Game of Thrones season 8 episode 3: Where was Melisandre before the battle of Winterfell?

The battle would have gone down very differently without her

The latest episode of Game of Thrones saw one key character return just in time for the big battle of Winterfell.

*Major spoilers below – you have been warned*

The eighth and final season’s new episode – titled “The Long Night” – began with an intriguing scene that saw the return of the Red Woman, Melisandre (Carice van Houten).

Since her arrival in season two, fans knew she would have an important part to play in the outcome of the series – and it turns out she was a vital cog in in the Night King’s defeat at the hands of Arya Stark, a plot twist Maisie Williams was convinced fans would detest.

The last we saw of the character, who keeps a youthful appearance thanks to a magical necklace, she was in Dragonstone about to leave for Volantis. She told Varys she would return, though, telling him: “I have to die in this strange country, just like you."

But, where has she been?

While unconfirmed, it’s no stretch to assume that Melisandre sought help from the Fiery Hand, a group of slave soldiers who guard the red temple of R’hllor – a God better known as the Lord of Light.

Seeing as members of the religion believe in a messianic figure named the Prince That Was Promised/Azor Ahai, who Melisandre believes is either Daenerys or Jon, she returned to help them in the battle against the Night King. Immediately after arriving at Winterfell, she chants a spell that sets the army’s weapons ablaze, assisting them with the fight.

The Red Woman’s arrival also prompts Arya to fulfil her destiny to kill the Night King, something fans are only just realising was revealed in the show’s third season.

The intense trailer for next week’s episode sees everyone turn their attentions to the Iron Throne and the fate of Cersei Lannister.

The final season of Game of Thrones continues every Sunday.

Our extensive ranking of every character in the series – from worst to best – is below.

The show will be available on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the UK.