Melisandre is a priestess for the Lord of Light, R'hllor. She became an adviser to Stannis Baratheon when he declared himself the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. As a magician, Melisandre received mixed reactions from Stannis's men. Though many were scared of her, maester Cressen tried to kill her by poisoning his drink and giving her. However, she survives, but Cressen dies.