Game of thrones articles
A sampling of blog articles as seen on ATT.net for Discovery channel.
The Irrepressible Imp: What’s Going On With Tyrion Lannister?
Tyrion Lannister’s epic journey from Casterly Rock to Dragonstone has been full of dragons, drinking, and family drama
Wine, women, and wit may be the holy trifecta for Tyrion Lannister, but despite his surface-level love for life’s pleasures, the littlest lion has a tormented history that adds unique depth to his character. To much of Westeros, he’s the butt of jokes. In his own mind, he’s the unheralded savior who kept the realm together during the War of the Five Kings. But Tyrion’s family soap opera is where the real action is. A kingslayer and a kinslayer in the eyes of the other Lannisters, Tyrion has never exactly been these lions’ pride. What happens to the family dynamic now that he’s back on Westerosi soil?
The Old Lion
As Tyrion says to Jon Snow, “all dwarfs are bastards in their fathers’ eyes.” Tywin has never stopped punishing Tyrion for being born. He wrongly holds Tyrion responsible for the death of his wife Joanna in childbirth, and blames Tyrion for dishonoring the family name with his disability. As Tywin is quick to remind him, had Tyrion not been born with the Lannister name, he’d have been left to die.
Yet for all Tywin’s enmity, Tyrion has earned a measure of his begrudging respect. This dichotomy plays itself out in the alternating rewards and humiliation Tywin dishes out (flip-flopping politicians exist in Westeros, too). One minute, Tyrion is made the Hand to King Joffrey. The next, he’s demoted to Master of Coin. Shortly after a sham marriage to Sansa Stark, Tyrion is indicted in a sham trial of the murder of his nephew, King Joffrey.
These mixed messages, along with fear and respect for his father, compel Tyrion to alternately rebel against and fight for his family name. But Tywin never lets Tyrion forget where he stands; While Tyrion’s older brother Jaime forswore his inheritance to join the Kingsguard, Tywin refuses to name Tyrion the heir to Casterly Rock.
In the end, Tywin gets his comeuppance. After years of psychological abuse, Tyrion finally realizes that his true crime all along has been his inability to live up to his father’s expectations. Tyrion kills his father with a crossbow after finding his ex-lover Shae in Tywin’s bed. His lack of remorse is a testament to his place in the Lannister clan. Despite Tywin’s dying words, Tyrion is his truest son.
The Evil Queen
Tyrion’s older sister Cersei fancies herself to the female Tywin. Well, she’s got the ruthless cruelty down pat. As a child she mocked him as a literal monster to other nobles, and her attitude hasn’t changed much since. Most of their sibling rivalry involves blackmailing, backstabbing, and scheming against one another. Cersei is keenly aware that Tyrion is one of the few people who know of her incestual relationship with their brother Jaime. She’s smart enough not to overtly kill Tyrion (though she tried to have the Kingsguard do the deed amidst the chaos of the Battle of Blackwater Bay). He’s smart enough to tread lightly in her presence, only occasionally fanning the flames with witty epithets.
Cersei’s shortsightedness, paranoia, and desire to prove her strength to Twyin prevent her from appreciating her younger brother’s good qualities. She immediately names Tyrion as Joffrey’s murderer because that’s how she would get back at a longtime antagonist. Whether she truly believes Tyrion’s guilt is beside the point. If Joffrey hadn’t died, she’d cook up another reason to have Tyrion killed. It’s no wonder Tyrion so eagerly supports Daenerys’ coup against his sister.
The Golden Knight
Throughout the series, Tyrion’s closest family member and only true ally is his brother Jaime. Though he and Tyrion share a fondness for one another, Jaime’s loyalties are divided between his lover/sister, his family name, and the Seven Kingdoms. Once the most talented swordsman in all of Westeros, and the youngest ever named to the Kingsguard, Jaime is the prodigal son Tyrion could never be. He’s even incredibly handsome. While Tyrion doesn’t hold any of this against Jaime, and indeed takes pride in his brother’s abilities, Tyrion is unable to escape Jaime’s shadow.
After Tyrion is wrongfully imprisoned for the death of King Joffrey, he demands a trial by combat—an effort to even the playing field. Jaime, however, refuses to fight as Tyrion’s champion. The decision is partly self-preservation (with only one hand, he’s no longer the swordsman he once was), but the message is clear: Jaime won’t stand up to his father.
Though not given to public displays of brotherly affection, Jaime comes through in the end by springing Tyrion from his prison cell to escape execution. Jaime may not be convinced of Tyrion’s innocence, but as an actual Kingslayer, he doesn’t exactly have the moral high ground. Ultimately, Jaime loves Tyrion enough to protect him from Tywin and Cersei’s injustices.
The Queen’s Hand
Tyrion was in a dark place after his trial: persecuted by his sister, betrayed by his lover, sentenced to die by his father. Any hopes he had of a future in Westeros were crushed along with Oberyn Martell’s head. Though lucky to escape with his life, he had little reason to go on living it. As much as he hated his family and the muck of courtly politics, he kinda loved it, too. Where would he find something as fulfilling? For a while, it seemed he was content to look in the bottom of a goblet.
But several seasons free of the lions’ den, Tyrion has come a long way since fleeing King’s Landing under cloak of darkness. Risking life, limb, and liver, he found his way across the Narrow Sea to Daenerys Targaryen. On the way to Slaver’s Bay, Tyrion is mesmerized to see Drogon fly overhead. Tywin made fun of him for believing in them, but dragons are real, and Tyrion is ready to put his faith in their Mother. His newfound confidence leads him to free the remaining dragons from their Meereenese prison, signifying his belief in the Khaleesi, and in himself.
He is no longer living in the shadow of his brother, tip-toeing around his father, or looking over his shoulder for his sister. All his boozing and womanizing was a way to mask the literal and figurative scars of that intrafamily warfare. Amidst a group of women, foreigners, and eunuchs, Tyrion has found his place and his people—along with a much healthier habit of “drinking and knowing things.” As the Hand of a worthy monarch, Tyrion has finally found someone who appreciates his intuition and knowledge of Westerosi politics. His ability to read people, diffuse tension, and build consensus is finally paying off. With his newfound purpose, Tyrion seems poised to break his string of bad luck. As Varys prophesied, this small man may end up casting a very big shadow over Westeros.
But first, there’s a family reunion to attend. When Tyrion left King’s Landing, it was under the suspicion that he had poisoned Joffrey. That case was never really closed, but for Cersei it’s a moot point. Whether or not he killed Joffrey, Tyrion’s to blame for shipping off her daughter Myrcella to Dorne, where she met a similar end to her brother. We’ve just seen Cersei get revenge on Ellaria Sand for that murder. No doubt she’s got Qyburn cooking up something especially diabolical for her brother.
Jaime, however, has just learned the truth about Joffrey’s death. Will he persuade Cersei of Tyrion’s innocence? Regardless, Tyrion did kill their father, and Cersei never quite forgave Jaime for unintentionally aiding in Tywin’s death. Cersei and Jaime are pretty much as close as siblings can be. Will Tyrion’s return blow up their relationship like so much wildfire?
For his part, Tyrion’s insight will prove valuable in a Targaryen restoration—but that Valyrian steel cuts both ways, as the Lannister coup of Highgarden proves. Surely Jaime anticipated Tyrion would attempt to seize Casterly Rock, and his foresight dealt a crushing blow to Daenerys’ army. Some Lannisters learn from their mistakes…and all of them pay their debts.
With only four episodes remaining this season, Tyrion is bound to reconnect with his Jaime and Cersei soon. Is he on track for a tearful reunion, or a bloody one? Find out on Game of Thrones, exclusively on HBO.
The Mother of Dragons Greatest Hits
She goes by many names. Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons. Call her what you want, it’s impossible to deny Daenerys Targaryen’s place in the Game of Thrones universe. Here are her top 10 takedowns, triumphs, and transformative moments.
A crown for a king
Season 1, Episode 6, “A Golden Crown”
Daenerys’ story begins with a forced marriage to the Dothraki Khal Drogo, who promises to deliver a crown to Viserys, her brother and onetime heir to the Iron Throne. Dany eventually comes to love her husband and his people, becoming a proud Khaleesi. Her power-mad brother senses her confidence growing with his obsolescence, and makes a desperate grasp at power. After he strikes her and tries to steal her dragon eggs, Drogo makes good on his word and crowns Viserys with a pot of molten gold. Dany notes that Viserys was not a true dragon, as fire cannot kill the dragon.
Dragons from ashes
Season 1, Episode 10, “Fire and Blood”
At the end of the first season, Khaleesi loses her husband and unborn child to the blood magic of a witch named Mirri Maz Duur. In revenge, Dany ties Duur to a funeral pyre, places her dragon eggs in the circle, and climbs aboard as she burns the witch alive. The next morning, Dany emerges from the pyre unscathed, with three newborn dragons to show for it. The Dothraki kneel before her in witness of the rebirth of dragons, of magic, and of Dany herself.
Farewell to Qarth
Season 2, Episode 10, “Valar Morghulis”
In the city of Qarth, Xaro Xhoan Daxos, one of the leaders of the city, plots to steal Dany’s dragons. After entering the warlock Pyat Pree’s House of the Undying, Dany is met with visions of her family, and her previous life with Khal Drogo. When the magic wears off, however, she finds herself held prisoner by Pyat Pree, chained along with her dragons. Unbeknownst to Pree, she has taught her dragons to breathe fire on command, and she roasts him alive. She returns to find Xaro in bed with her handmaid Doreah and answers their betrayal by locking them in his empty vault forever.
The Unsullied meet their Khaleesi
Season 3, Episode 4, “And Now His Watch Is Ended”
Following her time in Qarth, Dany heads to the slave city Astapor, where she buys the Unsullied, an army of eunuch slaves. Their owner Kraznys insults Dany in High Valyrian to his translator Missandei, not realizing that Dany speaks the language. She offers to trade one of her dragons for the entire Unsullied Army. Upon completing the deal she commands the Unsullied, in flawless Valyrian, to kill all the slave owners, and Drogon roasts Kraznys alive. Once the city is taken she offers the Unsullied their freedom, giving them the choice to fight with her or remain slaves. Spoiler alert: They’re with her.
Dany befriends Daario in Yunkai
Season 3, Episode 8, “Second Sons”
Dany arrives in Yunkai to resistance and attempted murder. Not wanting to risk the lives of her newfound army, she looks for a way to infiltrate the city with minimal casualties. After dashing sellsword Daario Naharis warns her of an upcoming assassination attempt, she sends a small group to overtake the city and set its slaves free. She gives the Yunkai the same option as the Unsullied: live their free life as they please, or join her ranks. The newly liberated Yunkai cry out to her as “Mother” in the show’s first and only display of crowd-surfing.
Dany takes Meereen
Season 4, Episode 4, “Oathkeeper”
After Daario dispatches Meereen’s chosen champion, Dany encourages the people of Meereen to rebel against their masters. The emboldened slaves kill the masters and open the gates of Meereen to her, throwing their slave collars to the ground. At the city’s Great Pyramid, a black and red Targaryen banner covers the statue of the Harpy, symbolizing Meereen’s new regime.
So long, Old Bear
Season 4, Episode 8, “The Mountain and the Viper”
After discovering her trusted confidant Jorah Mormont has been informing on her to the Iron Throne in exchange for a royal pardon for past crimes, Dany demands an explanation. Jorah reveals that while he became loyal over time, he did pass information to Varys about her whereabouts, resulting in multiple attempts on her life. Worst of all, he told the Lannisters about her lost pregnancy. Jorah begs for forgiveness, but Dany refuses, banning him from Meereen (for the first time).
In the pit
Season 5, Episode 9, “The Dance of Dragons”
After agreeing to reopen the fighting pits that entertained the slaves and masters of Meereen alike, Dany finds herself facing death at the hands of the insurrectionist Sons of the Harpy. Just when circumstances seem most dire, Drogon appears out of the sky and begins bathing the arena in fire. Dany stares down the beast, gets on Drogon’s back, and commands him to fly away, making her the first dragonrider in over a century.
Unburnt Part II
Season 6, Episode 4: Book of the Stranger
After being captured by a rival khalasar, Dany ends up at the Temple of Dosh Kaleen, where widowed khaleesi live out their days together. The women strip Dany and dress her in traditional Dothraki garb, informing her that her fate will be decided by the khals. She responds with a confidence she lacked the last time she came to Vaes Dothrak, telling the assembled warlords that they are not fit to lead. The khals laugh and threaten her, so she locks them in the temple and sets it ablaze, once again burning along with her enemies and living to stare fiercely about it.
Reclaiming Meereen
Season 6, Episode 9: “Battle of the Bastards”
Daenerys returns to Meereen to find it plunged into chaos, with the masters of Yunkai, Astapor and Volantis wishing to discuss the terms of her surrender. They say they will allow her to leave Meereen unharmed, but will slaughter her dragons, with her subjects returning to slavery. Dany rejects these terms wholeheartedly, then hops on Drogon’s back to burn the masters’ armada and retake the city with ease.
Daenerys Targaryen was last seen at the head of her fleet, a massive army at her back, ready to reclaim the Iron Throne. Find out if she’s successful, tune in on Sundays at 9/8c on HBO.
Myers Briggs Personality Types: Game of Thrones Edition
With so many different characters and personalities in Game of Thrones, it can be hard to keep track of all their defining qualities and dramatic motivations. Guaranteed scientifically accurate!*
Sandor Clegane, AKA The Hound – ENTP
(Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
The younger Clegane brother is a legendary fighter known for his scarred face and brusque demeanor. Jaded by the ruthless cruelty of his brother Gregor (The Mountain), he rejects the concept of knighthood, and was last seen traveling with the Brotherhood Without Banners.
Those ENTP personality types are known as debaters that often play devil’s advocate, which can get them in trouble with authority figures. ENTPs care very little about being seen as compassionate or kind, and are honest to a fault. They never back down from confrontation, and follow their own moral compass. The Hound has no problem taking out those who get in his way, making ENFP an excellent fit.
Petyr Baelish, AKA Littlefinger – ESTJ
(Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
Known for his manipulative tactics, Littlefinger is a cunning politician with no loyalties but to himself. Power-hungry and arrogant, he is calculating in all his decisions, and believes himself to be the smartest guy in the Realm. His supposed dedication to Catelyn Stark led him to help her daughter Sansa take down Ramsay Bolton at the end of last season.
ESTJ personality types are known for their adherence to structure and their strategic, vision-focused thinking—in fact, this is the most common presidential personality type. ESTJs believe that authority must be earned. They pursue improvement and achievement, expecting those around them to keep up. Littlefinger aids in the murder of Joffrey in order to smuggle Sansa out of King's Landing: very strategic.
Melisandre- INTJ
(Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)
The Red Priestess has proved her ruthless nature throughout the series. She is a killer for a cause, and often uses her sexuality to get what she wants. Previously, she miraculously revived Jon Snow from death after believing him to be the Prince That Was Promised. Jon, however, banishes her from the North after discovering that she burned her former liege Stannis Baratheon’s young daughter Shireen at the stake. Now she seeks an alliance with another "prince," Daenerys Targaryen.
Although INTJs aren’t necessarily stone-cold killers, they are independent, determined truth seekers. The rarest Myers Briggs type, these intellectuals are often relentless in their pursuit of knowledge and are confident, mysterious observers. Melisandre’s quest to master the higher mysteries in service of her red god R’hllor makes this a fit.
Brienne of Tarth – ESFJ
(Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
Brienne is unquestionably one of the toughest characters in Thrones. Not only does she defy Westeros’ gender norms, but she is one of its best warriors, period—and a loyal one at that. Though slightly awkward, she will protect the ones she loves at any cost. After leaving Riverrun with Podrick, nodding knowingly to her on-again, off-again frenemy Jaime Lannister, Brienne rejoined Sansa Stark at Winterfell.
ESFJs are altruistic, and they always believe in doing the right thing. They hold tightly to their morals, which are often based on laws and traditions rather than philosophy or mysticism. They enjoy being of service as long as they are valued and appreciated. Often times, they are too selfless. Brienne offers her protection, service, and unwavering loyalty to the Stark family, even when they don’t want it. That kind of stubborn do-goodery is classic ESFJ.
Jaime Lannister – ESTP
(Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)
Jaime Lannister has seen some of the series’ most rewarding character development. In six seasons, he’s grown from a preening Kingslayer and incestuous lover to a humbled former swordplay savant, oddly compassionate, and disillusioned with his family’s ruthless nature. Jaime has been in King's Landing, clearly disturbed after his twin sister Cersei demolished the Great Sept of Baelor and all but forced their last remaining son Tommen off a balcony.
ESTPs have a tendency to make impulsive decisions and fix their mistakes as they go rather than sitting idle. They are the most likely personality type to be risk-takers and love to dive into the action. ESTPs don’t often follow rules, and more often live by their own moral compass. They are natural excitement-seekers and leaders. Jaime is quick to jump into a bear pit to save Brienne: definitely a case of leaping before looking.
Cersei Lannister – ENTJ
(Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)
Cersei now sits upon the Iron Throne after massacring her enemies en masse as they awaited her arrival at trial. This brutal act of vengeance is Cersei in a nutshell: cold, cunning, and manipulative, consequences be damned. After losing all her children (the only people she truly loved), she abandons any pretense of selflessness and descends into a sadistic spiral.
ENTJs are strategic planners, with a vision for the future that can often be described as ruthless. Nicknamed “the commanders,” they use their drive and sharp minds to achieve their own goals. ENTJs love a good challenge, and are often dominant and unforgiving, believing emotional displays to be a weakness. Cersei is quick to eliminate those she finds weak or offensive, deploying The Mountain to dispatch her enemies.
Arya Stark – ISTJ
(Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
One of the last remaining Starks, Arya is cunning and quick-witted. She is fiercely independent but determined to retain her Stark heritage. Through her many experiences with death, she has become more merciless, but still has love and loyalty to those she is closest to. After executing Walder Frey to avenge the Red Wedding, Arya appears on her way to a family reunion at Winterfell.
ISTJ personality types are quietly systematic. They are analytical, decisive, and detail-oriented. ISTJs take responsibility for their actions, carrying out their plans with patience and accuracy. They do not make assumptions and instead analyze their surroundings in order to arrive at conclusions. When they say they will do something, they follow through. Arya started writing her “Death List” in Season Two, and has been systematically crossing off names ever since.
Daenerys Targaryen – ENFP
(Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
The Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea is well-spoken and determined, but has maintained a sense of empathy. She learned pride and confidence from her late husband Khal Drogo, and although many consider her naive, she’s a quick learner and decisive actor, which has served her well in her various conquests. She has since sailed to Westeros with her massive armada to reclaim her birthright at Dragonstone, and is preparing to wage war against her enemies.
ENFPs are insightful, future-thinking, and highly individualistic. They are charming and compassionate, and read between the lines with curiosity and vitality. ENFPs view the world as a puzzle that needs solving, and look to discover deeper meaning through mysticism. Their irresistible passion for the causes they believe in make ENFPs natural leaders that attract followers quite easily. They often have a hint of madness, which inspires them to come up with creative solutions. After Dany frees the Unsullied slave army and grants them their freedom, they all choose to stay and fight for their inspiring leader.
Tyrion Lannister- INFP
(Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
Clever, cunning, and self-aware to a fault, Tyrion uses his intellect to overcome the prejudice he faces due to his dwarfism. He relies on his quick wit to come out on top, and picks his allies and enemies wisely. He is a strategic thinker who ultimately cares very much about the opinions of others, which often makes him vulnerable. This is clearly observed in both his familial and romantic relationships. He joined forces with Daenerys, and has been giving her counsel in the position of Hand of the Queen.
INFPs are quietly caring individuals that pursue meaning, but are often misunderstood. They are guided by their principles, and are led by pure intent rather than rewards and punishment. INFPs are considered gifted with language, and excellent listeners, but they have a tendency to take things very personally. Tyrion earns the trust of Dany’s dragons by telling them a personal story of wishing for one on his name day, showing his keen emotional intelligence.
Jon Snow – INTP
(Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
The newly anointed King of the North is an altruistic and kind character with a profound sense of honor, and a moral compass that leads him to seek truth and fairness at all costs. His bastard heritage forced him to grow up very quickly. After coming back from death at the hands of his sworn Night’s Watch brothers, Jon rather understandably has a more nihilistic view of the world.
INTP personality types are notorious for buzzing minds that make them appear detached and pensive. They often rethink their own solutions to problems, convinced that they have missed a crucial part of the puzzle. They must overcome their self-doubt in order to achieve their full potential. Objective and honest, INTPs view the world as complex and large, which helps them tie together seemingly unrelated happenings. This ability to comprehend the bigger picture makes Jon a natural choice to rally the Realm against the real threat to its existence: the White Walkers.
*The Citadel does not sanction the Myers-Briggs test, nor any other kind of sorcery.
Could Gendry Be Coming Back?
Season 7 will see the return of everybody’s favorite oarmaster, Gendry Waters
At the Game of Thrones season premiere event in Los Angeles, fans were surprised to see the return of a familiar face: Joe Dempsie, also known as Gendry Waters. A skilled blacksmith, a real bastard, and an apparently vigorous rower, Thrones fans have speculated on Gendry’s fate for three whole seasons. Where has he been? Will he be part of an epic plot twist? Was he really rowing this entire time? Here’s a refresher on Gendry’s role in past seasons, and speculation on what he might be up to in Season 7.
Season 1
Ned Stark’s investigation into the murder of former Hand of the King Jon Arryn leads him to a blacksmith’s workshop in King’s Landing, where Gendry is working as an apprentice, unaware of his status as a bastard son of King Robert Baratheon. Gendry displays a prodigious talent for smithing, and is very protective of his work, even refusing to sell Ned a helm he has made.
Ned discovers that Arryn was tracking down all the Baratheon bastards to prove the illegitimacy of Cersei’s children. After King Robert’s death, Gendry becomes a threat to Joffrey’s rule, and heads north along with Arya Stark, posing as a young boy named “Arry” to join the Night’s Watch.
Season 2
During their journey north on the Kingsroad, Gendry befriends Arya, realizing that “Arry” is actually a girl. Arya drops her disguise and confides to Gendry her own highborn parentage, swearing him to secrecy.
The group is stopped by a band of Crown soldiers looking for Gendry, who remains unaware of his identity. They kill the Night’s Watch recruiter Yoren and some of the group, imprisoning the rest. Arya manages to convince the soldiers that Gendry was among the casualties of the attack.
The survivors are taken to Harrenhal, which has been taken over by the sadistic Ser Gregor Clegane. One of his men, “The Tickler,” is particularly cruel, and right as Gendry is selected as his next victim, Tywin Lannister shows up, explaining that the prisoners are more useful alive.
As a trained blacksmith, Gendry is sent to work at the castle’s forge. After Tywin leaves (and The Tickler is mysteriously killed, definitely not by Jaqen H’ghar), Arya convinces Jaqen to help her, Gendry, and Hot Pie escape.
Season 3
After leaving Harrenhal, the three friends are captured by the Brotherhood without Banners. Gendry helps them fix their armor, and bonds with the men, forming a familial connection for arguably the first time in his life. Arya is disappointed that Gendry wishes to remain with the Brotherhood because she’d hoped to take him back to Winterfell. Unfortunately, neither of them gets what they want, as the Brotherhood sells Gendry to the red priestess Melisandre.
During their trip to Stannis Baratheon’s fortress on Dragonstone, Melisandre reveals Gendry’s true heritage. Once they arrive, she puts Gendry up in an extravagant room, plying him with fine wine. Once again, Gendry’s life takes a turn for the worse, as Melisandre ties him to the bed and leeches his blood for a ritual. He’s then thrown into a dimly-lit, dirty cell beneath the castle.
Luckily for Gendry, Stannis’ lieutenant Ser Davos Seaworth frees him from his cell after becoming disillusioned with Melisandre’s practices, believing that she has led Stannis astray. Ser Davos sends Gendry back to King’s Landing on a rowboat—despite Gendry’s inability to swim.
Season 4
Rowing.
Season 5
Still rowing.
Side note: After Stannis is defeated, Gendry is the last living descendant of House Baratheon.
Season 6
You guessed it—still rowing!
Season 7
And he’s back!
While we don’t know for sure where he ended up, there are a few theories. Ser Davos told Gendry to sail towards King’s Landing, and to remain hidden in plain sight. But did Gendry trust him? He has a claim to the throne as the last remaining Baratheon, so heading back to Lannister territory might have been too dangerous.
Perhaps he’s been putting his smithing skills to use, creating armor and weapons maybe a warhammer like his old man’s? He may have rowed the wrong direction across the Narrow Sea and ended in one of the Free Cities of Essos, or even The Wall. Some fans believe that he might reunite with Arya as she crosses names off her kill list. If that’s the case, will they resume their more-than-friends drama? What would their portmanteau name be? Gerya? Andry?
One thing’s for sure: Gendry’s arms have gotta be jacked from all that rowing. Will he put the legendary Baratheon strength to good use?
Watch as he makes his return in Season 7 of Game of Thrones, only on HBO.
In Memoriam, Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 3
We beseech the Seven, grant mercy to this week’s dearly departed.
Season Kill Count: 5,932 (estimated)
Game of Thrones has never been afraid to kill off key characters (looking at you, Ned Stark). It’s a Sunday night tradition: the latent dread, the shocking deaths, the reaction GIFs. Call it the GoT OMGs. As this season’s kill count continues to rise, let’s take a moment to raise a cup of Dornish red and mourn the losses from Episode 3, “The Queen’s Justice.”
This week we said goodbye to a fan favorite (Olenna Tyrell) and a, well, less appreciated character (Tyene Sand). Both deaths offered up a bit of poetic justice, with each character receiving a fitting conclusion to their chapter in Westerosi lore.
Tyene Sand, Sand Snake, House Martell Adjacent
Dagger aficionado Tyene Sand was a fierce fighter with a penchant for poison. Fearless and sometimes impulsive, this bastard daughter of Oberyn Martell inherited much from the Red Viper of Dorne and her mother Ellaria Sand. While we knew her best as a murderess, seductress, and chatterbox-ess, her half-sisters loved her regardless. For the most part.
Each of the Sand Snakes were killed by their weapon of choice, making Tyene’s Long Farewell a poetic completion to Nymeria and Obara’s deaths in Episode 2. Upon receiving the Prize that was Promised by Euron Greyjoy, Cersei delighted in taunting Ellaria about how she was going to kill Tyene. She settled on the eye for an eye approach, paying back Ellaria with the same poison used to kill Myrcella Baratheon (with the added bonus of forcing her to watch Tyene’s rotting corpse).
As Qyburn dutifully explained, the poison’s effects depended on the “constitution” of the victim. If Dornish sass levels are any indication, Tyene will be in for a long goodbye indeed, with Ellaria given a front row seat.
The Queen’s only daughter was an innocent, and while Cersei is a monster, Tyene and her mother...well, let’s be honest, they kinda deserved it. Sorry, Bronn. We know you two were close.
Lady Olenna Tyrell, the Queen of Thorns
Nooooo! Who will give us saucy one-liners now? The death of Lady Olenna means the end of House Tyrell, and a parting shot from the only woman in Westeros to defeat every member of House Lannister in a war of words.
The Queen of Thorns lived longer than most highborn ladies, giving her ample time to hone both her wit and her political acumen. Her honesty was unparalleled in the Seven Kingdoms and her famous “tart tongue” will be missed by viewers. From calling out Cersei on her cruelty (and stupidity), to advising Sansa, Daenerys and Margaery, Olenna was, as her late grandson Loras might say, “truly, a force to be reckoned with.”
She died doing what she loved most: slinging pointed barbs and candidly owning her actions over a glass of red. After gracefully accepting her House’s loss to the Lannister army, she waited in her chamber for the bloodbath to conclude. In a gripping final scene, she cut through Jaime’s gold-plated armor, calling him out on his failures and blind devotion to Cersei. Jaime promised her a painless death, and after calmly chugging down a cup of poisoned wine, Olenna used her last breath to confess to murdering his son, the late King Joffrey. With a mic drop for the ages, the Queen of Thorns had the last word in life, and in death.
Honorable Mention: A bunch of soldiers on all sides
Ed Sheeran and pals might have managed to make the Lannister soldiers less detestable, but it was still satisfying to watch the Unsullied take out a bunch at Casterly Rock. Soldiers on both sides fought bravely, but the Unsullied spears won the day, sparing no red and gold swordsmen in the process. Well, except for Ed. We hope.
The real battle to the south, however, was quick and dirty, as the bulk of Lannister troops sacked Highgarden and crushed the Tyrell army. The golden roses are officially extinct. May you all rest in seven floral-scented heavens.
Let the blood baths continue every Sunday, only on HBO.
In Memoriam, Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 4
As this season’s kill count continues to rise, take a moment to pay respect to the casualties of Drogon’s Sunday BBQ
Season Kill Count: 12,679 (estimated)
The shortest episode of the series thus far, “The Spoils of War” had no time to mess around. The death count escalated rapidly, particularly on the Lannister side, putting Daenerys Targaryen back on top of Drogon and the war for the Seven Kingdoms.
As a mostly drunk but occasionally wise king once said, “Only a fool would meet the Dothraki on an open field.” Although the Lannister army fought as valiantly as expected in the face of a screaming foreign horde, it turns out Robert Baratheon had a point.
While viewers alternated between fearing for Bronn, Dany, Drogon and Jaime, the battle raged on in the background, bloody, fiery, and filled with death. We honor a few of the dearly departed:
That Shaking Lannister Soldier
As he watched the Dothraki horde descend, this poor soldier (we’ll call him Lanny of House Shakesworth) must have been thinking: Hey Jaime, do we not have advance scouts anymore?
Although this son of a peasant never learned how to read, he took up fighting from a young age, practicing alone in the woods with tree branches and old garden equipment. When he grew up, he realized he had no money, no real skill set, and was happy to get in on that sweet Lannister gold...
…until the Field of Fire, when he was the first soldier roasted in his shell by Drogon. Lanny, may you shake it like a Polaroid in the halls of the Seven.
Dothraki soldier Qotho
A loyal bloodrider to the Mother of Dragons, Qotho was a great loss to the Dothraki army. Skilled in horse riding, black eyeliner, and being level 100 angry all the time, he was a true Dothraki.
Never quite “Khal” material, he was relieved when the widowed Khaleesi burned down the Temple of Dosh Khaleen and demanded their loyalty. In fact, he was the first to bend the knee to the new queen.
With his overwhelming love for Daenerys, he fought hard in battle for her, relishing in the flames and destruction. Ah, the sweet smell of dragonfire and death. Unfortunately, Bronn got the best of him, blasting Qotho with a dragon-grade bolt. A glorious death in service of his Dragon Queen.
Ed Sheeran, probably
Although his legs no longer work like they used to, Sheeran’s name will live on in the hearts of teen girls all across Westeros.
Ever since Sheeran was a little boy, all he wanted was to become a singing sensation. His father, however, had different plans: the Sheeran men were all Lannister soldiers dating back centuries, and Ed would be no different. Though he eventually caved to his father’s wishes, his dulcet tones did achieve mild notoriety at Casterly Rock. Ed was never a great soldier, but the Lannister army kept him around—he was the only one who could sing anything other than “The Rains of Castamere.”
Ed’s death was unexpected and cruel. After the battle of Highgarden, his fellow soldiers locked him in the castle’s dungeon to starve after he sang “Shape of You” for the millionth time. Some songs are just too catchy.
Qyburn’s Scorpion
The creepy mad scientist of King’s Landing has a ton of wacky ideas: bringing a dead man back as an 8-foot bodyguard, giving Jaime a blinged out hand, and most recently, mass-producing a dragon-killing crossbow.
The scorpion’s death came as no great shock. After being hit in the shoulder with a giant piece of metal, Drogon was not a happy dragon. He was quick to enact his revenge, setting the entire apparatus on fire and giving it a tail-whip for good measure.
But while this scorpion bit the dust, we likely haven’t seen the last of its kind. Cersei does have a newfound affinity for poison. Might her Hand develop a Drogon-destroying venom and create a Scorpion 2.0 that really stings?
Dragon invincibility
Drogon, you magnificent creature, we all want you to fly free forever, but you’ll probably want to stay off that wing for a while. Although Dany’s dragons are still the top firepower around, the shattered illusion of invincibility adds a new wrinkle to the war. Nothing had better happen to Rhaegal and Viserion!
As the season barrels towards its conclusion, who will be the next to go? (Jaime Lannister didn’t look to be in great shape during this episode’s fade to black.) The bloodbath continues on Game of Thrones, exclusively on HBO.
In Memoriam Season 7, Episode 5
Drogon burns some more people alive, and a familiar face returns to show off his new warhammer skills
Season Kill Count: 12,683 (estimated)
An episode of Game of Thrones doesn’t need to have sword fights or extravagant battles to be deadly, and this Sunday’s “Eastwatch” was right up there in delivering its share of fatalities. Gone are any pretenses that Jon Snow is not now the most legitimate heir to the Iron Throne (casually exposed by a bored Gilly), while Drogon roasted House Tarly into oblivion. Then there’s a resurgent Gendry, who’s apparently done rowing and willing to show off his prowess with a warhammer.
Let’s take a moment to say goodbye to those we lost this week. House Tarly’s time as lords of the Reach comes to an early end (though technically speaking, a certain maester-in-training might still be in play), and more Lannister soldiers learn that maybe Cersei isn’t such a great boss.
Randyll Tarly
The taciturn Lord of Horn Hill, Randyll Tarly, was a prickly man, full of pride, narcissism, and some seriously misplaced anger at his eldest son, Samwell. He died clutching his younger son Dickon with the most affection Randyll had shown since...ever?
The esteemed general was regarded as the country’s finest military mind, having dealt Robert Baratheon his only defeat at the Battle of Ashford. He took his house words, First Into Battle, to heart, prizing strength and martial ability above all. Later in his career, he became known for his political opportunism, abandoning House Tyrell for the woman who snuffed out the Golden Rose in exchange for an appointment as Warden of the South.
After a resounding defeat at the Field of Fire, he had a chance to switch sides again, but his honor got the best of him, and he accepted his fate as Drogon’slatest victim. Maybe he preferred death to a possible reunion with Samwell. At least he won’t come back as a wight.
Dickon Tarly
Sorry Dickon, but as Davos would say later in the episode, “It’s better to be a coward for a minute than dead for the rest of your life.” Just as we were starting to know your name, you go and do something “honorable” like joining your father to become dragon toast.
Dickon may have been the second son of House Tarly, but thanks to his swordplay (and older brother Sam’s wildling girlfriend), he was first in Lord Randyll’s heart. Dickon seemed like a decent young man, a simple soul forced into a ruthless world. He was a good fighter and hunter, and, whether out of love or fear, loyal to his house. Dickon was happy to appease his father and serve whatever King or Queen of the week Randyll had his eye on. Dickon, we hardly knew you, but you were one of the good ones, sort of.
It falls on Samwell to uphold the Tarly name now. Since he’s cut his maester training short, it seems possible that he’ll prove a worthy Lord of Horn Hill—and with that Valyrian steel sword he stole from Dad, perhaps an important ally to Jon Snow.
Those Two Corrupt Gold Cloaks
Swindlers and lion loyalists, these morally flexible members of the City Watch, whom we’ll call Chad and Brad, were destined to die the moment they took a bite of Davos’ fermented crab.
Chad and Brad grew up bullying the other kids in the villages around Casterly Rock and negging girls they liked. They were inseparable, mostly because no one else could stand to be around them. In fact, they’re the only two men ever denied service at Littlefinger’s brothel, despite offering three times the going rate. Figuring the ladies of King’s Landing might tolerate a man in uniform, they joined the City Watch. The armor was shiny, and so were the gold dragons they extorted from smugglers and criminals in exchange for turning a blind eye.
Unfortunately, no amount of gold can stop a warhammer. Gendry was quick to strike as they realized that a certain dwarf with a massive scar just might be Tyrion Lannister. If only fermented crab stiffened one’s face instead.
Jon’s Bastard Status
With Drogon’s tender snout boop, the theory that Jon is really a Targaryen has all but been confirmed, thanks in part to Gilly’s improved reading skills. It turns out “Ragger” Targaryen annulled his marriage to Elia Martell to secretly marry Lyanna Stark in Elia’s own backyard. (Also dead this week: the myth of Prince Rhaegar, the handsome chill guy who just likes to sing and play the harp. Elia deserved better!)
As the trueborn first son of a first son, Jon now
has a better claim to the Iron Throne than the other so-called last Targaryen. So, um, Auntie Daenerys? Maybe you should be the one to bend the knee.
With Jon’s completely insane mission beyond the Wall coming up, there are sure to be more deaths in Episode 6. (Does it count as a kill if they’re already dead?)
Stay tuned to Game of Thrones, exclusively on HBO, and in the meantime, check out more Thrones articles and recaps.
In Memoriam Season 7, Episode 6
All men must die. This week, some of them died twice.
Season Kill Count: 14,722
The season is winding down, but the real war—the only war that matters—is just getting started. In “Beyond the Wall,” Jon Snow and his posse’s epic battle with the Night King’s army had devastating consequences. Let’s take a moment to honor the dearly departed, the resurrected, and the dead again.
Wights galore
Does it count as a death if they’re already dead? Despite their numbers, hundreds (thousands?) of wights met their match. Still, it’s just a drop in the bucket, and if the Night King breaks through the wall, he’ll have a fresh supply of future soldiers.
At some point, some of these wights were probably very nice people (like that one wildling lady from “Hardhome”), but now they’re just hangry skeletons. Stay dead this time!
Thoros of Myr
A red priest with a drinking problem, Thoros of Myr gave Jon Snow a run for his money in the man-bun department. Thoros was known for his liquid courage on the battlefield and using his flaming sword to put fear into his enemies. After years as an apostate, Thoros turned back to religion as a member of the Brotherhood Without Banners, channeling the Lord of Light to resurrect Beric Dondarrion six times.
During the journey North, Thoros was gravely mauled by a wight polar bear. While the power of booze bought him some more time, his fire was eventually extinguished as he succumbed to the cold. Sorry Beric, looks like your seventh death will be your last.
Benjen Stark
We don’t know much about Benjen, but he was a true Stark. He was fond of Jon Snow, and accompanied his nephew to the Wall when Jon decided to take the black.
Shortly afterward, the First Ranger ventured beyond the Wall, never to return. During his time in the wild, he was stabbed by a White Walker, then was saved by the Children of the Forest with a shard of dragonglass to the heart. In Season 6, the half-dead vigilante showed up out of the blue to rescue Bran and Meera from an imminent wight death. In his final scene, the ultimate Cool Uncle swooped in all deus ex machina-like to save Jon Snow from the same fate, taking out a few more wights in the process.
Benjen died as he lived: a shield guarding the realms of men. He went down swinging that awesome fireball thing, and for that he will be missed.
Viserion
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Viserion! You magnificent golden boy! In a show full of deaths, this one hit the hardest.
Named after the Daenerys’ late older brother Viserys, Viserion was the gentlest and smallest of her three dragons. With an assist from his siblings, Viserion’s first confirmed kill was Qartheen wizard Pyat Pree, who definitely deserved it. After being freed from the Meereen catacombs by Tyrion, he exercised his fire-breathing might again in the battle of Slavers’ Bay. From there, it was smooth sailing back to Dragonstone with mom and brothers by his side.
Unfortunately, it all came crashing down thanks to the Night King. In one of Game of Thrones’ most heartbreaking moments, a heat-seeking ice spear caught Viserion mid-flight, and he tumbled into a frozen lake. Adding insult to injury, the Night King resurrected him as an ice dragon, likely soon to be pitted against his family. Undead Viserion, may you die again swiftly.
There’s only one episode left this season, but that’s plenty of time for more mayhem. Let’s just hope there are no more dragon deaths. Our hearts couldn’t take it.
Find out who’s next to go on Game of Thrones, exclusively on HBO.
Stormborn: Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 2 Recap
The Targaryen comeback suffers a setback as Euron Greyjoy proves he’s not all talk
After a season premiere that saw plenty of deaths (good riddance, House Frey!), but precious little bloodshed, Game of Thrones is finally giving the people what they want. “Stormborn” treated us to battle, blood, and the kick-off of what will become the greatest war Westeros has ever seen.
Befitting the episode title, we open this week with Daenerys Targaryen and company at Dragonstone. An epic storm is brewing outside, both a nod to her birth and a harbinger of another storm to come.
First, some of Dany’s advisors have to answer for their past: Ellaria Sand murdered Tyrion Lannister’s niece, while Varys sent assassins after Dany in Essos. The eunuch spymaster reaffirms his loyalty—not to monarchs, but to the people of Westeros. No doubt his honest counsel will be more valuable than blind servitude.
As they plan their assault on King’s Landing, Dany’s team is divided. Yara Greyjoy advises a blitzkrieg of Unsullied and Dothraki, while Tyrion cautions against unleashing a foreign horde on Westeros, and draws up a two-pronged attack. The Unsullied will storm the Lannister stronghold at Casterly Rock, while Yara’s ships ferrying Dornish soldiers will attack the capitol.
Dany, ‘ya shoulda listened to Yara. Remember when Euron Greyjoy showed up last week all nonchalant, even charming? Well, House Targaryen’s words may be “Fire and Blood,” but Euron brought the carnage to the Narrow Sea this episode, with an unexpected Greyjoy family reunion that left every Dany supporter shook.
In a surprise attack, Euron’s bloodthirsty Iron Islander crew set Dany’s fleet ablaze, interrupting their mission to Dorne (and Ellaria’s “foreign invasion” of Yara). Two of the Sand Snakes, Obara and Nymeria, met gruesome ends at the hand of Euron himself, while Ellaria and Tyene were taken captive. Looks like they were the prize Euron promised to Cersei last week. We can only imagine what she has planned to avenge her daughter Myrcella’s death at the hands of the Dornish.
For her part, Yara didn’t go down without a fight, taking on her uncle and his fearsome axe in single combat. Euron manages to ensnare Yara, giving Theon a chance to atone for betraying his sister when she tried to rescue him from Ramsay Bolton in Season 4. C’mon Theon, you’re the last surviving son of Balon Greyjoy, rightful Lord of the Iron Islands. Avenge your father and save your sister!
But we can almost hear it in Theon’s head: “No Theon. Only Reek.” The scars left on him by Ramsay will never truly heal. The mayhem swirling around Theon triggers his PTSD, and he abandons ship, along with his sister. His face dripping with blood, Euron unleashes a maniacal laugh that has us convinced he’s this season’s new Big Bad.
Back on Dragonstone, the red priestess Melisandre returns in search of someone new to believe in. We get it Mel, you’re desperate. Stannis failed you. Jon rejected you. Any port in a storm, right? Conversing with Daenerys in high Valyrian, the R’hllor devotee declares the Mother of Dragons “the prince that was promised.” That’s all well and good, Dany notes, except for one small gender issue. But as stunning linguist Missandei explains, the Valyrian word for “prince” is gender neutral. “The prince or princess that was promised” doesn’t quite roll off the tongue, Tyrion says, but Dany is happy to accept her role, and at Melisandre’s urging, beckons Jon Snow to Dragonstone for him to bend a knee.
Back at Winterfell, the tension between Sansa and Jon continues to build. With the White Walker threat looming, Jon announces he will travel to Dragonstone for both its mother lode of dragonglass and its resident Mother of Dragons, both of which he’ll need in the wars to come. But the North remembers what the last Targaryen wrought upon Westeros. Sansa publicly disapproves (again), and even Jon’s staunch ally Lyanna Mormont declares the venture foolish and unsafe. Shouldn’t the King in the North stay in... the North?
While Sansa may have a point here—both Robb and Ned Stark were murdered after riding South—Jon goes with his gut, and surprises everyone but Littlefinger by leaving Sansa in charge. Lord Baelish gives his trademark smug smile as the wheels start turning. How can he spin this to his advantage?
In King’s Landing, Cersei has assembled the remaining undeclared lords of Westeros to pledge their loyalty. Attendance seems light, which isn’t shocking, given what happened the last time she got a big group together. Cersei’s always been an expert manipulator, and appeals to xenophobia to convince the lords that the invading army will rape, pillage, and murder—which, of course, Dany just decided not to do.
Jaime recognizes that most of Westeros has little love for Cersei in their hearts, and takes a different approach in recruiting Lord Randyll Tarly, a Tyrell bannerman, as his ranking general. With Jaime’s promise of a plum position as Warden of the South, Lord Tarly reluctantly agrees to raise his army. His son Samwell may be no warrior, but Randyll is the finest soldier in all of Westeros. Will the Tarly army deliver Daenerys a second defeat?
As for Sam, he’s decided his new mission is to save Jorah Mormont. In another stomach-turning Citadel scene (is Sam just going to do the grossest thing possible every single week?) he defies his Archmaester’s orders and cuts away Jorah’s greyscale-infected flesh piece by piece. Jorah the Explorer can only bite down on a leather strap to avoid tipping off the Citadel to Sam’s first try at surgery. Almost makes you wish expert flayer Ramsay Bolton hadn’t been eaten by his own hounds.
Arya Stark, meanwhile, finds herself in danger of becoming puppy chow. After being brought up to speed on recent Westerosi history by her old friend Hot Pie, she decides to hit pause on her revenge spree and head north to reunite with Jon. Along the way, she’s set upon by a group of wolves. Luckily, the alpha is none other than her direwolf Nymeria, who she last saw on the road to King’s Landing all the way back in Season 1. After a tense standoff, Nymeria recognizes Arya and calls off the pack. For a second, Arya hopes Nymeria will come with her to Winterfell; the Stark girl, joined by her house sigil, triumphantly returning home. But neither wolf nor girl are the same since their last meeting. You may be able to go back home in Game of Thrones, but you can’t go back in time.
Arya’s turn northward fulfills the declaration she made to Jaqen H’ghar at the end of last season: a girl is Arya Stark, and she’s going home. Last week’s Frey extermination made us wonder if there was any humanity left in Arya. But as she heads for the cold, there appears to be a thawing in Arya’s heart. Hey, she might even be nice to Sansa when she reaches Winterfell.
Will we get our long-awaited Stark reunion next week? Will Jon arrive on Dragonstone and bend the knee to Dany? Will Hot Pie give us his recipe for brown butter pie crust? Find out on Game of Thrones, exclusively on HBO.
