Melisandre Costume
“The night is dark and full of terrors… but the fire burns them all away.”
– Melisandre
How can a character played by such a beautiful woman be so ugly? How can a character so hated be so hot (pun intended)? Answer: Carice van Houten.
She does such a tremendous job playing Melisandre, that she’s able to able to invoke such strong feelings from so many of the Game of Thrones fan base. Some fans want to be her, the rest want to burn her. For those that want to be her, just follow our Melisandre costume guide.
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Melisandre of Asshai
“Promo shot”
Season 2 Episode 02
“The Night Lands”
Melisandre in one of her earliest episodes.
Season 5 Episode 04
“Sons of the Harpy”
A closer look at Melisandre’s necklace.
Melisandre of Asshai
The Red Woman was born a slave in the city of Asshai, Essos. She’s a shadowbinder and Red Priestess of the Lord of Light. She’s also like, uber-hated on social media.
We first meet Melisandre in the Game of Thrones season 2 opener “The North Remembers”, in which she burned statues of the Seven on the beach of Dragonstone. She supports Stannis Baratheon’s claim to the Iron Throne as she believes he is the reincarnation of Azor Ahai, a man prophesized to defeat the Others in the war against the Lord of Darkness and Cold.
It’s all fine and dandy until we see the measures she’ll take to accomplish her end game. She’s willing to sacrifice a life (as long as it’s not hers) at the blink of an eye because it’s all insignificant next to what she thinks is the greater good. Her disregard for some of our favorite players has made her one of the most hated and talked about characters since season 2. If you like the attention, this Game of Thrones costume is the one for you.
The Costume
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Melisandre Costume: Burgundy Velvet Dress
This burgundy costume resembles a velvet version of Melisandre’s early season dress. Created by Artemisia, it comes with good reputation.
Melisandre Costume: Burgundy Velvet Cloak
A quality designed cloak, our second entry from Artemesia. No Melisandre costume is complete without her Red Priestess hood.
Melisandre Costume: Red High Priestess
This all in one version of the Melisandre costume comes with an attachable cape which is smaller than the previous linked cloaks. This is similar to the smaller shawl that The Red Woman sometimes wears. If it’s warmer at your event (from all the stake burning no doubt), this might be the way.
Melisandre Costume: Medieval Hooded Cloak
An alternative to the Artemisia cloak. This one comes in many different colors, some solid, some with different colored lining. Maybe you’re looking for a more all purpose cape that allows you to cosplay as other characters. This one gives you options.
Melisandre Costume: Ruby Sorceress
A generic dress inspired by Melisandre from Game of Thrones. This is for those looking for a costume on a budget. Why she’s carrying a dagger in the photo is a mystery, but not a bad get up for $35.
Melisandre Costume: Scarletta Dress
Another all-in-one solution inspired by the Red Woman. While it might be less faithful to the show’s version of the outfit, it makes up in convenience and style.
Melisandre Costume: Wigs
Melisandre Wig from Rockstar
This burgundy wig from Rockstar is a good match for your Melisandre costume. While doing our research we found that these came recommended by many cosplayers for their quality.
Melisandre Costume Wig
Officially licensed by HBO this replica quality wig features a long, auburn style with a large bun to ensure you are the true Red Woman.
Melisandre Costume: Accessories
Melisandre Costume: Necklace
There are many fan theories when it comes to the necklace.
Is she powerless without it? Does it hide her true form? We really don’t know as it hasn’t been revealed, so we won’t go too far with it.
One thing’s for sure, save for one scene in “Mockingbird” (season 4, episode 7, bath scene with Selyse), she’s never seen without it.
Dragonclaw Glass
A remnant of House Targaryen (Dragonstone was given to Stannis after Robert’s rebellion).
This glass is inspired by the chalice that Maester Cressen and Melisandre drink from in the Chamber of the Painted Table.
(“The North Remembers” season 2, episode 1) Grab a drink and toast to R’hllor, your necklace will save you.
Nat Geo Explorers Torch
The Red Woman loves burning things. Statues, people, doesn’t matter.
Make your Melisandre complete with this toy torch. If anybody gets out of line, get some rope and a stake.
Well maybe that’s taking it too far, but the night is dark and full of terrors, so maybe a torch would be a good idea.
* Necklace update *
In Game of Thrones, season 6, episode 1, “The Red Woman” takes off her necklace to reveal Melisandre’s true form, and it’s not the beautiful priestess we’re used to seeing, but a woman of several hundred years of age. Whether it does hide her true form, or she was just disillusioned with the Lord of the Light, it proves to be an important piece to the Melisandre story and costume.
