Strong Belwas

Strong Belwas is a former pit fighter and eunuch who serves as Daenerys Targaryen's loyal protector in Meereen. A massive brown-skinned eunuch with a belly crisscrossed by old white scars, he is a formidable warrior who once fought as a champion in the fighting pits of Meereen. He is known for his gruff manner, his love of liver and onions, and his habit of demanding the dish after every kill. He is fiercely loyal to Daenerys, whom he calls "Whitebeard" (a reference to Barristan Selmy), and is a key figure in her court, often providing blunt counsel and physical protection.

Role and Actions

Strong Belwas is present at several crucial events in Meereen. He is in the royal box at Daznak's Pit when Daenerys Targaryen's dragon Drogon appears. When the dragon lands and begins to feed on the corpse of the boar and Barsena Blackhair, Strong Belwas is seen retching noisily, having eaten a bowl of honeyed locusts that were likely poisoned. He later falls to his knees, vomiting bile and blood, and is taken to the Temple of the Graces under the care of the Blue Graces, where he lingers near death. His survival is attributed to his freakish size and strength, but the poisoning leaves him weakened and diminished. When he finally emerges, he has lost two stone of weight, and his skin hangs on him in loose folds. He is still loyal to Daenerys, but his physical prowess is greatly reduced.

Relationship with Daenerys and Others

Strong Belwas is a blunt and often humorous figure, but his loyalty to Daenerys is absolute. He is a former pit fighter who was freed by Daenerys and chose to serve her. He is often seen in her presence, providing a physical barrier between her and potential threats. He is also a source of comic relief, with his simple demands for food and his straightforward manner. He is respected by other characters, including Barristan Selmy, who notes his presence at the council table after Daenerys's disappearance. He is also a figure of some fear, as his size and reputation as a killer are well known.

The Poisoning and Its Aftermath

The poisoning at Daznak's Pit is a turning point for Strong Belwas. He consumes the honeyed locusts that were likely intended for Daenerys, and the poison nearly kills him. This event highlights his role as a protector, as he inadvertently takes the poison meant for his queen. The poisoning also marks a decline in his physical strength, leaving him a shadow of his former self. Despite this, he remains a loyal and valuable member of Daenerys's court, and his presence at the council table after her disappearance is a testament to his enduring importance.

Thematic Significance

Strong Belwas embodies the theme of loyalty and sacrifice. He is a former slave who chooses to serve Daenerys, and his willingness to risk his life for her is a powerful statement of his devotion. His poisoning also serves as a plot device, highlighting the dangers that surround Daenerys and the constant threat of betrayal. His character also provides a contrast to the more refined and political figures in Daenerys's court, representing a more direct and brutal form of power. His decline in strength after the poisoning also serves as a reminder of the fragility of even the most formidable warriors.