The Bear and the Maiden Fair

"The Bear and the Maiden Fair"
Game of Thrones episode
Brienne of Tarth is forced to fight a bear.
Episode no.	Season 3 Episode 7
Directed by	Michelle MacLaren
Written by	George R. R. Martin
Featured music	Ramin Djawadi
Cinematography by	Chris Seager
Editing by	Frances Parker
Original air date	May 12, 2013 (2013-05-12)
Running time	57 minutes
Guest appearance(s)
Mackenzie Crook as Orell Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth Richard Dormer as Beric Dondarrion Paul Kaye as Thoros of Myr Noah Taylor as Locke Natalia Tena as Osha Anton Lesser as Qyburn Michael McElhatton as Roose Bolton Clive Russell as Brynden Tully Tobias Menzies as Edmure Tully Ian McElhinney as Barristan Selmy Iwan Rheon as Boy Kristofer Hivju as Tormund Giantsbane Thomas Brodie Sangster as Jojen Reed Ellie Kendrick as Meera Reed Nathalie Emmanuel as Missandei Jacob Anderson as Grey Worm Kristian Nairn as Hodor Philip McGinley as Anguy George Georgiou () as Razdal mo Eraz Jamie Michie as Steelshanks Charlotte Hope as Myranda Stephanie Blacker as Violet Art Parkinson as Rickon Stark
Episode chronology
← Previous "The Climb" Next → "Second Sons"
Game of Thrones (season 3) List of Game of Thrones episodes

"The Bear and the Maiden Fair" is the seventh episode of the third season of HBO's fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and the 27th episode of the series overall. The episode was written by George R. R. Martin, the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire novels on which the series is based, and was directed by Michelle MacLaren, her directorial debut for the series.

The plot of the episode advances the storylines of Daenerys' arrival to the city of Yunkai, the repercussions of the upcoming marriage of Tyrion Lannister and Sansa Stark, and Brienne's fate at the ruined castle of Harrenhal.

Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) is comforted by Lady Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer), who has heard of Sansa's betrothal to Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage). Elsewhere, Tyrion and Bronn (Jerome Flynn) are also discussing the match and how it will affect Shae (Sibel Kekilli). Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) meets his grandson, King Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson), and teaches him a lesson in ruling; Joffrey asks what they should do about the rumors of Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons, but Tywin claims there is no threat. When they meet later, Shae tells Tyrion that she will not continue their relationship once he marries Sansa.

On Blackwater Bay, Melisandre (Carice van Houten) reveals to Gendry (Joe Dempsie) that his blood is noble and Gendry says "I'm just a bastard" and Melisandre then says "the bastard of Robert of the house Baratheon" revealing that his father was the late King Robert Baratheon.

Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and the wildling party led by Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju) continue their journey south. Ygritte (Rose Leslie) stops with Jon to discuss their next move. Soon after, Orell (Mackenzie Crook) offers some harsh wisdom to Jon, and later speaks to Ygritte, confessing his love for her and trying to convince her that Jon is still loyal to the Night's Watch. Later, Jon tells Ygritte that the wildling cause is hopeless, but she remains undaunted.