicts.
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Other musicians in the show include Marillion
The Icelandic band Sigur Rós performed at the wedding of Joffrey and Margaery, singing "The Rains of Castamere", considered by many to be the most iconic song in the show. This song was also played at the Red Wedding as the signal for the massacre to begin.
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Frequently asked questions
"The Rains of Castamere" is played at Joffrey's wedding.
The song is performed by Sigur Rós.
Joffrey Baratheon is the eighteenth king to rule from the Iron Throne and the second king of the Baratheon dynasty.
At the wedding feast, a band plays "The Rains of Castamere", the same song that was played at the Red Wedding as the signal for the massacre to begin. Later, Dontos Hollard performs in front of the royal family.
Yes, Joffrey dies at his wedding. He is poisoned and chokes to death.
