Can We Please Talk About How ‘Game Of Thrones’ Has An Afro-Latina Actress As One Of The Key Characters??
Missandei, Queen Daenerys Targaryen’s right-hand woman and best friend, is one of those secondary characters on “Game of Thrones” that has developed a cult following. Captured by slavers when she was a young girl and raised in indentured servitude, Missandei was freed by Daenerys with the intent on having her become her translator. Five seasons later, she has risen in the ranks to become Daenerys’s closest adviser and most steadfast champion.
As if we needed another reason to love Missandei, Nathalie Emmanuel, the actress who brings her to life, is actually of Dominican descent. That means that one of the best characters on “Thrones” is Afro-Latina! In honor of the return of GOT, we’ve compiled a list of 20 times Missandei was the best character on the addictive series. Take a peek below!
1. When she got drunk with Tyrion
Missandei may be famous for her silent reactions, but she’s not exactly the most talkative character on GOT. That’s why it was nothing short of delightful when “Thrones” treated us to an adorable scene of her day-drinking with Tyrion and swapping corny dad jokes. We wish we could see her smile more often!
2. When she had no patience for misogynistic pigs
After growing up under the hand of abusive slave-owners, Missandei’s newfound freedom as second-hand to the Queen makes it hard for her to tolerate ignorant and degrading comments from men–no matter what title they hold.
3. Her reaction when the Northerners looked at her like “Build the Wall”
When Missandei and Greyworm find themselves among white people who, by the looks of it, have never seen brown skin before, the look they exchange is priceless.
4. When she acted as a TSA agent at Dragonstone
We can’t help but feel a surge of pride whenever Missandei gets to boss people around–she’s been through enough to have the absolute right.
5. When she had a passionate sexual encounter with Greyworm
The tension between Missandei and Greyworm had been building for so long, that we all breathed a collective sigh of relief when they finally consummated their love.
6. When she talks about said sexual encounter with her BFF right after
Just two girls bent on reclaiming their rightful thrown and eventually world domination while also talking about how good the sex was with the boy-toy last night.
7. When she consistently gave us #hairgoals
We don’t know how Missandei kept her rizos so moisturized and defined while she was living in the desert, but we’d love to know her secret.
8. When she ALLOWED her friend to touch her hair
Missandei is close enough to Daenerys to give her permission to do her hair–but we’re sure she laid down some ground rules beforehand and maybe even gave her a talk about p
9. When she introduced Daenerys in the most extra way possible and kept a straight face the whole time
This scene will never get old.
Missandei: “You stand in the presence of Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne, rightful Queen of the Andals and the First Men, protector of the Seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains.
Davos: “This is Jon Snow…He’s King in the North.”
10. When she constantly proved she’s Daenerys’s best ally
No one gives a better first-hand account of how much power Daenerys has to change lives than her OG devotee, Missandei. Missandei’s testimonial would make the biggest skeptic a Khaleesi-convert.
11. When she wore this outfit that will serve as our Halloween costume for years to come
Missandei: offering inspiration to Afro-Latina cos-players since 2013.
12. When she taught viewers what REAL side-eye is
There are whole Tumblr galleries devoted to the savage looks that Missandei doles out the idiotic men who populate GOT’s world. She’s truly the Queen of Dirty Looks.
13. When she revealed she speaks nineteen languages
In Season 3, episode 8 of “Thrones”, Missandei reveals to Daenerys that she speaks nineteen languages. She even gives Dany a humbling little lesson on Dothraki grammar.
14. When she served us this outfit
Missandei has come a long way since her days of cleavage-bearing billowing robes. Now, she dresses in leather and armor.
15. When she turned to her BFF when she thought she was done for
In times of danger, Missandei and Dany always turn to each other for comfort–like this touching time when they held hands before they thought they were going to die.
16. When she gave us this perfect “bless your heart” face
One of the best parts about watching Missandei’s character arc is the newfound confidence she has when reacting to newcomers. Like this “bless you heart” look she gave to Jon Snow and his men in Season 7. episode 3.
17. When she had a tender moment with Greyworm after he was wounded in battle
It was incredible touching to see how a man with self-proclaimed “no fear” admitted that since he met and fell in love with Missandei, he now was more afraid than he’d ever been.
18. When she first meets
Daenerys and is like “I like this girl”.
Tumblr via sansastormborns
We’ll never forget the look on her face when Missandei realizes what a badass Daenerys is. Priceless.
19. When she truly could not comprehend the concept of traditional marriage
When Jon Snow tries to explain why his last name is different than his father’s, Missandei is completely confused and explains: “We don’t have marriage in Naath, so the concept of a bastard does not exist”. Poor Jon.
20. When she shut down Tyrion’s attempt at whitesplaining
“I appreciate you explaining to me the horrors of slavery, Tyrion, but I think I’m a bit more qualified to speak on the subjects. Thankssss.” – actual quote from Missandei
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