2. Resurrection
SPOILER ALERT Throughout the first few books, we hear a lot about Lord Berric Dondarrion. Ned Stark sends him and his men to chase down the villainous Sandor Clegane who is ravaging the riverlands. After Joffrey comes to power, Berric is hunted as an outlaw but he and his band continue to wreak havoc on Lannister forces. He is so difficult to kill that rumors spread he is actually immortal. Berric is a great character in the books, partly because we hear so much more than we see of him, the element of Martins writing that so greatly adds to its depth. The myth of immortality about him makes him even more engaging until we find out that he really is immortal. Or at least can be brought back to life by another vaguely-explained priest. We see this after Gregor Clegane kills Berric in a duel, and he is soon revived. And we learn that Lady Catelyn was also revived, and is now a mute zombie who follows Berric around. Again, Martins convenient use of magic cheapens a great character, a guerilla leader who could have had a tragic and powerful death. And it also cheapens one of the selling points of Martins booksthat, like in the real world, people die. If anyone can be brought back by one of these priests, the books battles get a bit less stressful.