In the epic fantasy world of Game of Thrones, the Unsullied are one of the most iconic and disciplined military forces ever portrayed on screen. Known for their loyalty, skill, and emotionless combat, the Unsullied are raised from childhood to be the perfect soldiers. One of the most frequently asked questions about them is: Are the Unsullied eunuchs? The answer is yes, and understanding why this is the case sheds light on their training, culture, and role within the story’s broader themes of power, control, and identity.
Who Are the Unsullied?
The Unsullied are an elite group of slave soldiers trained in Astapor, one of the cities of Slaver’s Bay. They are purchased as children and subjected to intense physical, emotional, and psychological conditioning to strip them of fear and personal will. They become a symbol of perfect obedience and martial efficiency, highly sought after by rulers who need a reliable fighting force.
Defining Characteristics
- Extreme discipline and loyalty to their commander.
- Famed for their unbreakable battle formations and courage under fire.
- Trained to resist pain, fear, and personal attachments.
- Lack of personal freedom, family, or individuality.
Their uniform appearance and emotionless expressions give them the aura of living weapons rather than human beings, which plays into the tragic elements of their backstory and upbringing.
Yes, the Unsullied Are Eunuchs
One of the defining and disturbing parts of the Unsullied’s training is their castration. All Unsullied are eunuchs castrated at a young age as part of their transformation into obedient soldiers. This fact is clearly presented in both the books and the television series, where the practice is seen as a means of controlling their desires and removing distractions.
Purpose Behind Castration
- Control: Castration prevents the development of testosterone-driven aggression and lust, making the Unsullied more docile and controllable.
- Discipline: Without sexual desires, they are presumed to be more focused and unwavering in battle.
- Detachment: The lack of physical and emotional attachments is meant to turn them into ideal tools of war.
The process is not only physical but symbolic, stripping them of identity, manhood (as defined by their culture), and the ability to form families. Their very name, Unsullied, reflects the idea of purity through suffering and dehumanization.
The Psychological Impact
While the Unsullied are shown as emotionless on the battlefield, characters like Grey Worm reveal that they are not completely devoid of feelings. Despite their castration and training, some retain a sense of identity, hope, and even the capacity for love and personal choice.
Grey Worm: A Symbol of Humanity
- Grey Worm becomes the leader of the Unsullied after Daenerys Targaryen frees them.
- He forms a deep bond with Missandei, demonstrating emotional vulnerability.
- He represents the idea that humanity and dignity can survive even in the harshest conditions.
His character arc challenges the notion that the Unsullied are mere tools. It raises questions about the ethics of their creation and whether someone can reclaim personhood after years of dehumanization.
How the Unsullied Compare to Historical Eunuchs
The use of eunuchs as soldiers or administrators is not unique to fantasy. Throughout history, various civilizations have employed eunuchs in different roles, particularly in royal courts and military forces.
Historical Examples
- Byzantine Empire: Eunuchs often held high-ranking positions and were trusted by emperors due to their inability to form rival dynasties.
- Ottoman Empire: Castrated men served in the palace and sometimes as military leaders.
- Chinese Imperial Court: Eunuchs wielded significant political power and were involved in administration and espionage.
Unlike the Unsullied, historical eunuchs were often involved in diplomacy, court intrigue, and governance rather than frontline combat. However, the association between eunuchs and loyalty due to the removal of personal ambition is a shared theme.
Ethical Reflections
The portrayal of the Unsullied as eunuchs in Game of Thrones serves a narrative function but also invites ethical scrutiny. The series does not glorify their condition but instead uses it to critique systems of oppression and control. By presenting the Unsullied as victims of slavery and cruelty, it highlights the inhumanity behind creating soldiers through trauma.
Key Ethical Questions
- Is absolute obedience worth the cost of humanity?
- Can someone who has been dehumanized reclaim their identity?
- Does the lack of sexual desire define one’s emotional capabilities?
These questions are particularly relevant in a series that often explores the cost of power and the blurred line between savior and oppressor. Daenerys’s decision to free the Unsullied gives them autonomy, but their loyalty remains a complex dynamic that challenges the idea of freedom itself.
Modern Interpretations and Viewer Reactions
The Unsullied’s status as eunuchs has prompted discussions among viewers regarding masculinity, gender identity, and representation. While they are depicted as powerful and noble, some critics argue that their portrayal reinforces certain stereotypes about emotionless men or desexualized warriors.
Positive Reception
- Grey Worm’s emotional growth is seen as a progressive portrayal of a eunuch reclaiming identity.
- Their bravery and loyalty earn respect among fans and within the fictional world.
Criticism and Debate
- Some argue that the show doesn’t explore enough of their trauma or cultural reintegration.
- The depiction may lack nuance in explaining how different individuals adapt to life after such experiences.
Despite mixed opinions, the Unsullied continue to resonate as complex figures shaped by a cruel past but striving toward a sense of purpose and dignity.
Yes, the Unsullied are eunuchs, and that fact is integral to their identity within the world of Game of Thrones. It symbolizes the depth of their suffering and the scale of their transformation into emotionless warriors. However, characters like Grey Worm show that even within such rigid systems, hope and humanity can survive. The inclusion of eunuchs in such a major fantasy saga opens the door to meaningful discussions about power, trauma, identity, and redemption. In this way, the Unsullied stand as both symbols of loss and strength an unforgettable part of the series’ moral and emotional core.