: Theon Greyjoy seizes Winterfell, a move intended to prove his loyalty to House Greyjoy , but he immediately struggles with the ruthlessness required . This is exemplified by his botched, messy execution of Ser Rodrik Cassel.
: In Qarth, Daenerys discovers her dragons have been stolen and her Dothraki guards slaughtered while she was away meeting with the Spice King.
: Arya Stark narrowly avoids recognition by Petyr Baelish and is forced to use her second death wish from Jaqen H'ghar to kill Amory Lorch before he can expose her. Thematic Significance: Religion in Westeros
: A violent riot breaks out in Flea Bottom as the royal family returns from seeing Myrcella off to Dorne . Joffrey’s inability to control the starving crowd leads to several deaths and the near-rape of Sansa Stark.
The episode's title highlights the cultural and religious divide in the Seven Kingdoms:
: Jon Snow and Qhorin Halfhand ambush a wildling outpost. Jon is unable to execute Ygritte , his prisoner, and becomes separated from his group.
" The Old Gods and the New " is the sixth episode of the second season of , directed by David Nutter . It marks a pivotal moment where several main characters—including Theon Greyjoy, Daenerys Targaryen, and King Joffrey—struggle to maintain control as their power begins to unravel . Key Plot Developments