in the book...how does Oberon die? same way? or was it an unnecessary violent and grotesque death for the ratings? just curious.....
“Prince Oberyn had circled behind him. ‘ELIA OF DORNE!‘ he shouted. Ser Gregor started to turn, but too slow and too late. The spearhead went through the back of the knee this time, through the layers of chain and leather between the plates on thigh and calf. The Mountain reeled, swayed, then collapsed face first on the ground. His huge sword went flying from his hand. Slowly, ponderously, he rolled onto his back.”
“Clegane’s hand shot up and grabbed the Dornishman behind the knee. … Gregor’s hand tightened and twisted, yanking the Dornishman down on top of him. They wrestled in the dust and blood, the broken spear wobbling back and forth. Tyrion saw with horror that the Mountain had wrapped one huge arm around the prince, drawing him tight against his chest, like a lover.”
With that, Clegane makes his confession:
“‘Elia of Dorne,’ they all heard Ser Gregor say, when they were close enough to kiss. His deep voice boomed within the helm. ‘I killed her screaming whelp.’ He thrust his free hand into Oberyn’s unprotected face, pushing steel fingers into his eyes. ‘Then I raped her.’
Clegane slammed his fist into the Dornishman’s mouth, making splinters of his teeth. ‘Then I smashed her f—ing head in. Like this.’
As he drew back his huge fist, the blood on his gauntlet seemed to smoke in the cold dawn air. There was a sickening crunch.”On seeing the Red Viper’s demise, Ellaria Sand screams in horror, and Tyrion throws up his glorious breakfast.
“I put my life in the Red Viper’s hands, and he dropped it. When he remembered, too late, that snakes had no hands, Tyrion began to laugh hysterically.”
