The world of Game of Thrones is rich with visual storytelling, and one of the most striking examples is the use of tattoos, particularly in the Free City of Volantis. These aren’t just decorative; they’re a brutal system of marking slaves, instantly communicating their status, role, and even their transgressions. Let’s delve into the grim artistry of Volantis slave tattoos, exploring the meanings behind these indelible marks.
Volantis Slave Tattoos: A Stark Visual Language of Oppression
In Volantis, tattoos are not a matter of personal choice but a tool of control. Each design etched onto a slave’s face tells a story, broadcasting their place in the rigid hierarchy of this slaving society. These markings range from symbols of religious devotion to indicators of profession or punishment, creating a chilling visual language understood throughout the city.
Religious Devotion Etched in Ink
Some tattoos denote servitude to specific deities or religious orders. For followers of R’hllor, the Red God, flames are a common motif:
- Flames across the cheeks, chin, and forehead: This dramatic marking signifies a slave devoted to the priesthood of the Faith of R’hllor. Characters like Moqorro and Benerro in the books bear these tattoos, instantly identifying them as powerful Red Priests.
- Flames across the cheeks: A less extensive flame design marks members of the Fiery Hand, the elite slave soldiers who guard the Red Temple of Volantis. Numbering always a thousand, these warriors are bound to R’hllor, their loyalty and ferocity symbolized by the flames on their faces.
Occupational Markings: Labor Defined
Beyond religious affiliations, many tattoos in Volantis indicate a slave’s profession, turning their faces into walking resumes of forced labor:
- A wheel tattooed upon one cheek: This identifies a slave as a driver of a hathay, a type of cart common in Volantis. This simple symbol speaks volumes about their role in the city’s transportation network.
- A cog’s figurehead upon one cheek: Slaves bound to ships, essential for Volantis’s maritime power, are marked with a cog symbol. This tattoo highlights their role in the city’s trade and naval strength.
- A horsehead on the cheek: Slaves working in stables, tending to horses, are branded with a horsehead. This tattoo denotes their labor in supporting Volantis’s cavalry and equestrian needs.
- Flies on the cheeks: Perhaps one of the most demeaning, flies tattooed on the cheeks mark slaves tasked with collecting dung. This starkly illustrates the degrading nature of the slave system, where even waste management is enforced through forced labor and public marking.
Marks of Status and Punishment: Control and Degradation
Not all tattoos denote religious or occupational roles. Some serve to categorize slaves based on status or as a form of punishment and control:
- Squares of motley, from neck to scalp: This vibrant but unsettling tattoo is reserved for fools and jesters. Pathface, a character known for his unsettling appearance, bears this mark, his name itself derived from his tattooed face.
- Tattoo of a demon’s mask on one of the cheeks: This intimidating tattoo signifies dangerous or disobedient slaves. Jorah Mormont receives this mark in the books after being enslaved, highlighting its association with defiance and punishment. It could also be used for slaves who attempt escape or are deemed particularly aggressive.
- A single tear beneath the right eye: This poignant tattoo marks prostitutes. The “Sunset girl” in the books bears this tear, a symbol of their forced profession and societal status.
Unspecified and Random Markings: The Breadth of Volantis’s Tattoo System
The examples above are just the codified tattoos. The original text also mentions a category of unspecified tattoos, suggesting an even wider and more nuanced system in Volantis. These could be random or trait-dependent, adding further depth to the visual language:
- A mask of blue feathers: Possibly for attractive or fashionable slaves.
- A lightning bolt that ran from jaw to brow: Perhaps for slaves deemed “mad.”
- A coin upon the cheek: Maybe for greedy or high-stewardship slaves.
- Leopard’s spots: Possibly for hunters.
- A skull: A potentially more extreme version of the demon’s mask.
- A jug: Perhaps for drunkards or gregarious slaves.
- Spider tattoos: Notably, the character Webber bears these.
- Chest tattooed with a bird of prey: Cragorn, a member of Euron Greyjoy’s crew, has this, possibly indicating a more mysterious or even magical significance.
- Shadow Men tattoos: Referencing the heavily tattooed Shadow Men, this suggests an even deeper layer of potential tattoo meanings beyond what is explicitly known.
The Significance of Slave Tattoos in Game of Thrones Lore
These tattoos are more than just decoration; they are integral to understanding the oppressive social structure of Volantis. They serve as a constant reminder of a slave’s lack of freedom and individuality, visually enforcing their place at the bottom of society. For fans and those interested in deeper lore, these markings offer a fascinating glimpse into the darker aspects of Westeros and Essos.
Understanding these “Game Of Thrones Tattoos,” specifically the slave markings of Volantis, enriches our appreciation for the intricate world-building in George R.R. Martin’s creation and its adaptations. They are a stark reminder of the visual language of power and oppression woven into the fabric of Game of Thrones.
