Just hit the low point of the series - the Gathering Storm, Semirhage, described as one of the most evil creatures to ever live, being held captive and broken by Cadsuane by ........ being put over her knee and spanked?!?!?! Seriously???

1 hour ago, Killian said:

Just hit the low point of the series - the Gathering Storm, Semirhage, described as one of the most evil creatures to ever live, being held captive and broken by Cadsuane by ........ being put over her knee and spanked?!?!?! Seriously???

I agree that it is ridiculous, but it might work? I thought it was hilarious, even if it isn’t exactly realistic. It’s fine if you need to rant about it. 

The point he was getting at in that is, after having set herself up as this terrible, terrible creature who can make people do terrible things to each other, and cause exquisite agony to those who fall into her hands, she has given herself a massive ego.

 

Along comes Cadsuane, sees what she's up against, treats her like a novice again, a very immature novice into the bargain, and puts her down in front of the people she was hoping to intimidate.

 

I remember reading something on a set of cards the US Information Service was distributing to Australian schools back in the 70s, about how the authorities would break people who considered themselves very strong outlaws - by tying them up in front of a huge crowd, then blowing tear gas across their faces. A strong defiant individual doesn't seem so strong or defiant when he's got tears pouring down his face.

Edited May 15, 20215 yr by Kalessin
correction

it makes perfect sense. semirhage lived by her reputation. humiliating her was effective.