What is Game of Thrones About?

Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy series set in the fictional land of Westeros where a number of
individuals and noble houses vie for control of the "Iron Throne" which rules over the realm.

Much of the first season focuses on the Stark family, who rule "The North"- one of the "Seven
Kingdoms" of Westeros. The head of the household, Ned Stark, is the best friend of King Robert
Baratheon, who came to power in a coup sixteen years earlier which unseated the ancient Targaryen
dynasty. The season also follows the last two surviving Targaryens- Daenarys and her brother
Viserys, who have been exiled across the sea. The other plotline follows Tyrion, a son of the wealthy
Lannister family who is socialliy ostracized for being a dwarf.

Is Game of Thrones Based on a Book?

Yes, it's based on the series A Song of Ice and Fire written by George RR Martin and takes its name
from the first book in the series.

What books are there in the series and what seasons do they correspond to?

So far five books have been published in A Song of Ice and Fire with a planned two more yet to be
published. They are, in order:

1) A Game of Thrones 2) A Clash of Kings 3) A Storm of Swords 4) A Feast for Crows 5) A Dance With
Dragons.

Several sample chapters for the sixth book, The Winds of Winter, have been released online.

"A Game of Thrones" and "A Clash of Kings" cover the first two seasons of the show respectively. The
third season covers about the first two thirds of "A Storm of Swords", and the fourth season covers
the rest of "A Storm of Swords". Seasons five and six cover most of A Feast for Crows and Dance with
Dragons and even advances beyond them somewhat.

What will each season be called?

Each season is still titled "Game Of Thrones". In the opening credits of each episode it says "Based on
A Song Of Ice And Fire".

Are any of the cast not English, Scottish, or Irish?

Most of the cast are British (English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh).

Of the cast that is and was on the show:

American: Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo, Burn Gorman as Karl
Tanner (though he grew up in England), and Rosebell Laurenti Sellers as Tyene Sand

Danish: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister and Pilou Asbæk as Euron Greyjoy

German: Sibel Kekilli as Shae and Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H'Ghar

Dutch: Michiel Huisman as Daario Naharis in season four and beyond and Carice van Houten as
Melisandre
Spanish: Oona Chaplin as Talisa Maegyr (though she grew up in Switzerland)

Norwegian: Kristofer Hivju as Tormund Giantsbane

Chilean: Pedro Pascal as Oberyn Martell (though he grew up in America)

Canadian: Roxanne McKee as Doreah (though she grew up in England)

Iraqi: Dar Salim as Qotho (though he grew up in Denmark)

Icelandic: Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson as Gregor Clegane in season four and beyond and Jóhannes
Haukur Jóhannesson as Lem Lemoncloak

Russian: Yuri Kolokolnikov as Styr

Brazilian: Lino Facioli as Robin Arryn

Nepalese: Amrita Acharia as Irri.

Australian: Conan Stevens as Gregor Clegane in Season One, Keisha Castle-Hughes as Obara Sand,
and Essie Davis as Lady Crane

Sudanese: Alexander Siddig as Doran Martell

Swedish: Max Von Sydow as the Three-Eyed Raven in season six and beyond

New Zealandic: Joe Naufahu as Khal Moro

What will happen if George R. R. Martin hasn't finished the books by the time the show catches up
to him?

As of season 6 of the show, which premiered on April 24th, 2016; The Winds Of Winter has yet to be
released and the show has passed the books in most storylines.

George R.R. Martin has stated that he has revealed the overall plot to D.B. Weiss and Dan Benioff.
Therefore the show will now create its own narrative to fill in the gaps to which George R.R. Martin
has yet to write.

If I want to start reading the books what one should I start with?

The books, in order of publication, are

1. A Game of Thrones 2. A Clash of Kings 3. A Storm of Swords 4. A Feast for Crows 5. A Dance with
Dragons

And coming soon.... The Winds of Winter

Most fans who have read the books first will advise people to start at the beginning. However, some
fans who have seen the show first have found the the early books less exciting because they know all
of the plot developments. Whether to start at the beginning or not is up to each individual. While
the show follows the same plot as the books, there is more detail provided in terms of character and
back-story in the books and they sometimes explain the reasons for some plot developments better.

Is there an officially licensed game based on Game of Thrones?

Yes, Disruptor Beam has developed Game of Thrones Ascent, which is a web-based game based on
the books and HBO series: http://www.disruptorbeam.com/games/game-of-thrones

Game of Thrones Genesis is an official licensed video game.

Also TellTale has release a multiepisode Game which is also officially licensed

In addition, there is an excellent board game, for three to six players, Game of Thrones: Second
Edition, from Fantasy Flight Games. Here's the
link: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/a-game-of-thrones-the-board-game-second-
edition/. A downloadable version of the rules is available there, so you can determine whether it
suits you. I love it: power struggles, back-stabbing, alliances and treachery--just like the show.

Who sang "The Rains of Castamere" over the credits of "Blackwater (2.09)"?

American indie-rock band The National. The vocalist is their lead singer Matt Berninger.

What are the names of the various noble houses in Westeros?

There are a number of noble houses in Game of Thrones, but the ones that the series focus on the
most are:

The Starks rule The North from their seat at Winterfell. Their head is Ned Stark who is married to
Catelyn. They have five children: Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. Ned Stark also has an
acknowledged bastard son named Jon Snow. Their sigil is the Direwolf. Their motto is "Winter is
Coming" and they have a saying in the North "The North Remembers".

The Lannisters rule the Westerlands from Casterly Rock. Their head, Tywin Lannister, is the
wealthiest man in Westeros. His children are the twins Cersei and Jaime, and the dwarf Tyrion. Their
sigil is the Lion. Their motto is "Hear Me Roar" and their old saying is "A Lannister Always Pays His
Debts".

The Baratheons rule the Stormlands, and at the start of the series, they are the current ruling house
of Westeros. Robert Baratheon won the throne sixteen years ago in a rebellion. He is married to
Cersei Lannister and they have three children: Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen, who unbeknownst to
King Robert, are not his biological children. Robert also has a bastard son, Gendry, who is his
biological son. Robert also has two younger brothers: Stannis and Renly. Prior to becoming the royal
family, the Baratheons had ruled the Stormlands, from the seat of Storm's End. Their sigil is the Stag.
Also they use the Stag's Heart. Their motto is "Ours is the Fury".

The Targaryens were the original rulers of Westeros and hailed from the Crownlands. Three hundred
years ago, Aegon Targaryen conquered Westeros and established a ruling dynasty over the Seven
Kingdoms. The Targaryens were displaced by Robert Baratheon's rebellion during which most of the
Targaryens died. The only members of the family to survive were the children, Viserys and Daenerys,
who escaped across the sea, and the elderly Maester Aemon Targaryen who serves as a member of
the Night's Watch and takes no part in the affairs of the realm. Their sigil is the Dragon. Their motto
is "Fire and Blood".

The Arryns rule the mountainous Vale from the Eyrie. Until the beginning of season one they had
been led by the elderly Lord Jon Arryn, who had acted as a foster father to Ned Stark and Robert
Baratheon. Jon Arryn dies shortly before the series begins, leaving his wife Lysa to rule until their son
Robin comes of age. The mystery of what caused Jon Arryn's death is one of the main plotlines of the
first season. Their sigil is the Falcon over a Moon. Their motto is "As High as Honor".

The Greyjoys rule the Iron Islands from Pyke. Theon Greyjoy is a ward of Ned Stark, being held
hostage because his father rebelled against the throne some years before the start of the series.
Season Two introduces his father Balon Greyjoy, current lord of the Iron Islands, as well as Theon's
sister Yara. Their sigil is the Kraken. Their motto is "We Do Not Sow" and they have an old saying
"What is Dead May Never Die".

The Freys rule the Twins in the Riverlands. Walder Frey is an old man and has many wives, sons, and
daughters. The Freys reside mostly in the Twins, and always pick the winning side when it comes to
war and conflict. When armies want to cross their bridge, there is always a toll to pay, but it's not
always in gold. Their sigil is the Bridge with Two Towers on each side. Their motto is "We Stand
Together".

The Mormonts rule Bear Island in the North, currently under the leadership of Maege Mormont. Her
brother, Jeor, is Lord Commander of the Night's Watch at the beginning of the series. Jeor has a son,
Jorah, who is exiled from Westeros and now serves as Daenerys right hand. Their sigil is the Bear.
Their motto is "Here We Stand".

Season Two introduces The Tyrells who rule the agricultural land of The Reach in the seat of
Highgarden. They are led by Mace Tyrell who has two children: his daughter Margaery, and his
younger son Loras, who is a skilled and dashing knight. They have a bold grandmother, Olenna Tyrell.
Their sigil is the Rose. Their motto is "Growing Strong".

Season Two introduces The Karstarks who rule Karhold in the North. Rickard Karstark is the head of
the Karstark household. They are descendants of Karlon Stark. Their sigil is the Sunburst. Their motto
is "The Sun of Winter".

Season Three introduces The Tullys who rule the Riverlands at the seat of Riverrun. They are led by
the elderly Hoster Tully whose health has been failing for some time. He has three children: Catelyn,
who is married to Ned Stark, Lysa, who is Jon Arryn's widow, and Edmure, his heir. Their sigil is the
Trout. Their motto is "Family, Duty, Honor".

Season Three introduces The Reeds of Greywater Watch in the Neck. Howland Reed is the head of
House Reed. He has two children, his daughter Meera, and his son Jojen. They are loyal to the Starks
and fought for them during Roberts Rebellion. Their sigil is the Lion-Lizard. They have no motto.

Season Four introduces The Martells who rule Dorne at the seat of Sunspear, the southernmost of
the Seven Kingdoms. They are led by Prince Doran Martell, who is introduced in Season Five, and is
impaired in his ability to move around. In his stead he sends his brother, Oberyn Martell (aka the
Red Viper) to visit King's Landing with his paramour, Ellaria Sand. Their sigil is the Sunspear. Their
motto is "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken".

Season Four introduces The Boltons who rule the Dreadfort, in the North, east of Winterfell. Roose
Bolton, who we saw in Season Two, is the head of the family. He has a bastard son named Ramsay,
who we saw in season three, who has a talent of torturing and flaying prisoners. The Boltons aligned
themselves with the Freys in a coup against the Starks, also known as the Red Wedding. The Boltons
became the rulers of the North shortly after betraying the Starks. Roose became betrothed to Walda
Frey, one of Walder Frey's daughters. Their sigil is the Flayed Man. Their motto is "Our Blades are
Sharp" and their old saying is "A Naked Man has Few Secrets; a Flayed Man, None".

Season Six introduces The Tarlys who rule Horn Hill in the Reach. Randyll Tarly is the Tarly patriarch
who is also a banner man and seasoned general for the Tyrells. He is married to Melessa of House
Florent. There are 3 children, Samwell, the oldest, who was sent to the Wall, because of his
cowardice and Randyll didn't see him fit to lead Horn Hill; Dickon, the second son and Heir to Horn
Hill; and Talla, his daughter. Their sigil is the Huntsman with a drawn bow. Their motto is "First in
Battle".

What characters from the show are featured in the telltale game?

Jon Snow is featured in Gared Tuttle's story line.

Cersei Lannister is featured in Mira Forrester's story line.

Tyrion Lannister is featured in Mira Forrester's story line.

Daenerys Targaryen is featured in Asher Forrester's story line.

Margaery Tyrell is featured in Mira Forrester's story line.

Ramsay Bolton is featured in Ethan and Rodrik Forresters Story line.

Drogon is featured in Asher Forresters Story line.

Viserion is featured in Asher Forresters Story line.

What is the difference between White Walkers and Wights?

White Walkers (Also called 'The Others' in the novels) are an ancient race of beings that have not
been seen for several thousand years by the time the series begins. They have icy blue eyes, wield
swords made of ice, and have the ability to reanimate the dead to serve as their minions. They have
also been known to ride undead steeds.

Appearances:

Season 1 Episode 1: A White Walker attacks rangers from the Night's Watch and beheads one.

http://cdn.wg.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/game-thrones-zombie.jpg

http://awoiaf.westeros.org/images/b/bb/Other_HBO_WhiteWalker.jpg
Season 2 Episode 2: A White Walker is seen by John Snow taking Craster's baby.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1z3gCvI0Ms Visible at 2:06.

Season 2 Episode 10: Sam witnesses White Walkers on horseback leading an army of Wights.

http://cdn1.sciencefiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/white-walker.jpg

http://bestfantasystories.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/White-Walkers-Game-of-Thrones-
Season-2-Finale.jpg

Wights (Zombies) are reanimated corpses that serve the White Walkers. They can be human or
animal, and are often both the corpses of Night's Watchmen and Wildlings. They may retain some
form of their memories, have icy blue eyes like their masters', and are vulnerable to fire.

Appearances:

Season 1 Episode 1: A camp of dead Wildlings is found by the NIght's Watch. They reanimate and
attack them.

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=game+of+thrones+pilot+dead+wildlings&um=1&hl=en&safe=off
&client=safari&sa=N&rls=en&biw=1185&bih=960&tbm=isch&tbnid=zLgZNWt7EL-
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f_QT4HvLoSi2wWRp7m5Dw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=370&sig=115172971682177308568&page=1&t
bnh=101&tbnw=179&start=0&ndsp=30&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0,i:109&tx=67&ty=32

http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120410000423/gameofthrones/images/e/ec/Wight.png

Season 1 Episode 8: Two dead men of the Night's Watch reanimate and attack Commander
Mormont.

http://persephonemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Fullscreen-capture-06062011-
194309.bmp-300x300.jpg?d4fd08

http://unrealitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/pointy4-465x239.jpg

Season 2 Episode 10: An army of Wights made up of both dead Wildlings and Night's Watchmen are
seen being lead by White Walkers.

http://401ak47.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/game-of-thrones-finale-white-walkers-army.png

http://images.wikia.com/gameofthrones/images/8/80/Wight01_2x10.jpg

Season 3 Episode 8: We saw a White Walker grab the steel of Samwell's sword, turn it to ice, and
shatter it to pieces. They can be killed with weapons made from dragon glass.
Season 4 Episode 4: A White Walker brings an infant boy to their ice castle and lays him upon a
pedestal. A much more uglier, yet powerful White Walker, who turns out to be the Night's King,
touches the baby, and his eyes turn a colder shade of blue. This explains the conundrum with the
ladies at Craster's leaving newborn boys out in the cold.

https://whiteravenseyes.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/aq2lhwx.jpg

http://cdn.theatlantic.com/assets/media/img/posts/2014/04/Screen_Shot_2014_04_28_at_12.51.3
3_PM/c43d166e8.png

Season 5 Episode 8: The wights move as fast as the zombies on World War Z. We saw that Valyrian
steel can kill White Walkers. The Night's King can reanimate thousands of dead people all at once
and turn them into Wights.

Season 6 Episode 5: The wight's can be destroyed with fire, but the Night's King and the White
Walkers can walk through fire unburnt. Also the Night's King can spot a greenseer when they are
flying in the past.

How far along is the show in relation to the books?

This is a little complex to answer. The first two seasons of the show closely followed the first two
novels. After that, the show began to diverge more and more. In season six, some plotlines have
advanced past the plotlines of the books. For example, the books have not yet shown the battle
between Stannis and Ramsay and Stannis' fate. The last scene in the novels was also the
assassination attempt on Jon Snow. His resurrection, or in fact whether or not he is even dead, is not
shown yet. Similarly, the last we see of Daenerys in the books is when the khalasar is approaching
her on the Great Grass Sea. What becomes of her after that is not known.

However, there are other plotlines where the books are still ahead of the show. Season six, for
example, is just beginning to address the significant Iron Islands plotline from the fourth and fifth
books. Arya's training is also somewhat farther along in the books than in the show.

Why is Jorah sometimes called "Jorah the Andal"?

The Andals are the main ethnic group of Westeros. The king is officially styled "King of the Andals,
the Rhoynar, and the First Men". As the name implies, the First Men were the first human beings to
arrive in Westeros, about 12,000 years ago. They fought with the Children of the Forest, a non
human race which lived in Westeros at the time, but eventually achieved peace with them. About
4,000 or so years ago, the Andals moved to Westeros from Essos. They aggressively attacked the
Children and the First Men and came to dominate most of Westeros, except for the North. The
Rhoynar came from the area of the Rhoyne River in Essos about a thousand years ago and settled in
Dorne.

Referring to Jorah as "the Andal" is referencing his origins in Westeros. Technically this is incorrect
since Jorah is a son of house Mormont of Bear Island, a Northern house sworn to house Stark of
Winterfell, making Jorah a descendant of the First Men. The Dothraki, not all too familiar with the
long and complicated history of Westeros, refer to all Westerosi as Andals.

What are the surnames for bastards in Westeros?

Flowers: The Reach (Home to the Tyrells and Tarlys)

Hill: The Westerlands (Home to the Lannisters)

Pyke: Iron Islands (Home to the Greyjoys)

Rivers: The Riverlands (Home to the Tullys and Freys)

Sand: Dorne (Home to the Martells)

Snow: The North (Home to the Starks, Boltons, Reeds, Karstarks, and Mormonts)

Stone: The Vale (Home to the Arryns)

Storm: The Stormlands (Home to the Baratheons)

Waters: The Crownlands (Home to the Targaryens)

Why are some of the characters older than in the books?

The show adds a few years to the time between Robert's Rebellion and the opening of the series.
This is presumably done to make the child characters a bit older, with most of them being two or
three years older than shown in the novels. With some of the characters this is perhaps done to
allow them to cast older actors to play them (for example, Arya Stark is nine at the beginning of the
books, while the actress who plays her on the show was fourteen when the show started). Young
child actors typically face more stringent labor laws regarding their working conditions and older
actors may be perceived as having more maturity and skill. Daenerys Targaryen, born shortly after
Robert's Rebellion, is thirteen at the start of the books. However, the first season begins with her
being married off to the adult Khal Drogo and a lot of her storyline in the first novel and first season
deals with her romantic and sexual relationship with him. Using an actor or character who was
thirteen would have made many of the scenes difficult or impossible to shoot. Making Daenerys
sixteen eliminates many of these problems. With her age increased, those of Jon Snow and Robb
Stark, who were born during Robert's Rebellion, are increased as well.

The age of many of the adult characters were increased too. For example, Ned Stark was about 33 at
the start of the first book, but Sean Bean was about 50 when the pilot was filmed. Most of the other
adults are similarly older. This was probably done to make the characters more in line with our
modern expectations for what their age would be. Many of the characters in the novel married in
their late teens or early 20s and had children soon after. Casting older actors keeps the characters
more in line with our modern idea that parents of teenage children should be middle-aged.

What is wrong with Shireen Baratheon's face?

She had a fictional disease called greyscale, somewhat similar to leprosy or smallpox. In children it
often leaves survivors with scaly patches of skin. In adults the disease is always fatal and gradually
petrifies the victim's body until they die. In rare cases, it doesn't kill them, but mutates them into
feral, reptile-like creatures known as "Stone Men". Shireen was stricken with the illness when
Stannis had bought a small wooden doll for Shireen that was infected with the illness.
How can Stannis or Renly claim to have true King's blood in their veins if their brother Robert
usurped the iron throne?

This is due to the fact that the Baratheons actually do have Targaryen blood in their veins. Robert,
Stannis and Renly's grandmother was a Targaryen. So when the main line of Targaryens were wiped
out, Robert would become the best claimant to the throne. Though technically Robert did not usurp
the throne. He won it by "Right of Conquest". The same way Aegon (Dany's ancestor) did. Except he
managed to conquer all seven kingdoms instead of just six of them. However, several Targaryen
loyalists, as well as Daenerys and Viserys themselves consider him a usurper.

What does "The seed is strong," mean?

Grand Maester Pycelle tells Ned Stark that Jon Arryn's final words were "The seed is strong," which
he repeated over and over until his death. Lysa Arryn, Jon's widow also mentions this, thinking it was
referring to their son Robin. Ned discovered what it actually means through a book of genealogy. In
all previous Baratheon-Lannister pairings, the children took after their Baratheon parent in
appearance. Robert, Stannis and Renly Baratheon all had black hair, and all of Robert's numerous
bastards - including Gendry - have black hair no matter their mothers' coloring. However, Robert's
three children, Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella, all have blonde hair. So if Robert's seed/genes are so
strong that his children should favor his appearance, it would heavily imply that his children aren't
actually his.

What is the R+L=J theory?

R+L=J is shorthand for a fan theory about Jon Snow's parentage. It is based mostly on textual
evidence from the first novel "A Game of Thrones". Jon Snow is publicly known to be the bastard son
of Ned Stark and an unknown woman. Jon was born towards the tail end of Robert's Rebellion, with
Ned returning with the infant Jon to Riverrun where he met his wife Catelyn and his legitimate son
Robb. A couple of different potential mothers are posited in the books including Ashara Dayne, a
beautiful Dornish noblewoman, Wylla, a servant of the Dayne family, and an unnamed daughter of a
fisherman who helped Ned sneak back to the North in the early days of the war.

The R+L=J theory posits a different set of parents for Jon, namely that he is the son of . To
understand this theory, some background is needed on the origins of Robert's Rebellion, the war
which put Robert Baratheon on the throne. Robert was betrothed to Ned's sister Lyanna Stark, a
beautiful and headstrong woman. Lyanna was kidnapped by Rhaegar Targaryen, who had apparently
become infatuated with her after seeing her at a tourney at Harrenhal the previous year and
presenting her with a garland of winter roses. When Ned's older brother Brandon went to King's
Landing to confront Rhaegar, he and his father Rickard Stark were both executed by King Aerys.
When the King demanded that Jon Arryn turn over Robert and Ned to face punishment as well, Jon
Arryn instead raised his banners in rebellion. Robert was chosen as a figurehead for the new
rebellion since his grandmother was a Targaryen, thus giving him the strongest claim to the throne
of all the rebels. Towards the end of the rebellion, Ned and some friends found Lyanna in the Tower
of Joy, a small castle in Dorne, where she was dying of undisclosed causes. There is a big fight there
between Ned and his friends and three members of the Kingsguard, who were tasked with
defending the Tower of Joy. This battle left everyone dead except for Ned and his friend Howland
Reed, who were present when Lyanna died. The R+L=J theory says that .

In support of this theory, fans point to several pieces of evidence, although most of them are only
available early in the books. They are finally being addressed on the show in later seasons. Among
these are:

Why did they recast Daario Naharis?

Ed Skrein, who played Daario in season three, was cast as the lead in the new Transporter film, so
scheduling conflicts arose. Though in a recent interview, Ed Skrien implied that he wanted to return
for the role, but "politics" prevented it. But he wouldn't go into more detail than that. The part has
been recast with Dutch actor Michiel Huisman who fans might recognize from the role of Sonny on
Treme and Liam on Nashville.

Why is Oberyn Martell a prince? Is he related to the King?

No, Oberyn is not related to the King. His title of Prince relates to the history of how Dorne, his
homeland, entered the realm. Westeros was unified about 300 years ago when the Valyrian
nobleman Aegon Targaryen (afterwards known as Aegon the Conqueror) laid claim to the continent
and set out to conquer it with his two sister-wives, their three dragons, and a small army. The
various kings of Westeros, such as the King of the North and the King of the Riverlands, either bent
the knee and became lords under Aegon Targaryen, or were killed and replaced. Within two years
Aegon had conquered the entire continent, except for Dorne, the southernmost portion. Aegon had
been successful due to the use of dragons, which could destroy castles and whole armies. The
Dornish, however, managed to escape the wrath of the dragons by resorting to guerrilla tactics,
abandoning their castles and dispersing into the countryside, only to attack the invaders when they
could. The Dornish repelled the Targaryen forces and maintained their freedom, although the Iron
Throne still claimed sovereignty over Dorne. Over the century and a half there were a number of
attempts to conquer Dorne, some temporarily successful, but all ending in defeat.

Dorne was finally brought into the Kingdom about 150 years before the main story when King Baelor
Targaryen and his successor Daeron conclude a number of marriage pacts between the Targaryens
and the Martells who ruled Dorne. Since Dorne was never conquered their rulers are allowed to
keep their old title of Prince, instead of being referred to as Lords, such as the rulers of the other
regions are.
A thousand years before Aegon's conquest, Dorne was still a coalition of Andals and First Men,
without a noble house strong enough to unite the land. Across the Narrow Sea in Essos, the city-
states of the Rhoynar, situated along the river Rhoyne, waged war on the Valyrian Freehold. The
Rhoynar could not withstand the fury of the dragonlords which forced Princess Nymeria, leader of
one of the last surving Rhoynish cities, to lead the remainder of her people across the narrow sea
into Dorne to find refuge. There she allied herself with house Martell by marrying Lord Mors Martell.
Together they then proceeded to unite the land of Dorne under the banner of house Martell. They
met fierce competition from other great houses of Dorne, the greatest among these, house
Yronwood. After more then ten years of civil war, Nymeria was able to defeat the opposing houses,
making House Martell the overlords of Dorne. House Martell adopted many Rhoynish customs.
Among these customs are equal inheritance laws for male and female heirs and the use of the title
of ''Prince'' or ''Princess'', which the house still uses to this day.

What happened to Ilyn Payne, why has he been written off?

The actor who played him, Wilko Johnson, was diagnosed with cancer around Season 4, so the
producers used the role of Bronn for Paynes storyline. D&D said they would not recast the role, since
Johnson performed the role well. It is unclear if he'll return to the show.

What is the reason of Catelyn's reaction when she hears a certain song in episode 3x09?

Catelyn Stark looks alarmed when she hears the musicians playing a particular song during her
brother Edmure's wedding. The song is "The Rains of Castamere", which had been described in
previous episodes as "the Lannister song", celebrating Tywin's revenge against a noble House who
defied his authority. The unusual choice of music

How come the White Walkers are taking so long to reach the Wall?

Season two ended with a scene of a horde of wights, led by a White Walker, marching along. Many
viewers interpreted this as the White Walkers marching on the Wall to attack Westeros. In fact, they
were marching to attack the Night's Watch members camped on the Fist of the First Men, north of
the Wall. The season three premiere shows the aftermath of the attack with the surviving Night's
Watch members retreating towards Craster's Keep which is still a fair distance from the wall. In
season four, the White Walkers were building their army, which explains the conundrum with the
newborn boys. Season five shows the White Walkers and the Wights lead by the Night's King
attacking Hardhome, and leaving nothing left. We even saw the Night's King resurrecting the dead
wildlings as Wights.

Why are the Wildlings attacking? And why don't they just go over or around the Wall?

The Wildlings are attacking because they need to get south of the Wall. They have been under
increasing pressure recently from the White Walkers, who have become more aggressive in
attacking them. This is why Mance has been able to unify all of the Wildling societies. They face an
existential threat from the White Walkers and need to get south of the Wall for the protection it
offers.

In the show we see a group of Wildlings climbing the Wall, but this is not a valid solution for all of
the Wildlings. The show often refers to Mance's host as an "army" but this is not really true. The
Wildlings are moving their whole societies. This includes, men, women, children, old, infirm, etc. The
Wall is hundreds of feet high and climbing it is a heroic feat, even for those in excellent physical
shape. Trying to climb the Wall would mean leaving behind all of those too old, too young, too weak,
or too sick to climb it. It would also mean leaving behind anything which the Wildlings couldn't carry
on their backs. So all of their animals, all their heavy tools, and much of their accumulated wealth
would be lost. It would also take a very long time for all of the Wildlings to ascend and descend the
Wall, even if they were capable. During that entire time they would be vulnerable to Night's Watch
attack, and while the Watch only mans three castles, they send periodic patrols along the top and
bottom of the Wall which would discover the Wildlings. The Wildings seen scaling the wall were
liking doing so to raid and attack the Night's Watch men at the top in a sort of commando mission to
weaken their forces.

The Wildlings cannot also, realistically, go around the Wall. While the show has focused exclusively
on Castle Black, there are two other manned Night's Watch castles: The Shadow Tower on the
western end, and Eastwatch-by-the-Sea on the eastern end. While Wildlings do sometimes sail
around the Wall to raid or trade with Westeros, they could not do so with the massive fleet which
would be required to smuggle all of their people south. The Wildlings, in their small boats, would be
easy prey for the Night's Watch sailors who guard the sea approaches.

How did [spoiler] get north of the Wall?

Stannis.

He sailed there. Most of Stannis' supporters deserted him after he lost the Battle of the Blackwater.
He only has about 2,000-3,000 troops left. But he still has a large mercenary fleet under contract to
him and in season four we see him borrowing more money to hire even more ships. He and his men
sailed from Dragonstone to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, the castle at the eastern end of the Wall. From
there they simply rode to where the Wildlings were north of Castle Black. In the books they make it
clear that the Night's Watch members at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea lead Stannis' men to the Wildlings.

What roles have been recast?

Beric Dondarrion-Debuted by Michael Scott in Season 1, recast with Richard Dormer in Season 3

Daario Naharis-Debuted by Ed Skrein in Season 3, recast with Michiel Hisman in Season 4

Gregor Clegane-Debuted by Conan Stevens in Season 1, recast with Ian Whyte in Season 2, recast
with Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson in Season 4

Rickard Karstark-Debuted by Steven Blount in Season 1, recast with John Stahl in Season 2

Myrcella Baratheon-Debuted by Aimee Richardson in Season 1, recast with Nell Tiger Free in Season
5

Tommen Baratheon-Debuted by Callum Wharry in Season 1, recast with Dean-Charles Chapman in

Season 4

Rattleshirt-Debuted by Edward Dogliani in Season 2, recast with Ross O'Hennessy in Season 5

Three-Eyed Raven-Debuted by Struan Rodger in Season 4, recast with Max Von Sydow in Season 6

Leaf-Debuted by Octavia Alexandru in Season 4, recast with Kae Alexander in Season 6

Lothar Frey-Debuted by Tom Brooke in Season 3, recast with Daniel Tuite in Season 6

The Night King-Debuted by Richard Brake in Season 4, recast with Vladimir 'Furdo' Furdik in Season 6

Can someone explain who is who on the show?

Note: this is strictly going by the TV series and not the books. If they weren't featured on the show,
don't add them.

House Stark

Eddard 'Ned' Stark: Lord of Winterfell, and Warden Of the North. Husband to Catelyn. Father to
Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, Rickon and Jon Snow. Accepts the duty of the King's Hand when King Robert
asked him to replace the recently deceased Jon Arryn.

Catelyn Stark: Lady of Winterfell, wife to Ned Stark and mother to Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran and
Rickon. Daughter to Hoster Tully, sister to Lysa and Edmure Tully and niece to Brynden "Blackfish"
Tully.

Robb Stark: Oldest son to Ned and Catelyn Stark. Holds the title of Lord of Winterfell when Ned is
away. Became King of the North after his fathers death.

Sansa Stark: Oldest daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Betrothed to Joffrey Baratheon when they
both came of age and yearned to be queen. Very naive of the true nature of the world due to her
being of noble birth. Uses the alias, Alayne Stone.

Arya Stark: Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Shown herself to be a tomboy, and prefers
swordfighting over being a lady. Not afraid to speak her mind or defend herself when threatened.
Became an apprentice for the House of Black and White in Season 5.

Bran Stark: Middle son of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Left paralyzed at the end of the first episode.
Learned of his destiny as a greenseer.

Rickon Stark: Youngest son of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Usually appears during scenes with Bran.

Jon Snow: Bastard son of Ned Stark. Joins the Night's Watch. Becomes a steward to Jeor Mormont.
Later becomes Lord Commander. Released from his vows after his death and resurrection. Made
King of the North after avenging the Red Wedding.

Benjen Stark: Ned Stark's brother, who is a member of the Night's Watch. First Ranger at the start of
the show.

Lyanna Stark: Ned's only sister. A known tomboy with a passion for sword fighting.

Rickard Stark: Ned's father and Warden of the North before Robert's Rebellion.

House Lannister

Tywin Lannister: Father to Cersei, Tyrion and Jaime. Lord of Casterly Rock, Warden Of The West and
known to be one of the richest and most ruthless men in the realm.

Cersei Lannister: Wife to King Robert Baratheon, Queen of the realm and mother of Joffrey, Tommen
and Myrcella Baratheon. Sister of Tyrion and Jaime Lannister. Daughter of Tywin Lannister.

Jaime Lannister: Son of Tywin Lannister, brother to Tyrion and Cersei. Also called "The King Slayer"
due to him slaying the Mad King.

Tyrion Lannister: Often referred to as "The Imp" or "The Dwarf". Resented by his family, with the
exception of Jaime, due to his mother dying while giving birth to him, also due to his lavish attitude
and the fact that he is willing to speak his mind to anyone. Disliked by people outside of his family as
well due to him both being a Dwarf and the fact that he is a Lannister.

Kevan Lannister: Brother to Tywin, father to Lancel and Uncle to Cersei, Jaime and Tyrion.

Lancel Lannister: The incompetent squire to Robert Baratheon, cousin to Jaime, Cersei and Tyrion.
Son of Kevan. Became a sparrow for the Faith in Season Five.

Alton Lannister: Nephew to Tywin. Cousin to Tyrion, Lancel, Cersei and Jamie. Formerly Jamie's
squire.

Martyn Lannister: Tywin's nephew. Willem's brother. Captive of the north.

Willem Lannister: Tywin's nephew. Martyn's brother. Captive of the north.

House Baratheon

Robert Baratheon: King of the Realm, husband to Cersei Lannister, older brother to Renly and
Stannis Baratheon. Father to Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella Baratheon.

Stannis Baratheon: Younger brother to Robert and Lord of Dragonstone. Described as being cold and
humorless, but others also see his actions justifiable. Though his seeing the world in strictly black
and white is sometimes a fault.

Renly Baratheon: Youngest brother to Robert and Stannis. A closeted homosexual who is shown to
have a sexual relationship with Loras Tyrell. Known to be a decent person but also rather timid.

Joffrey Baratheon: Eldest son of Cersei Lannister and Robert Baratheon. Early on he is shown to be
arrogant, stupid, cruel, and cowardly.

Tommen Baratheon: Youngest son of Robert and Cersei. Brother to Joffrey and Myrcella. Became
king after Joffrey's assasination.

Myrcella Baratheon: Middle child of Robert and Cersei. Younger sister of Joffrey and older sister to
Tommen.

Shireen Baratheon: Stannis' only daughter. Niece to Renly and Robert. Cousin to Joffrey, Tommen,
and Myrcella. Suffers from a disease called greyscale.
Selyse Baratheon: Wife to Stannis. Maiden name Florent. Gave birth to several stillborn sons of
Stannis'. Shireen is her only surviving child.

Gendry Storms: One of Robert's bastard sons who worked for Tobho Mott in King's Landing.

House Targaryen

Daenerys Targaryen: Daughter of Aerys II Targaryen. Younger sister to Viserys. Forced to marry Khal
Drogo in the beginning. Later, gave birth to 3 dragons. Also called "Mhysa", "Breaker of Chains", and
"Stormborn".

Viserys Targaryen: Son and heir to Aerys II Targaryen and brother of Daenerys. Cruel to his sister and
refers to himself as a dragon.

Maester Aemon: A frail, elderly member of the Night's Watch. Often seen giving tasks to newer
members of the Night's Watch. One of the last Targaryens.

Aerys II Targaryen: The Mad King of Westeros whose cruel actions sparked Roberts Rebellion. Father
of Viserys and Daenerys.

House Greyjoy

Balon Greyjoy: Lord of Pyke and Warden of the Iron Islands. Started a rebellion against King Roberts
which cost him his sons, except Theon, who was taken as a ward by Ned Stark.

Euron Greyjoy: Younger brother of Balon Greyjoy. Captain of the Silence. Exiled from Pyke. Skilled
both militarily and politically. Made King of the Iron Islands.

Theon Greyjoy: Son of Balon Greyjoy and younger brother of Yara Greyjoy. Ward of the Starks as a
young child. Robb Stark considers him like a brother. Heir to the Iron Islands. After Season Three, he
was broken by Ramsay Snow and renamed Reek.

Yara Greyjoy: The only daughter of Balon and older sister to Theon. Commander of the Ironborn
army.

Aeron Greyjoy: Balon's youngest brother and a drowned priest. Honors the Kingsmoot.

House Tully

Hoster Tully: Lord of Riverrun. Father of Catelyn, Lysa, and Edmure, and the older brother of Ser
Brynden. A crucial supporter of Robert during his rebellion. Recently become very ill and bedridden.

Edmure Tully: Son and heir of Hoster, younger brother to Lysa and Catelyn.

Brynden "The Blackfish" Tully: Younger brother of Hoster and a knight in service to Riverrun. Uncle
to Catelyn, Lysa and Edmure. Shows affection for Catelyn, but shows 'tough love' to Edmure due to
his foolishness.
House Arryn

Jon Arryn: Lord of the Vale, Warden of the East, and Hand of the King. Husband to Lysa and father to
Robin. A surrogate father to Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon. His sudden death happens
immediately before the start of the series and is a starting point for all the turmoil that begins on the
show.

Lysa Arryn: Daughter of Hoster, sister to Catelyn and Edmure, and wife of the late Lord Jon Arryn,
with whom she had a son, Robin. Isolated herself in the Eyrie after Jons death, and grew mentally
unstable.

Robin Arryn: Son of Jon and Lysa Arryn. A small, pale, sickly boy, due to his mother Lysa being
fiercely over-protective of him and not letting him leave her side and even breast-feeding him at the
age of 10. Often called "Sweetrobin" by Lysa. Lord of the Eyrie and head of the House Arryn.

House Tyrell

Mace Tyrell: Lord of The Reach, son of Olenna and father of Loras and Margaery. Olenna refers to
him as the "Oaf of Highgarden".

Margaery Tyrell: Sister to Loras, granddaughter of Olenna, daughter of Mace and wife of Renly
Baratheon. Married King Joffrey after Renly's death. Became married to King Tommen.

Loras Tyrell: Sometimes referred to as "The Knight Of The Flowers". Brother of Margaery and
grandson to Olenna Tyrell. Secret lover of Renly Baratheon.

Olenna Tyrell: Grandmother to Margaery and Loras and Mother to Mace. Not afraid to say what
she's thinking to anyone and is the true leader of House Tyrell, despite her son being Lord of
Highgarden.

House Frey

Walder Frey: Lord of the Twins. A bitter, prickly old man who has dozens of wives and children.
When it comes to conflict, he always picks the winning side. Has a toll for anyone who crosses
through the Twins.

Stevron Frey: Walder Frey's eldest son and heir to the Twins.

Lothar Frey: One of Walder's many sons. Also called "Lame Lothar".

Roslin Frey: Walder's daughter who was arranged to marry Edmure Tully.

Black Walder Rivers: One of Lord Walder's bastard sons. Known for his temper.

Ryger Rivers: One of Lord Walder's bastard son's. Son of a milkmaid.

Joyeuse Erenford: Walder Freys 15 year old wife.

House Martell

Doran Martell: Lord of Sunspear and prince of Dorne. Brother of Oberyn and Elia. Confined to a
wheelchair due to the gout that has weakened him for years.

Oberyn "The Red Viper" Martell: Prince of House Martell and Doran's younger brother. A renowned
warrior, skilled in battle. Despises the Lannisters, due to Tywin ordering the slaughter of Oberyn's
sister Elia and all of her children when the Baratheons and Lannisters seized power.

Ellaria Sand: A bastard daughter from Dorne. Prince Oberyn's mistress. Has four bastard daughters.
Took over Dorne after her coup against Doran.

Obara Sand: One third of the Sand Snakes. Daughter of Oberyn Martell. Just like Oberyn, she prefers
to use a spear.

Nymeria Sand: One third of the Sand Snakes. Daughter of Oberyn Martell. Prefers to use a whip.

Tyene Sand: One third of the Sand Snakes. Daughter of Oberyn Martell. Skilled with a pair of
daggers. Has a vast knowledge of poisons.

Trystane Martell: Son of Doran Martell. Betrothed to Myrcella Baratheon.

House Bolton

Roose Bolton: Lord of the Dreadfort and father to Ramsay Snow. Bannerman of Robb's who also acts
as his advisor during the war. Became Warden of the North after betraying the Starks.

Ramsay Snow: Roose Bolton's bastard son. Skilled in the art of torture, flaying people, and breaking
them. Became legitimized in Season Four. Named Lord of Winterfell after murdering his father.

Walda Bolton: Also called "Fat Walda". Walder Frey's daughter and Roose Bolton's wife.

House Mormont

Jeor Mormont: Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Father of Jorah Mormont.

Jorah Mormont: A former slave trader who was banished across the narrow sea and pledges himself
to the Targaryens. However, he was secretly spying on them for Robert Baratheon in exchange for a
full pardon of his crimes.

Maege Mormont: Commander and Bannerman in Robb's Army. Lady of Bear Island. Sister of Jeor
Mormont and Jorah's aunt.

Lyanna Mormont: Maege's daughter and Lady of Bear Island after her mother died. Known to be
very stern.

House Reed
Howland Reed: Lord of Greywater Watch in the neck and father to Meera and Jojen. Fought
alongside Ned during Robert's Rebellion.

Meera Reed: Sister to Jojen. A skilled archer who protects her brother.

Jojen Reed: Brother to Meera Reed. A mysterious boy who appears to Bran in his dreams. They later
meet on the road and travel together.

House Karstark

Rickard Karstark: Lord of Karhold and father to Torrhen and Harald. One of Robb's lead bannermen.

Harald Karstark: Rickard's son and Lord of Karhold. Took over after Rickards death. Loyal to House
Bolton. Cunning and Ruthless.

Torhenn Karstark: Rickard Karstark's son. Guards the prisoners during the war.

House Tarly

Randyll Tarly: Lord of Horn Hill and banner man to the Tyrells. Married to Melessa Florent and has 3
children. A seasoned veteran who leads soldiers to a fight. Banished Sam to the Wall for his lack of
courage and leadership.

Melessa Tarly: Randyll's wife. Formerly of House Florent.

Samwell Tarly: Forced to join the Nights Watch by his father. A known coward with very poor
eyesight, and unfit for battle. Befriends Jon Snow quickly and the two are often stationed together.

Dickon Tarly: Second son of Randyll, and heir to Horn Hill after Sam was exiled.

Talla Tarly: Daughter of Randyll and Melessa. Samwell and Dickon's sister.

Sworn Brothers of the Night's Watch

Alliser Thorne: Second in Command of The Night's Watch. Responsible for training new recruits.
Known to be a stern and hardheaded man. Despises Jon Snow.

Othell Yarwyck: The Night's Watch First Builder. Responsible for maintaining the buildings around
the Wall.

Bowen Marsh: First steward of the Night's Watch. In charge of logistics, supply, food service, etc.

Grenn: Another member of the Night's watch who befriends Jon Snow and Sam Tarly. Well built with
the short beard and short hair.

Pypar: Usually just called "Pip". A minstrel that was convicted of stealing a wheel of cheese and was
given the choice of his hand being removed or joining the Night's Watch.
Yoren: The member of the Night's Watch who accompanies Tyrion to Winterfell and then later
arrives in King's Landing to look for new recruits.

Eddison Tollett: The ginger of the Night's Watch who is a friend of Jon, Sam, and Grenn's. Made Lord
Commander after Jon stepped down.

Qhorin Halfhand: A legendary Ranger of the Night's Watch who leads a detachment accompanied by
Jon Snow North of the Wall.

Janos Slynt: Former Captain of the City Watch and former Lord of Harrenhal. Banished to the Wall by
Tyrion Lannister as punishment for accepting a bribe from his family.

Karl Tanner: A former assassin in King's Landing who is skilled with daggers. Accompanied Lord
Commander Mormont beyond the wall. Outspoken for his displeasure towards Craster to his face.

Rast: A known rapist who was captured and given the choice of joining or being castrated. Picks on
Sam and becomes an enemy of Jon Snow.

Olly: A young boy who becomes a ward of the Night's Watch after his entire family and village are
massacred by the Wildlings. Has a strong hatred for the Wildlings and anyone who aids them.

Waymer Royce: Son of Yohn Royce. A young, arrogant Ranger of the Night's Watch. He leads Gared
and Will beyond the wall to search for Wildlings and leads them all to their doom.

Gared: A seasoned ranger of the Night's Watch. Seen in the opening scene of the series.

Will: A ranger seen beyond the wall in the opening scene of the series. Referred to as a true ranger
by Benjen Stark.

Denys Mallister: Seasoned Veteran of the Night's Watch and candidate for Lord Commander.
Commander of Shadow Tower.

Jaremy Rykker: Officer of the Night's Watch. Became Acting First Ranger in Benjen's absence.

Kegs: Sworn brother and builder in the Night's Watch.

Black Jack Bulwer: Sworn Brother and member of House Bulwer.

Mully: Sworn Brother and builder in the Night's Watch.

Todder: Builder of the Night's Watch. Known as 'Toad'.

The Dothraki Bloodriders and Handmaidens of Vaes Dothrak

Khal Drogo: Leader of the Dothraki horde, he marries Daenerys Targaryen as part of an arrangement
with her brother Viserys. Eventually, he falls in love with his new bride.
Khal Moro: Formerly a bloodrider under Drogo's leadership. Now a khalasar who is leading his own
men after Drogo's death. Follows a code to never lay with a khalasars widow.

High Priestess: An old widow of Khal Savo, and hierarchy of the Dosh Khaleen in Vaes Dothrak. Name
unknown.

Doreah: One of Daenerys' handmaidens. She teaches Daenerys how to please Drogo.

Qotho: A bloodrider under the leadership of Khal Drogo who shows contempt towards Daenerys
when she gives him orders.

Rakharo: Dothraki bloodrider and Daenerys's bodyguard. Loved by Irri. Swore loyalty to Daenerys
after Drogo's death.

Kovarro: Dothraki bloodrider who swears loyalty to Daenerys Targaryen. Discovered Qarth on his
recon.

Qhono: Bloodrider loyal to Moro. Has a ponytail.

Cohollo: Bloodrider loyal to Drogo. Wears a horsetail wristband.

Aggo: Dothraki bloodrider who swear loyalty to Daenerys Targaryen, and later left to join Moro.

Malakho: Aged Dothraki Veteran loyal to Daenerys.

Irri: One of Daenerys' Dothraki servants who is often seen accompanying her.

Ornela: A young widow of a deceased khalasar. Befriends Daenerys.

Haggo: Bloodrider under Drogo's leadership. Prefers to wear a vest.

Mago: Bloodrider under Khal Drogo. Dislikes Daenerys for the fact that the women he intended to
"mount" were made her hand maidens.

Iggo: A young bloodrider accompanying Aggo in Vaes Dothrak.

The Wildlings and Free folk

Mance Rayder: Known as the King Beyond The Wall. Originally a member of the Night's Watch who
broke his vows and abandoned his duties. United the Wildling tribes to fight for him.

Craster: A man who lives in a Keep far north beyond The Wall. Has daughters he impregnates. Gives
measly food and shelter in his stable to the Night's Watch in exchange for weapons, wine, and for
their putting up with his insults.

Tormund Giantsbane: The Wildling man with the curly red hair and the big red beard. Mance
Rayder's second in command.
Rattleshirt: Also called the Lord of Bones. Name unknown. Commands a band of raiders north of the
Wall.

Ygritte: The attractive redheaded Wildling woman that is captured by Jon Snow beyond the Wall.

Gilly: One of Craster's daughters that Sam takes a liking to. Has a baby she named "Little Sam" after
Samwell Tarly.

Orell: The wildling warg in Tormunds group.

Osha: A wildling woman captured by Robb, Bran and Theon. Works as a servant at House Stark.
Eventually befriends Bran and often accompanies him out into the wilderness.

Styr: The leader of the cannibalistic Wildlings, known as Thenns.

Wun Wun: Full name Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun. Giant residing at Hardhome.

Karsi: Wildling spearwife and chieftainess. Has a couple of daughters. A bit hardheaded.

Dim Dalba: Elder chieftain from Hardhome.

Loboda: Thenn at Hardhome. Has weird and matching markings upon his head. Has absolutely no
trust for the Night's Watch.

Dongo: Giant under Mance Rayder's leadership. Equipped with a large bow.

Mag the Mighty: Full name Mag Mar Tun Doh Weh. Giant under Mance Rayders leadership.

Stiv: Deserter of the Night's Watch. Now a wildling. Wanders south with Wallen and Osha.

Wallen: Deserter of the Night's Watch. Now a wildling. Wanders south with Stiv and Osha.

Morag: One of Crasters daughters. Held hostage by Karl Tanner and the other deserters.

The Ironborn of Pyke (Loyal to the Greyjoys)

Dagmer Cleftjaw: Part of Theon's Ironborn crew that sacked Winterfell. Ruthless and cruel. Very
known at the Iron Islands.

Black Lorren: Famous ironborn raider, skilled in battle and loyal to House Greyjoy.

Ralf Kenning: Lord of Moat Cailan. Suffering from an illness which causes him to spit blood.

Adrack Humble: Lord Kenning's captain at Moat Cailan.

Drennan: Ironborn raider and part of the Sea Bitch crew. Joined Theon to take Winterfell.

The Brotherhood Without Banners

Beric Dondarrion: Leader of the Brotherhood Without Banners. Wears an eye-patch and has several
scars from each time he was killed and then resurrected by Thoros. His intentions are mysterious.

Thoros Of Myr: The Red Priest of the Brotherhood Without Banners.

Sandor "The Hound" Clegane: Joffrey's bodyguard. Has a large burn scar on his head due to his older
brother sticking his head in a fire as a child and became afraid of fire since. Donned in black armor
and a helmet that looks like a hound. Suffered a limp from losing a fight to Brienne. Given an offer to
join the brotherhood.

Lem Lemoncloak: An outlaw with a yellow cloak. His actions gives the Brotherhood a bad name.

Anguy: The lead archer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.

Gatins: Bald headed outlaw following Lem claiming to be an excellent kisser.

Morgan: Outlaw riding with Lem.

Steve: Outlaw showing comtempt towards Gatins.

Riddell: A younger outlaw in the band.

Order of the Maesters

Pycelle: Grand Maester of King's Landing. An elderly member of the Small Council, who pretty much
never stops talking.

Luwin: Loyal servant and council to the Starks in Winterfell. Helps Bran run Winterfell while Robb,
Catelyn and Ned are all out of the city.

Wolkan: Servant of House Bolton. Weary of Ramsay.

Helliweg: Young servant of Yohn Royce.

Cressen: Loyal servant to Stannis Baratheon. Considered defication of the Seven as heresy. Has no
trust for Melisandre.

Caleotte: Servant of the Martells at the Water Gardens.

The Dire Wolves

Ghost: Jon Snow's dire wolf. Named due to his white fur.

Grey Wind: Robb's dire wolf. Named due to his grey fur and lightning-fast speed.

Lady: Sansa's dire wolf. Named for her nature. Very prim and proper. Like a proper lady.
Nymeria: Arya's dire wolf. Named after Queen Nymeria of the Rhoyne. A heroine of Aryas.

Summer: Bran's dire wolf. Bran had difficulty naming his wolf. When he awoke from his coma, he
settled on the name Summer. Possibly due to the yellow eyes of the wolf.

Shaggydog: Rickon's dire wolf. Named simply because of Rickons young age he liked the silly name.

Daenerys' Dragons

Drogon: The largest dragon. Dark and reddish. Named after Daenerys husband Khal Drogo

Viserion:The golden dragon. Named after Daenerys brother Viserys.

Rhaegal: The green dragon. Named after Daenerys brother Rhaegon.

Before the Series

Arthur Dayne: A skilled knight in the Kingsguard during Aerys's rule. Considered the deadliest
swordsman recorded.

Gerold Hightower: A member of the kingsguard fighting alongside Arthur Dayne at the Tower of Joy.

Maggy: Also known as Maggy the Frog, the witch Cersei met as a young girl. Part of her fortune
telling involves cutting open someone's palm and licking their blood.

Melara Heatherspoon: Cersei's childhood friend.

First Appearing in Season 1

Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish: An opportunist, a pimp and also Master of Coin on the Small Council in
service to the king. Employs several spies in the realm and not afraid to get leverage over people.
Has no clear allegiance. Allies himself with whomever he stands to gain the most from. Has one
weakness; Catelyn Stark.

Bronn: Sellsword who volunteers to help Catelyn Stark escort Tyrion Lannister to trial. Later, but
volunteers to fight on behalf of Tyrion for his trial by combat. Became a knight later in he show.

Lord Varys: Also known as "The Eunuch" and "The Spider". A member of the Small Council serving as
the Master of Whispers to the King. His motivations are mysterious but seem to actually be on the
side of good. Employs spies.

Syrio Forel: Former "First Sword" of Bravos. A skilled swordsman who trains Arya in the techniques
of the Braavosi "water dancer".

Hodor: A large, pale man who is mentally handicapped. Often seen carrying Bran around and only
says his own name. His real name is Wylis. His "Hodoring" was caused by a seizure when Bran tried
to warg in his younger self.
Shae: A prostitute who becomes very close with Tyrion Lannister. Tyrion winds up taking her with
him to Kings Landing and they become exclusive with one another.

Meryn Trant: One of the more prominent members of the King's Guard. Loyal to the Lannisters.
Known to be a child beater.

Ros: The red haired prostitute first seen with Tyrion Lannister in Winterfell. Later arrives in Kings
Landing and is immediately hired by Little Finger at his brothel.

Rodrik Cassel: A large man with long white sideburns he ties into a knot under his chin. Winterfells
Master-At-Arms and lead military adviser. Trains the Stark children in swordplay. Uncle to Jory
Cassel.

Jory Cassel: Ned Stark's loyal bodyguard and Captain of the Guard in Winterfell. Nephew of Ser
Rodrik Cassel.

Barristan Selmy: Known as one of the deadliest swordsman in the realm. Originally fought for The
Mad King. Swore loyalty to the Baratheons and became Captain of the King's guard after the Mad
King was killed. Removed by Joffrey later after Robert was killed, he later swears loyalty to Daenerys.

Greatjon Umber: One of Robb's lead bannerman. Insists on leading the vanguard or he'd take his
men and go back home. Lost 2 fingers because of Grey Wind after drawing a sword on Robb. Still he
continues on with his army.

Gregor Clegane: Sandors older brother. Cruel, ill-tempered, and sadistic. Also called "The Mountain
that Rides". Responsible for the burn scar on Sandor's face. Became Cersei's champion, but after his
death, he was revived by Qyburn, but never the same.

Ilyn Payne: Also known as "the King's Justice", due to him being the Royal executioner. A bald man
who never speaks due to him having his tongue cut out. A distant cousin of Podrick Payne.

Hot Pie: The heavy-set boy who accompanies Gendry, Lommy and Arya.

Old Nan: An elderly woman living in Winterfell. Retired servant of House Stark who is known for her
story telling. Revered mostly by Bran. Hodor's great grandmother. Shows tough love on Hodor.

Mirri Maz Duur: A maegi who was saved by Daenerys from torment by the hands of the Dothraki and
offers to treat the wounds of Khal Drogo in repayment.

Lommy Greenhands: A young boy recruited by Yoren to be taken to the wall.

Illyrio Mopatis: Magister of Pentos. Oversaw the marriage between Daenerys and Khal Drogo.

Varly: Guardsman loyal to Ned Stark. Accompanied the Starks to Winterfell.

Mycah: Arya's friend. The butcher's son.

Hugh of the Vale: Former squire of Jon Arryn's. He was knighted shortly after Arryn's death.
Shagga: Leader of the Stone Crows, one of the hill tribes who live in the foothills of the Mountains of
the Moon on the western border of the Eyrie.

Timett: Leader of the Burned Men, one of the hill tribes living in the foothills of the Mountains of the
Moon on the western border of the Eyrie.

Chella: Daughter of Cheyk, leader of the Black Ears. one of the tribes living in the foothills of the
Mountains of the Moon on the western border of the Eyrie.

Vardis Egen: Knight of the Vale. Loyal to the Arryns. Champion for the Arryns during Tyrions trial.

Marillion: The minstrel and poet who accompanies Catelyn and her company to the Eyrie in the
hopes of writing a grand tale about the adventure. Lost his tongue when he performed a song
degrading Robert Baratheon at King Joffrey's court.

Tobho Mott: Master Blacksmith at Kings Landing. Gendry was his teacher in smithing.

Vayon Poole: Steward of Winterfell. Accompanied Ned to King's Landing.

Mikken: Blacksmith at Winterfell. Forged Arya's blade, Needle.

Willis Wode: Knight of House Whent. Aids Catelyn in apprehending Tyrion.

Kurleket: Man-at-Arms of House Bracken. Aids Catelyn in apprehending Tyrion.

Galbart Glover: Lord of Deepwoods Motte. Bannerman for the Starks. Lead the vanguard for the
North.

Leo Lefford: Lord of Golden Tooth. Bannerman to Tywin Lannister in the War of the Five Kings.

Jonos Bracken: Lord of the Stone Hedge. Bannerman for the Tully's.

Mord: Stubborn and brutish gaoler of the Eyrie. Likes gold, but prefers gold as long as someone has
it on them.

Mandon Moore: Goldcloak knight. Hired by Cersei to kill Tyrion during the battle of Blackwater.

Armeca: Prostitute at Littlefingers brothel in King's Landing. Cannot speak the native tongue of
Westeros.

Mhaegen: Prostitute at Littlefingers brothel in King's Landing. Had a fling with Robert Baratheon.

First Appearing in Season 2

Davos Seaworth: A former smuggler, now a trusted and Loyal adviser to Stannis Baratheon. Known
as the "Onion Knight" for smuggling rations to Stannis forces in the past. Rewarded by Stannis with
Knighthood for the part he played in holding the castle and punished for past crimes by having all
five fingers from his right hand cut off. Carries the fingers that were removed in a pouch strung
around his neck as a symbol of luck, as well as to remind him of his loyalty to Stannis.

Matthos Seaworth: Son of Davos. Devoted to The Lord of Light and a loyal servant to Stannis. Tries to
convince his father to convert to their religion.

Brienne of Tarth: A tall, well-built, imposing, blonde woman who swears to protect Renly Baratheon.

Melisandre: Often referred to as "The Red Woman", mostly by Ser Davos. Follower of R'hllor, the
Lord of Light. Her religion revolves around fire and light. Became a close advisor to Stannis
Baratheon.

Jaqen H'ghar: The mysterious man that Arya saves from a burning carriage. A skilled assassin from
the House of Black and White in Braavos. The name is mostly an alias, but he and others like him
have the ability to change faces.

Xaro Xhoan Daxos: The richest man in Qarth. Vouches for Daenerys and the Dothraki to enter the
city.

Pyat Pree: The warlock of Qarth and leader of the undying.

The Spice King: Name unknown. A member of the 13 and the Leader of Qarth. Allows Daenerys into
the city after Xaro vouched for her.

Podrick Payne: Tyrion's loyal squire. Distant cousin of Ilyn Payne.

Talisa Maegyr: A nurse offering medical care to wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Robb takes
notice of her immediately.

Dontos Hollard: The last surviving member of the once great House Hollard. A bumbling knight who
arrives late to a tournament on Joffrey's name day. Dressed in motley and made Joffrey's fool after
being drunk and late.

Salladhor Saan: A pirate and friend of Davos Seaworth. Salladhor offers 30 ships to add to Stannis'
fleet in exchange for gold/plunder and the chance to "Fuck the Queen", Cersei.

Amory Lorch: A bannerman to Tywin Lannister and a captain at Harrenhal. Dimwitted but a cold-
blooded killer.

Polliver: A soldier under Gregor Clegane's command stationed at Harrenhal. The bald man that stole
Arya's blade.

Marei: Prostitute at Littlefingers Brothel in King's Landing. Trained by Ros. Known to pleasure
Pycelle.

Rorge: Criminal forced to be recruited in the Night's watch by Yoren. Caged with Jaqen H'ghar and
Biter. Escaped after the Lannisters attacked the caravan. Partnered with Biter in mercenary work.
Biter: Criminal forced to be recruited in the Night's watch by Yoren. Caged with Jaqen H'ghar and
Rorge. Escaped after the Lannisters attacked the caravan. Partnered with Rorge in mercenary work.
Known for his biting problem.

High Septon: Name unknown. High Priest of the Seven at Kings Landing. The first one takes his
position seriously. The second one frequents brothels and claims to be preaching to whores when
instead he sullies his position just for a "good time".

Quaithe: A mysterious, wise woman hailing from the Shadow Lands. Currently residing in Qarth. Her
face is always hidden behind a mask.

Tickler: Ruthless and disturbing torturer at Harrenhal.

Hallyne: Pyromancer of King's Landing. Created wildfire on Tyrion's orders, in preparation for the
battle at Blackwater.

Farlen: The Kennelmaster of Winterfell.

Daisy: Prostitute at Littlefingers Brothel in King's Landing. Had a fling with Pycelle.

Jacks: Sworn sword for Robb Stark. Alerted Caitlin on Jaimes recapture.

Quent: Sword guard for Robb Stark.

Rennick: Lannister guardsman guarding the perimeter of Oxcross.

First Appearing in Season 3

Daario Naharis: A Lieutenant of the Second Sons. When ordered to assassinate Daenerys, he opts for
killing and beheading his Captains instead. Pledges loyalty to Daenerys which she readily accepts.

Qyburn: An ex-Maester stripped of his chain by the citadel for his experiments on the ill. Nearly
killed by the Mountain. Now serves Queen Cersei.

Missandei: A translator that Daenerys sets free from captivity. Voluntarily serves Daenerys.

Grey Worm: One of the "Unsullied" soldiers that Daenerys freed from a life of slavery. The other
Unsullied troops name Grey Worm their leader to serve directly under Daenerys.

Locke: A main foot-soldier to Roose Bolton and friend of Ramsay Snow. The guy who cut off Jamie
Lannisters sword hand.

Kraznys mo Nakloz: Master slave trader of Astapor. A vulgar and disrespectful owner of the
Unsullied.

Razdal mo Eraz: Slave master at Yunkai. Attempted to pay off Daenerys to walk away from Yunkai,
which failed. Claims to be well connected with the slavers.
Olyvar: A male prostitute and spy for Littlefinger. He also runs Littlefinger's brothel in his absence.

Myranda: Ramsay Snow's sadistic girlfriend.

Steelshanks Walton: Captain under command of Roose Bolton.

Wendel Manderly: Loyal Bannerman under Robb Stark. Mentioned quite a bit in the book. Seen only
at the Red Wedding.

Greizhen mo Ullhor: Slave trader in Astapor. Opposes the idea of selling the Unsullied, and believes
an Unsullied dying in battle would bring shame to Astapor.

Skinner: Man-at-Arms under Ramsay Bolton. The First man torturing Theon Greyjoy.

Kayla: Prostitute at Littlefingers brothel. Can perform something called a "Meereenese Knot".

Mirelle: Prostitute at Littlefingers brothel. Hired alongside Marei by Bronn to celebrate his
promotion.

Genna: Prostitute at Littlefingers brothel. Hired with 2 other prostitutes to "reward" Podrick for
saving Tyrion.

Mero: Captain of the Second Sons. Braavosi origin. Has no sense of Loyalty. Vulgar and disrespectful.

Prendahl na Ghezn: Captain of the Second Sons. Untrustworthy. Ghiscari origin. Mellow. Has no trust
for Daenerys.

First Appearing in Season 4:

The Three-Eyed Raven: The raven with a third eye on it's forehead which appeared in Bran's dream.
The last green seer.

Hizdahr zo Loraq: A wealthy nobleman of Meereen. Pleads for Daenerys to bury his father, whom
she had executed. Claims his father spoke against the crucifixion of slaves.

The Night King: Leader of the White Walkers and the wights. Has the power to transcend infant boys
into White Walkers and resurrect the dead into Wights. Blue and icy and has thorns on his head.
Once an ordinary man, until Leaf transcended him.

Yohn Royce: Also called Bronze Yohn. Bannerman of House Arryn. Father of Waymer Royce, who
was slain at the start of the show. Lord of Runestone. Part of the committee investigating Lady Lysa's
death.

Anya Waynwood: Bannerman of House Arryn. Lady of Ironoaks Castle. Part of the committee
investigating Lady Lysa's death.

Leaf: A Child of the Forest, part of the oldest race in Westeros. She and the other children protect
the home of the Three-Eyed Raven. Awaited Bran's arrival beyond the Wall.
Mossador: Once a slave in Meereen, now a part of Daenerys's small council.

Tycho Nestoris: Emissary from the Iron Bank of Braavos. Travels to Westeros to handle everyone's
debts to the Bank.

Lhara: Braavosi prostitute. Vouches for vendors entering the brothel.

Tansy: Servant of House Bolton at the Dreadfort. Myranda's shows signs of jealousy to her.

Axell Florent: Brother of Selyse Baratheon and member of House Florent.

Lowell: Lannister soldier and child molester. Accompanies Polliver to a tavern.

Oznak zo Pahl: A champion for the slave masters of Meereen.

Ternesio Terys: Braavosi Sea Captain. Brings Arya to Braavos on her request.

First Appearing in Season 5:

High Sparrow: Name Unknown. Religious leader of the Faith at Kings Landing. Not a Septon, but a
teacher to the people. Very charitable. Known to give up his valuables to those who need it most.
Has many followers known as Sparrows, including Lancel Lannister. Disliked by the High Septon.

Areo Hotah: Captain of the Guard at Sunspear. Muscular bald man with a longaxe.

Yezzan zo Qaggaz: A wealthy slave trader from Yunkai. Very scrawny and sickly. Bought Jorah and
Tyrion.

Malko: Leader of a band of slavers who kidnap people and sell them into slavery. Captured Tyrion
and Jorah during their journey to Meereen. Believes dwarf are magic.

Septa Unella: Nun of the faith and gaoler. Tossed Cersei into prison. Tall and brute-like. Constantly
demands sinners like Cersei to confess.

The Waif: Servant at the House of Black and White. Carries a rod and strikes those who lie.

Vala: The Meereenese prostitute secretly working for the Sons of the Harpy.

Lollys Stokeworth: Lady of Stokeworth, betrothed to Bronn.

White Rat: Commanding officer in the Unsullied. Frequents Brothels. Overseen the tearing down of
the Harpy Statue at Meereen.

Boake: Disciple of the Faith Militant.

Joss: A desperate father seeking help from the House of Black and White to heal his dying daughter,
Ghita.
Ghita: A young, terminally ill girl brought to the house of Black and White by her father seeking
medical aid for her pain. Her face is part of the many faces in the House of Black and White.

Gordy: Footsoldier under Ramsay's command.

Simpson: Footsoldier under Ramsay's command.

First Appearing in Season 6

Izembaro: Head of the Braavosi theatre troupe and a famous actor, known to shine on stage, but
tough on his stage actors. Played as Tywin.

Kinvara: Red Priestess from Volantis. Offers her help in Daenerys's conquest.

Robett Glover: Galbart Glovers brother, watching over Deepwood Motte while his brother is away.
Shows contempt for House Stark after the Ironborn invasion.

Wyman Manderly: Lord of White Harbor. The first Lord to declare Jon Snow King of the North.

Smalljon Umber: Son of Greatjon, and acting Lord of the Last Hearth. Strongly hates the wildlings
and his father.

Lady Crane: Izembaro's top actress in his theatre. Known to drink rum. Played as Cersei.

Cley Cerwin: A Northern Lord and vassal. Became the Patriarch after Ramsay flayed his family for
refusing to pay their taxes to the Boltons.

Brother Ray: Former mercenary turned Faith member. Master artisan who saved the Hound.

Zanrush: Red priest in Meereen with a distaste of the former slave masters. Sees Daenerys as a
beacon for the freed populace.

Belicho Paenymion: A slave master from Volantis who helped fund the Harpies.

Bobono: Dwarven actor in Izembaro's theatre. Played Tyrion.

Bianca: Actor in Izembaro's theatre. Played Sansa. Envious of Lady Crane. Later fired from the
theatre.

Camello: Actor in Izembaro's theatre. Played Ned.

Clarenzo: Actor in Izembaro's theatre. Played Joffrey.

How closely does the show follow the books?

Series Level

In general the characters on the show are older than they are in the novel. For example, Ned and Cat
Stark are both supposed to be in their mid 30s in the books, having married when they were around
age 18. In the show the actors who portray them are in their 50s and 40s respectively. The show also
adds a couple of years between Robert's Rebellion and the events of the series and ages the child
characters appropriately. Tyrion Lannister is significantly more handsome than in the novels where
he's described as having eyes of different colors and mixed black and blond hair. In the show Tyrion
gains a scar across his nose at the Blackwater while in the books most of his nose is cut off, giving
him an even more hideous appearance.

A few names are changed in the show from the books, presumably to avoid confusion or unwanted
comparisons. For example, the "White Walkers" are more commonly referred to as "The Others" in
the books. Presumably this was changed to avoid comparisons with the antagonists from the tv
show LOST. Theon Greyjoy's sister Yara, is named Asha in the books. This was changed to avoid
confusion with the Wildling woman Osha as their names would sound virtually identical when
spoken. Lysa Arryn's son Robin was named Robert in the books (named after the King). The show
changed his name to Robin, so the audience wouldn't get him confused with Robert Baratheon and
Robb Stark.

The back-story of Lyanna Stark's death at the Tower of Joy and the promise she forced Ned to make
are eliminated from the show. While these were a significant part of Ned's back-story and the
mythology of the novel, they appeared mostly in the form of Ned's internal monologues and would
have been difficult to represent on screen. However, over the course of the show, more and more of
this back story have come to light.

The show adds several sex scenes, often as cover for exposition (jokingly referred to as
"sexposition"), and invents the character of Ros, the prostitute who sleeps with a number of
characters. Similarly, the show makes Littlefinger's ownership of brothels more prominent than in
the novels, where they are just one of many moneymaking enterprises he owns.

The novels provide much more in depth information about the history, politics, and culture of
Westeros.

Conversely, the show gives more of an in depth look at the White Walkers. For example, the scene
from season two where Craster gives his son up to the Walkers is only implied in the books and the
scene showing the White Walkers transforming a human into one of them is invented for the show.

Season One

The initial sex scene between Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen is quite different between the
novels and the show. In the novel, while Daenarys is worried that Drogo will assault her, they
ultimately have consensual sex. In the show, the encounter is depicted as a rape with Drogo not
seeking her consent and Daenerys weeping throughout.

The show invents a couple of scenes featuring Jaime Lannister, who did not become a point of view
character until the third book.

The show invents a scene where Cersei visits Catelyn Stark at Bran's bedside and relates how she
gave birth to a stillborn child. This was presumably done to make Cersei more sympathetic.
In the book, Daenerys is said to have violet eyes. In the show her eyes are green. Executive
Producers, David Benioff and Dan Weiss said they originally had Emilia Clarke wear violet contact
lenses, but felt that it detracted from her performance and so the contacts were discarded.

Jon's direwolf, Ghost, is also completely mute in the books. In the show he whines, barks, and growls
like normal dogs/wolves do. David Benioff and Dan Weiss said that originally it was scripted that
Ghost was mute. However, during initial editing, they found it just didn't look/sound right having a
silent dog and so they nixed the idea.

In the books, Robb sends a large contingent of his infantry to fight Tywin at the Green Fork, and
takes a smaller cavalry detachment to Riverrun. In the show this is reversed, with Robb sending a
small infantry detachment to the Green Fork and taking most of his men to Riverrun.

Season Two

The show is much more explicit about the sexual relationship between Renly Baratheon and Loras
Tyrell, as well as the one between Stannis Baratheon and Melisandre of Asshai.

The show depicts Stannis Baratheon as learning of Joffrey's bastardry from Ned Stark. In the novels,
Stannis had his own suspicions about Joffrey's legitimacy. In the novels, it was Stannis who sent Jon
Arryn to try and find out whether Joffrey was legitimate.

Davos Seaworth is missing the fingers on his right hand on the show. In the book, he's missing the
fingers on his left hand. This was done because actor Liam Cunningham is left-handed and would be
more functional using his dominant hand.

Talisa Maegyr does not appear in the novels. Instead, Robb weds Jeyne Westerling, daughter of Lord
Gawen Westerling- an impoverished, but proud bannerman to Casterly Rock.

The show invents the character of Alton Lannister to deliver Robb's peace terms. In the novels this is
done by Cleos Frey who is the son of Jaime Lannister's aunt. Presumably this was done to avoid
confusion since House Frey is an ally of the Starks.

In the show, Osha gains Theon Greyjoy's trust by sleeping with him. In the novels she does so by
demonstrating her skill with a spear, although she does later sleep with one of Theon's men in order
to gain his trust.

Arya's time at Harrenhall is different in the show than in the books. In the novels she serves as a
common kitchen servant when Tywin is at Harrenhall. She is only elevated to cupbearer once Roose
Bolton takes the castle. In the novels, Arya gives different names to Jaquen H'ghar. Instead of Tickler
and Amory Lorch, she gives the names of Chiswyck, a follower of Gregor Clegane who boasts of
taking part in a gang rape, and Weese, the cruel head of the kitchens. She uses her third name to
name Jaquen H'ghar, as in the show, but instead of enlisting his help to escape, she blackmails him
into helping free a group of Northern prisoners who help take over the castle. In the novels, Amory
Lorch is fed to a bear after Roose Bolton captures Harrenhall.

The encounter in the House of the Undying is significantly different. In the novels, Dany goes there
willingly seeking knowledge. In the show, she goes there to retrieve her dragons which have been
stolen. The visions she sees are also different. In the novel she has visions of several characters who
she does not recognize. However, on screen these would have been clearly recognizable to the
audience and thus much of the mystery of the visions would be undermined.

In the show, Rakharo is not beheaded before Dany reaches Qarth, nor is Irri murdered in Qarth. Both
characters are still alive in the books.

In the novels, Dany does not leave Xaro Xhoan Daxos for dead. Instead, he lives and makes another
appearance later in the novels. However, his fate is still left ambiguous on the show and could re-
appear if needed.

Season Three

In the novels, Barristan Selmy initially comes to Danaerys disguised as "Arstan Whitebeard", an aged
Westerosi serving as a squire to a warrior named Strong Belwas. He only reveals his identity towards
the end of the third novel, explaining that he had wanted to observe Danaerys and discern what
type of Queen she was before offering his services. This was likely changed because in the book, it
could be a surprise to the reader when his identity was revealed. In the show, people would
immediately know who he was or possibly be confused and think it was the same actor playing a
different role.

In the novels Robb does not plan to attack Casterly Rock. Instead, Robb gets word that the Ironborn
are invading the North and decides to take most of his forces home to defend his people. This
explains why most of the Stark forces are at the Twins for Edmure's wedding since the Twins are on
the way to the North but not Casterly Rock.

In the novels neither Brynden "Blackfish" Tully or Robb's queen are present at the Red Wedding. This
makes sense since Robb's marriage was the cause of the break with Walder Frey. Bringing his queen
along would merely antagonize Lord Walder on what is meant to be a peacemaking trip. Robb's
queen survives the Red Wedding in the books.

The show eliminates the character of Strong Belwas, a massive eunuch pit fighter who joins
Daenerys' entourage in Qarth.

Gendry's role is expanded in the show. In the novels he is not kidnapped by Melisandre. Instead she
intends to sacrifice Edric Storm, King Robert's only acknowledge bastard.

In the novels it is not Locke who cuts off Jaime's hand but rather Vargo Hoat, a mercenary originally
hired by Jaime's father who switches sides and joins Roose Bolton.

Tormund Giantsbane is portrayed differently in the show than in the novels. In the show he leads
the Wildling raid south of the Wall and is openly hostile to Jon. In the book Tormund is very friendly
with Jon and stays north of the Wall. Instead it is another Wildling, Styr the Magnar of Thenn, who
leads the raid and who is suspicious of Jon's motives.

In the novels we do not see any of Theon's torture at the hands of Ramsay Snow, just the aftermath
of it. Similarly, the show is more explicit about Theon's castration, while the books merely imply it.
In the novels the slaves in Slaver's Bay are mostly depicted as being white, the same as their
masters. Very few, if any, are said to be from the Summer Islands, the region where black people are
from in the novels. In the show, the slaves are generally depicted as tanned, or dark skinned. This
causes the "Mhysa" scene with Danaerys at the end of season 3 to have unfortunate real world
racial connotations.

Season Four

In the books, Jaime and Brienne arrive at King's Landing after Joffrey is already dead.

In the book, Tickler, who was killed on the show in Season 2, was with Polliver in the Tavern when
Arya and the Hound were fending off against Lannister soldiers. Also, on the show, Sandor Clegane
was left in the Trident to die after losing a fight to Brienne. In the book, he was mortally wounded by
Polliver and Tickler at the Tavern. In the show, Arya kills Polliver, but in the book, she kills Tickler
while Sandor Clegane kills Polliver.

The show is much more explicit about Oberyn Martell's bisexuality while the books strongly hint at
it.

While most of the action in season four comes from the third book, they do add in some of the
plotlines of Bran and Theon from the fifth book.

In the books Theon's sister does not attempt to rescue him from the Boltons.

In the books, Jaime and Cersei's sexual encounter in the sept is depicted as consensual. In the show,
the scene is more ambiguous, leading many to view it as Jaime forcing himself on Cersei.

In the books it is Donal Noye, the blacksmith of Castle Black, who organizes the defenses against the
Wildlings.

In the show, the Thenns are depicted as savage cannibals. In the books they are among the most
"civilized" of the Wildlings, at least by Westerosi standards, having a high level of technology and a
hierarchical social organization similar to the nobility of Westeros.

In the books, Jojen is not killed by the wights. Instead, he arrives at the Children's home with Bran
and Meera although he is deathly sick by the time they get there.

In the book, Jaime secretly trains in sword fighting with Ser Ilyn Payne, who is discreet about it
because he has no tongue. In the show, Jaime secretly trains with Bronn, who is discreet about it
because he's paid to be. This was likely to allow some more dialogue and exposition and possibly just
to give Bronn more screen time. It was also stated that the actor who played Ser Ilyn Payne was ill
during filming and so he was unable to reprise his role. It's unlikely the character will return.

Tyrion's escape is significantly different in the books. In the books, Jaime admits to having lied about
Tysha, Tyrion's first wife, who their father forced him to put aside. Jaime had originally told Tyrion
that Tysha, who they had apparently saved from brigands on the road, was actually a prostitute who
Jaime had hired so that Tyrion could lose his virginity. This is the story which Tyrion tells Shae and
Bronn in season one. In the books, Jaime admits that this was a lie he had created to spare Tyrion's
feelings and that Tysha had really loved Tyrion. Angered at this revelation, Tyrion tells Jaime about
Cersei's serial infidelity to him and then goes to their father's chamber to confront him over a
lifetime of betrayals. In the show, Shae draws a knife on Tyrion and Tyrion strangles her in self
defense. In the books, Shae instead pleads for her life upon seeing Tyrion and he strangles her in
cold blood. Also in contrast to the show, where Tyrion immediately apologizes for killing her, Tyrion
in the books seems to show no regret for killing Shae. The confrontation between Tywin and Tyrion
is largely the same but in the books it is Tysha who Tywin refers to as a "whore", which prompts
Tyrion to kill him.

Season Five

In the book, there were 8 sand snakes. This show only shows 3 of the sand snakes. However, near
the end of the season, Doran gives Ellaria a reminder that she has 4 daughters, even though we saw
3.

In the book, the decision for command of the wall was between Jon Snow and Janos Slynt. It was
decided by the Raven. On the show, it came down between Jon Snow and Alliser Thorne, and the
swing vote came from Maester Aemon.

In the book, the conflict with Daenerys and the Harpy's began with the death of Stalwart Shield. In
the show, it started with the death of White Rat.

Sansa does not marry Ramsay in the books. Instead she is still in the Vale with Littlefinger. The
Boltons marry Ramsay off to a friend of Sansa's named Jeyne Poole, who they are claiming is Arya
Stark. Also, in the show, Theon is forced to watch as Ramsay rapes Sansa. In the books, Theon
participates as Ramsay forces him to perform oral sex on his new bride.

In the book, Yezzan zo Qaggaz was described as a massively overweight man with an uncontrollable
bladder and suffering from a deadly disease. Yezzan in the show is very scrawny.

In the book, Jorah and Tyrion were not present at the Fighting Pits when Daenerys flew off with
Drogon.

Ser Barristan is still alive in the books and plays a major role in the events following Daenerys' flight
from Meereen.

The show eliminates a major plotline from the fifth book where Tyrion travels much of the way to
Slaver's Bay on a ship called the Shy Maid along with a group of Westerosi expatriots who are
harboring a major secret.

The show eliminates the minor character of Penny, a female dwarf who becomes a reluctant
companion to Tyrion on his travel in Essos.

Brienne does not travel to the North in the books but remains in the Riverlands searching for Sansa.

In the books Jon does not go to Hardhome to rescue the Wildlings. Instead he sends Cotter Pyke, the
commander of the Night's Watch castle Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.
The show eliminates a plotline where someone is murdering people inside Winterfell, as well as one
where a team of Wildling spearwives is sent to infiltrate the castle and rescue Jon's sister.

Stannis, Shireen, and Selyse Baratheon are all alive at this point in the books. In the books neither
Selyse, Shireen, Melisandre, nor Davos accompany Stannis on his march on Winterfell. The three
women remain at Castle Black while Davos goes to the Northern city of White Harbor to try and
sway Lord Manderly to join Stannis' cause. The show also eliminates a plotline where Stannis
captures the castle of Deepwood Motte from the Wildlings and takes Theon's sister prisoner.

The nature and reasons for the assassination attempt on Jon are different in the books than in the
show. In the show, the conspirators lure Jon outside by claiming to have news about his uncle
Benjen, who has been missing since early in season one. In the books Jon is distracted when a giant
kills one of Stannis' men. The attack in the books is a chaotic mass attack by the conspirators, while
in the show they leisurely take turns stabbing Jon. Their reasons are also significantly different. In
the show, the conspirators attack him for allowing the Wildlings through the Wall. In the books there
is a longer string of decisions which Jon has made which have angered more traditionalist Night's
Watch brothers, including enlisting Wildlings, even spearwives, to help man the Wall. The final straw
comes when John decides to lead a force of Wildlings to Winterfell to help out Stannis, a direct
violation of his oath.

In the show the Faith looks to prosecute Loras for homosexuality. In the books they investigate
Margaery after Cersei accuses her of adultery. In the books Loras is severely injured while capturing
Dragonstone.

In the books Jaime and Bronn do not travel to Dorne. Jaime goes to the Riverlands to take care of
the last remnants of rebellion there. Bronn marries a noblewoman in the Crownlands.

The show eliminates Arianne Martell, the daughter and eldest child of Doran Martell, who has a
major plotline in the fourth and fifth books.

In the books Areo Hotah is from the Free City of Norvos. In the show he is depicted as being from the
Summer Isles.

Myrcella is not killed in the books. Instead, Doran Martell's daughter Arianne tries to use her in a
plot and Myrcella is wounded.

Jaqen H'ghar is not involved in Arya's training in Braavos in the books.

The fifth book has a significant plotline where Doran Martell's son Quentyn travels to Meereen to
meet with Daenerys.

Season Six

In the book, Balons fall to death is still a mystery. On the show, he was thrown by his brother, Euron.

Harald Karstark is not mentioned in the book. He is a mix between Rickard's son Harrion and
Rickard's brother Arnolf in the book.
In the book, Euron is referred to as the Crow's Eye due to him having one good eye and an eye patch
on the other. In the show, he has both eyes.

At the Tower of Joy, Ned has five men alongside him on the show, whereas in the book he had 6
men. Gerold Hightower was the commanding Kingsguard in the book and considered a well-built
soldier. But on the show, he is not as built as Arthur Dayne, nor does he seem to be giving orders.
Also, Oswell Whent of the Kingsguard was missing from the fight in the show.

Neither Doran Martell, nor Areo Hotah, dies in the books, Both are alive and Doran has the eldest
Sand Snakes imprisoned when they try to rouse the people to war in order to avenge their father.

In the books, Theon does not travel to the Iron Islands. Instead, after escaping Winterfell, he is
captured by Mors "Crowfood" Umber, an ally of Stannis, who is besieging the castle. Crowfood sends
Theon along to Stannis camp. In order to placate his Northern allies, Stannis plans to execute Theon
for his betrayal of the Starks.

Pycelle was not killed by Qyburn in the books nor was Kevan killed in the wildfire, they were both
killed by Varys in a plot to overthrow the Lannisters.

Smalljon Umber was not Lord of the Last Hearth in the book, he was killed at the Red Wedding. In
fact, it was Hother Umber and his green boys who joined the Boltons while Mors aided Stannis. Also
Greatjon didn't die in the war, he was taken captive by the Freys.

The show eliminates the character of Victarion Greyjoy, a major character in the fourth and fifth
books. The uncle of Theon and brother of Euron and Balon, Victarion tries to claim the crown after
Balon's death, but the Kingsmoot ultimately decides to crown his brother. Afterwards he reluctantly
serves Euron, who commands him to take and Ironborn fleet to Meereen to meet with Daenerys.

The show eliminates a plotline where Westerosi exile Jon Connington leads an invasion of the
Stormlands on behalf of a teenage boy claiming to be Aegon VI Targaryen, the presumed dead son of
Rhaegar Targaryen.

Can anyone explain what the title references of each episode are?

Season One

Winter is Coming: The Stark family motto.

The Kingsroad: The long road leading from Castle Black to King's Landing.

Lord Snow: A mockery title Jon receives at the Wall.

Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things: Tyrion tells Bran he has a soft spot for cripples, bastards, and
broken things, which is why he got him a saddle. It also references Bran (A cripple), Jon Snow (a
bastard) and broken things (such as the introduction of Sam)

The Wolf and the Lion: The feud that broke out between the Starks(wolf) and the Lannisters(lion)
after Tyrion was arrested.
A Golden Crown: Viserys demands Khal Drogo to fulfill his end of the bargain and deliver him a
golden crown.

You Win or You Die: Cersei's states to Ned, "When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.
There is no middle ground."

The Pointy End: Refers to Needle, Arya's blade, which she used to kill a stable boy that tried to
capture her.

Baelor: Refers to the Baelor Sept, the place in King's Landing where Ned Stark is executed.

Fire and Blood: The Targaryen family motto.

Season Two

The North Remembers: A motto from the Armies of Winterfell, meaning "We will Never Forget."

The Night Lands: Dothraki version of Heaven.

What is Dead May Never Die: A common saying among the Ironborn.

Garden of Bones: Refers to the arid area in front of the city of Qarth.

The Ghost of Harrenhal: Jaqen H'Ghar performs an assassination on a victim of Arya's choice in
secrecy. Naming him the Ghost of Harrenhal.

The Old Gods and the New: A common saying in the Seven Kingdoms.

A Man Without Honor: Catelyn calls Jaime this since he killed his own cousin and tried to kill Bran.

The Prince of Winterfell: Refers to Theon Greyjoy after he sacked Winterfell.

Blackwater: The battle outside King's Landing takes place on the shores of Blackwater.

Valar Morghulis: High Valyrian for "All Men Must Die". Also Jaqen H'Ghar gives Arya a Braavosi coin,
tells her if she ever needs help, she is to present the coin to anyone from Braavos and say "Valar
Morghulis".

Season 3

Valar Dohaeris: High Valyrian for "All Men Must Serve".

Dark Wings, Dark Words: Refers to ravens and their messages.

Walk of Punishment: The wall of Astapor.

And Now His Watch is Ended: A motto meaning a brother of the Night's Watch has died. Refers to
the death of Jeor Mormont.
Kissed by Fire: A reference to Ygritte's red hair, also a term used by the Wildlings about red heads
folks.

The Climb: Jon and the Wildlings scale the Wall. Petyr also talks to Varys about another sort of climb.

The Bear and the Maiden Fair: Brienne battling the Bear at Moat Cailin. It is also a famous song in
Westeros.

Second Sons: A band of Mercenaries Daenerys hires for the assault on Yunkai. The episode also
circles around several literal second sons.

The Rains of Castamere: A song written about Tywin Lannister's victory against House Reyne of
Castamere, which was played at the Red Wedding.

Mhysa: The slaves of Yunkai refer to Daenerys as Mhysa, which is Ghiscari for "mother".

Season Four

Two Swords: Two swords are forged from Ned Starks blade, Ice. Could also refer to Needle and Ice.

The Lion and the Rose: Joffrey's(lion) marriage to Margaery(rose).

Breaker of Chains: Daenerys makes a declaration to end slavery in Meereen, receiving the title
"Breaker of Chains".

Oathkeeper: The name Brienne gives her Valyrian Blade. One half of the swords forged from Ice.

First of His Name: Tommen Baratheon is made King of the Realm.

The Laws of Gods and Men: Tyrion states the Gods will decide his fate in a trial by combat.

Mockingbird: Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish's personal sigil.

The Mountain and the Viper: A trial by combat between Gregor Clegane(Mountain) and Oberyn
Martell(Viper).

The Watchers on the Wall: The Nights Watch defends the Wall against Rayder's forces.

The Children: The Children of the Forest, a mysterious non-human race and the original inhabitants
of the continent of Westeros.

Season Five

The Wars to Come: Varys explains to Tyrion he may play a part in the wars to come. Mance wishes
Stannis good fortune in "The wars to come" before he is executed.

The House of Black and White: The temple of the Many-faced God Arya arrives at in Braavos.
High Sparrow: Leader of the Faith, or Sparrows, who claim to be disciples of the Seven.

Sons of the Harpy: A shadow group seeking to restore slavery and tradition to Slaver's Bay.

Kill the Boy: Maester Aemon's advice to Jon Snow when he becomes Lord Commander: "Kill the boy,
and let the man be born."

Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken: The Martell family motto.

The Gift: Jorah offers Tyrion as a gift to Daenerys. Littlefinger speaks of a gift he intends to offer
Olenna.

Hardhome: The Wildling home beyond the Wall.

The Dance of Dragons: A book Shireen reads based on the old Targaryen wars and the Seven
Kingdoms.

Mother's Mercy: Cersei takes the Walk of Shame.

Season Six

The Red Woman: Another name Melisandre goes by.

Home: Bran has a vision of Winterfell. Euron returns to Pyke. Theon plans to return to Pyke.

Oathbreaker: Smalljon reminded Ramsay of when Roose sworn fealty to Robb, long before betraying
him. The mutineers are executed for breaking their oaths to Jon Snow. It may also refer to Jon Snow
wanting to quit the Night's Watch. Though he considers his oath fulfilled.

Book of the Stranger: A chapter about the entity of the Seven, the one who represents death.

The Door: Hodor blocks the door to the Tree, keeping the wights from reaching Bran and Meera. The
main cause of Hodor's Hodoring was discovered in this episode.

Blood of my Blood: A strong bond between a Dothraki Khal and his bloodriders.

The Broken Man: Refers to Sandor Clegane, who lost a fight to Brienne of Tarth and nearly died, but
came back with a limp.

No One: A term the servants of the House of Black and White refer to themselves as when they
abandon their old lives.

Battle of the Bastards: The showdown between Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton to determine the fate
of the North.

The Winds of Winter: Winter has officially begun.

Season Seven

When is winter coming? What does that mean?

Winter is coming has several meanings - it's literal, in that a very long winter is ahead. It's the motto
of house Stark, and it's a symbolic statement about the dark periods of life that inevitably happen to
everyone.

Read more: http://screenprism.com/insights/article/when-exactly-is-winter-coming-in-game-of-

thrones-what-does-that-even-mean

Did Lena Headey use a body double for the "Walk of Shame" scene?

Yes. Her face was digitally inserted onto another woman's body for any full-frontal nude shots. An
explanation of how the entire scene was filmed can be found
here: http://screenprism.com/insights/article/what-was-the-process-of-shooting-cerseis-game-of-
thrones-walk-of-shame-scen

Which characters from the book that are absent from the show does George RR Martin miss most?

Lady Stoneheart is one of the most discussed omissions. Martin has called her the "Gandalf" of
Westeros. He has also said that he misses the two eldest Tyrell brothers. Read more of Martin's
opinions on the omissions in this article.

Was Talisa a Lannister agent?

Robb's downfall is sparked by his impulsive decision to marry Talisa Maegyr. This breaks his marriage
pact with Walder Frey and eventually leads to the Red Wedding. One fan theory suggests that Talisa
was a Lannister plant, and agent sent to seduce Robb and cause him to break the pact.

There is no definitive answer in the show, but this seems very unlikely. In the books, the story is
different. Instead of Talisa, Robb marries Jeyne Westerling, the daughter of a minor Lannister
bannerman. Robb is wounded while capturing the Crag, the Westerling family castle. Jeyne nurses
him back to health and falls in love with him. It is there that Robb learns about the supposed death
of his brothers at Theon's hand and Jeyne comforts him with sex. The next morning, Robb marries
her in order to preserve her honor. In the books Jeyne is a loving and devoted wife to Robb and is
devastated by his death (she does not attend the Red Wedding and survives). However, her mother,
Sybil Spicer, remained loyal to the Lannisters and took part in the conspiracy against Robb by
secretly giving her daughter a potion to make sure she did not conceive a Stark heir. But Sybil is clear
that her daughter knew nothing of the plot.

In terms of the show, there doesn't seem to be any evidence to support the idea that Talisa was a
Lannister agent. She seems genuinely loyal to Robb and never does anything suspicious such as
communicating with the Lannisters or expressing hidden motives. Tywin also never indicates that he
has an agent in the Northern camp. This idea also seems a bit far fetched and would have to rely on
a number of coincidences and chances which Tywin could not possibly control or rely on happening.
After all, why would Robb notice this one particular nurse on the battlefield, let alone fall in love
with her? And even if he fell in love with her, why would he marry her, and thus break his marriage
pact, rather than simply pursuing a relationship on the side, which was very common among nobles?
It's also not clear how such a secret would be revealed now or what importance it would have since
all of the principle players in that plotline (Robb, Talisa, Catelyn, and Tywin) are dead.

Who are the names of Arya's kill list and why?

Note: The names highlighted in red are people who died on the show. The names highlighted in
green are people she removed for other reasonings

Tywin Lannister:

Joffrey Baratheon:

Meryn Trant:

Cersei Lannister:

Beric Dondarrion:

The Hound:

The Mountain:

Melisandre:

Ilyn Payne:

Rorge:

Amory Lorch:

Polliver:

Tickler:

Walder Frey:

Roose Bolton:

The Waif:

Who has died on the show so far?

Note: this list of people who died are in order of who died from first death to the most recent. The
names highlighted in orange are uncertain. If they weren't featured on the show, don't add them.

Before the Series

Rickard Stark died before Robert's Rebellion. In the show it is mentioned that he was burned alive
by the Mad King.
Aerys II Targaryen is stabbed in the back by Jaime Lannister during Robert's Rebellion.

Gerold Hightower takes a sword through the neck in battle by Ned Stark.

Arthur Dayne is stabbed in the back of the neck by Howland Reed, then cut down with his own
sword by Ned Stark.

Lyanna Stark dies from blood loss after giving childbirth in The Tower of Joy at the end of Robert's
Rebellion.

Jon Arryn was poisoned with the Tears of Lys by Lysa Arryn as a demonstration of her love for
Littlefinger, who then sent Catelyn a false letter accusing the Lannisters of the murder. His death was
the main event that sparked a series of events at the start of the show.

Season One

Waymar Royce is cut down by a White Walker outside the Wall. S1,E1

Gared is decapitated by a White Walker. His head is tossed over to Will. S1,E1

Will is beheaded by Ned Stark for desertion. S1,E1

Mycah is hunted down by Sandor Clegane, later brought back to the Crossroads Inn, dead. S1,E2

Lady is stabbed at Castle Darry by Ned Stark as ordered by Robert Baratheon. S1,E2

Hugh of the Vale gets a lance broken through his throat in a jousting competition by Gregor
Clegane. S1,E4

Willis Wode and Kurleket are killed by the Northern tribes while defending Catelyn Stark. S1,E5

Jory Cassel faces Jaime Lannister in a fight and takes a dagger deep through the eye. S1,E5

Wallen gets his throat slashed by Robb Stark. S1,E6

Stiv is shot with an arrow by Theon Greyjoy. S1,E6

Vardis Egen gets his throat slit by Bronn in a trial by combat, then his body is kicked through the
moon door. S1,E6

Viserys Targaryen demands that Khal Drogo deliver him a golden crown. Drogo obliges by melting
down some large gold medallions and then dumping the molten gold on top of Viserys' head,
burning his skull instantly. S1,E6

Robert Baratheon goes out hunting while drunk and is mortally wounded by a boar. He returns to
King's Landing and dies of his wounds. We learn Cersei ordered Lancel to get Robert drunk on wine
during the trip. S1,E7
Varly and his men are massacred by Janos Slynt and the Goldcloaks in an act of betrayal against Ned
Stark. S1,E7

Vayon Poole is skewered with a spear by a member of the Kingsguard. S1.E8

Syrio Forel takes out several Kings Guard with a wooden sword in order to allow Arya to escape.
When facing off against Meryn Trant, Arya hears a struggle, but we never see if Syrio is killed or not,
but Trant is still alive after the fight. S1,E8

Septa Mordane faces the Lannister men trying to capture Sansa. Her head is later seen on a
spike. S1,E8

Mago is stabbed with his own blade, then gets his tongue ripped out by Khal Drogo after threatening
Daenerys and insulting Drogo. S1,E8

Haggo and Cohollo are killed by their fellow Dothraki riders while attempting to aid Qotho in
stopping Mirri Maz Duur. S1,E9

Qotho is slain by Jorah Mormont just before he could have a chance to kill Mirri Maz Duur. S1,E9

Ned Stark is beheaded with Ice by Ilyn Payne as ordered by King Joffrey. S1,E9

Khal Drogo receives a wound on his chest. Daenerys allows Mirri Maz Duur to treat the wound.
Instead she places a curse upon Drogo, causing the wound to become severely infected. Mirri then
performs a ritual to return Drogo to life, but he is left as a brain-dead vegetable. Daenerys brings
herself to smother him. S1,E10

Mirri Maz Duur is burned alive at the stake in Khal Drogo's funeral pyre as punishment for hexing
him and killing Daenerys' unborn child. S1,E10

Season Two

Maester Cressen slips poison in his wine, drinks it, and lets Melisandre drink from the cup in an
attempt to kill her. The poison kills Cressen, but has no effect on Melisandre. S2,E1

Rakharo is sent by Dany to do some recon. Only Rakharo's horse returns, with his head in one of the
saddle bags and his braid cut off. S2,E2

Yoren is shot with a crossbow and stabbed in the back of the neck by Amory Lorch. S2,E3

Lommy Greenhands is stabbed through the throat with Needle by Polliver. While searching for
Gendry, Arya passes off Lommy's corpse as Gendry. S2,E3

Rennick is mauled by Grey Wind while taking a piss just as the attack on Oxcross began. S2,E4

Daisy is severely beaten on the Kings bed with a wooden scepter by Ros as demanded by King
Joffrey. It is unclear whether she survived or not, but she was never seen again after that. S2,E4
Renly Baratheon is stabbed through the heart by Stannis' "son", a spirit born from Melisandre. S2,E5

Tickler has his neck broken by Jaqen H'ghar as requested by Arya Stark. S2,E5

Rodrik Cassel spits in Theon's face for betraying the Starks. Theon hacks at the back of Rodrik's neck
until his head came off. S2,E6

The First High Septon is ripped apart by the rioters in Kings Landing. S2,E6

Amory Lorch is struck with a poisoned dart by Jaqen H'ghar at Arya's urgent request. S2,E6

Drennan gets seduced by Osha, only to get his throat slit by her during an escape. S2,E6

Irri was discovered dead in Daenerys's quarters. In the deleted scenes, it's revealed that she was
strangled by Doreah during a plot to steal Daenerys' dragons. S2,E6

Alton Lannister was beaten to death by Jamie Lannister with his own shackles to cover his botched
escape. S2,E7

Torhenn Karstark is strangled by Jaime Lannister with his own shackles in an effort to escape. S2,E7

The Spice King and his cohorts are assassinated by Pyat Pree as part of a coup to take over
leadership of Qarth. S2,E7

Matthos Seaworth is killed when the ship full of Wildfire explodes. He is completely engulfed in the
initial explosion. S2,E9

Mandon Moore gets a spear shoved through the back of his head by Podrick Payne after he
attempted to kill Tyrion. S2,E9

Maester Luwin is stabbed in the stomach with a spear by Dagmer Cleftjaw. He survives but is left
mortally wounded. He asks Osha to end his life. S2,E10

Pyat Pree is burned alive by Daenerys's dragons. S2,E10

Qhorin Halfhand starts a fight with Jon Snow in front of their captors and then throws the fight,
allowing Jon to kill him in the hopes that Jon could get close to Mance Rayder. S2,E10

Xaro Xhoan Daxos and Doreah are locked in Xaros vault by Daenerys and Jorah. Their fate is still
unknown. S2,E10

Dagmer Cleftjaw, Black Lorren, and the rest of the Ironborn that accompanied Theon to Winterfell
are flayed and murdered off-screen by the Bolton forces. Between S2 & 3

Season Three

Hoster Tully dies off-screen of an illness. Though this character was not on the show, we see his
funeral take place. It was the floating pyre barge Blackfish lit up with a flaming arrow. S3,E2
Skinner and his men are shot down with arrows by Ramsay Snow, who later framed Theon for their
death. S3,E3

Craster is stabbed in the throat by Karl Tanner. S3,E4

Jeor Mormont is stabbed in the back by Rast. As Jeor is about to kill Rast, the mortal wound
weakens him, and Rast repeatedly stabs him in the chest. S3,E4

Greizhen mo Ullhor is cut down by the Unsullied along with other masters and slavers at the
command of Daenerys. S3,E4

Kraznys mo Nakloz is torched by Drogon at Daenerys's command. S3,E4

Martyn Lannister and Willem Lannister are murdered by Rickard Karstark as payback for the death
of his sons. S3,E5

Rickard Karstark is beheaded by Robb Stark as punishment for going behind his back and killing the
Lannister boys. S3,E5

Ros is used as target practice for Joffrey Baratheon. She is seen tied to the Kings bed and riddled
with crossbow bolts. S3,E6

Mero and Prendahl na Ghezn are beheaded by Daario Naharis after plotting against Daenerys. Their
heads are brought to Daenerys as an offering. S3,E8

Orell is stabbed in the chest by Jon Snow, but wargs into his hawk before he dies. S3,E9

Talisa Maegyr is stabbed repeatedly in the stomach by Lothar Frey. S3,E9

Wendel Manderly is shot with crossbows along with other soldiers by the Frey soldiers at the Red
Wedding. S3,E9

Grey Wind is shot down with crossbows by Walder Frey's soldiers. We later see his head placed on
Robb's headless body. S3,E9

Robb Stark is shot by arrows and then stabbed in the heart by Roose Bolton. His head is later
removed and replaced with Grey Wind's. S3,E9

Joyeuse Erenford has her throat slit by Caitlin Stark as a retaliation to Robb's death. S3,E9

Catelyn Stark has her throat slit by Black Walder Rivers shortly after killing Lady Joyeuse. S3,E9

Maege Mormont and Greatjon Umber perished during the War of the Five Kings. Both their deaths
were confirmed in Season 6. Between S3 & 4

Galbart Glover perished during the War of the Five Kings. There was no confirmation of his death,
but it's still pending. Between S3 & 4
Season Four

Lowell is stabbed repeatedly in the head by Sandor Clegane. S4,E1

Polliver has Needle impaled slowly through his neck by Arya Stark, but not before realizing who she
was. S4,E1

Tansy is hunted by Ramsay Snow in the woods and is ripped apart by Ramsay's hunting dogs. S4,E2

Axell Florent is burned alive along with others by Melisandre as part of her offering to her
God. S4,E2

Joffrey Baratheon is poisoned at his wedding to Margaery Tyrell. We learn later that Littlefinger and
Olenna Tyrell had a hand in Joffrey's death. S4,E2

Dontos Hollard is shot with a crossbow on the orders of Littlefinger. S4,E3

Oznak zo Pahl is decapitated outside Meereen by Daario Naharis after falling from his dead
horse. S4,E3

Locke has his neck broken by Hodor, while Bran was controlling Hodor's mind. S4,E5

Karl Tanner is stabbed through the back of the head by Jon Snow. S4,E5

Rast is mauled by Ghost. S4,E5

Biter has his neck broken by Sandor Clegane. S4,E7

Rorge is stabbed through the heart by Arya Stark after telling her his name. S4,E7

Lysa Arryn is pushed through the moon door by Littlefinger and plummets to her death. S4,E7

Kegs, Black Jack Bulwer, and Mully are slaughtered in Mole's Town along with other civilians by the
Wildlings and Thenns. S4,E8

Ralf Kenning takes an axe to his head by Adrack Humble after spitting upon Ramsay's terms. S4,E8

Adrack Humble and his men are flayed by Ramsay Snow and his men after being tricked by "Reek"
into letting them enter Moat Cailan. S4,E8

Oberyn Martell has his head crushed by The Mountain during the trial by combat. S4,E8

Dongo is shot with a bolt from a Night's Watch ballista on top of the Wall. S4,E9

Pypar gets an arrow through the neck courtesy of Ygritte. S4,E9

Styr gets a hammer embedded in his skull by Jon Snow. S4,E9

Ygritte is shot through the back with an arrow by Olly. S4,E9

Mag the Mighty is slain by Grenn and 5 other watchmen shortly after breaching the tunnel, but not
before mortally wounding them in turn. S4,E9

Grenn and 5 other Night's Watchmen are killed by Mag the Mighty, but not before mortally
wounding him in turn. S4,E9

Jojen Reed is stabbed several times in the stomach by a wight. His sister Meera cuts his throat to
save him more pain. Leaf then ignites his corpse with a fireball in order to keep him from
reanimating as a wight. S4,E10

Shae is being strangled by Tyrion with a necklace, she shoves him off the bed but he yanks the chain
as he falls and crushes her trachea. S4,E10

Tywin Lannister is shot in the stomach and the heart in his privy with a crossbow by Tyrion
Lannister. S4,E10

Season Five

White Rat has his throat cut open in a brothel by a member of the Harpy while being seduced by
Vala. The killer leaves his mask for the unsullied to find. S5,E1

Mance Rayder was set to burn at the stake by orders of Stannis Baratheon. Jon Snow fires an arrow
into his heart as an act of mercy. S5,E1

Mossador is beheaded by Daario Naharis on Daenerys' orders as punishment for murdering a

prisoner. S5,E2

Janos Slynt is beheaded by Jon Snow for insubordination. S5,E3

Barristan Selmy is mortally wounded in the onslaught against the Sons of the Harpy, but not before
cutting down a multitude of them. S5,E4

Ghita drinks from the fountain at the house of Black and White to heal her pain. Her cadaver is later
seen on a pedestal being cleaned by Arya Stark. Later in the show, her face is part of the Hall of
Faces. S5,E6

Maester Aemon is stricken with old age and dies of natural causes. S5,E7

Rattleshirt is bludgeoned to death with his own wooden staff by Tormund Giantsbane. S5,E8

Loboda is impaled with a spear by a White Walker. S5,E8

Karsi is swarmed and torn apart by Wight children. She later reanimates as a Wight. S5,E8

Shireen Baratheon is tied to the pyre and sacrificed by Melisandre as a royal blood offering. S5,E9
Hizdahr zo Loraq is stabbed repeatedly by a group of Harpies during the attack at the Fighting
Pits. S5,E9

Selyse Baratheon hangs herself in the forest outside Stannis's camp after watching her daughter
burn alive. S5,E10

Gordy and Simpson are cut down in the battle aftermath by a wounded Stannis Baratheon. S5,E10

Stannis Baratheon is wounded in battle outside Winterfell, only to be executed by Brienne of Tarth.
Brienne confirms that she executed him in Season 6. S5,E10

Myranda is thrown from the ramparts to her death by Theon Greyjoy just before she could shoot
Sansa. Ramsay feeds her corpse to the hounds in Season 6. S5,E10

Meryn Trant is stabbed in both eyes, stabbed multiple times in the torso, and gets his throat slit by
Arya Stark. S5,E10

Myrcella Baratheon is poisoned with a kiss from Ellaria Sand. S5,E10

Season Six

Areo Hotah is stabbed from behind by Tyene Sand as part of Ellaria's coup. S6,E1

Doran Martell is stabbed in the chest by Ellaria Sand as part of her coup. S6,E1

Maester Caleotte gets a dagger thrown to the back of his neck by Tyene Sand while running for his
life. S6,E1

Trystane Martell gets a spear impaled through the back of his head by Obara Sand just as he is about
to duel Nymeria. S6,E1

Roose Bolton is stabbed in the chest by Ramsay Bolton. S6,E2

Walda Bolton and her newborn son are devoured by Ramsay's hunting dogs. S6,E2

Balon Greyjoy is thrown from the bridge to his death by Euron Greyjoy. S6,E2

Shaggydog is killed off-screen by Smalljon Umber, his head is presented to Ramsay Bolton as a
gift. S6,E3

Alliser Thorne, Othell Yarwyck, Bowen Marsh, and Olly are hanged by the neck as punishment for
their part in the mutiny by Jon Snow. S6,E3

Iggo has his neck snapped by Daario Naharis. S6,E4

Aggo is stabbed in the back of the head by Daario Naharis as he was strangling Jorah. His head was
crushed with a rock to cover the stabbing. S6,E4
Osha is stabbed in the neck by Ramsay Bolton after attempting to kill him. S6,E4

Khal Moro and the rest of the Khalasar are burned alive in the Temple of the Dosh Khaleen by
Daenerys Targaryen. S6,E4

Summer is quickly stabbed to death by the wights, allowing time for Bran and the others to
escape. S6,E5

The Three-Eyed Raven is cut down by the Night King, while in Bran's vision. S6,E5

Leaf sacrifices herself to allow Bran and the others to escape. She allows herself to be stabbed by
the wights and sets off a fireball to wipe out a multitude of them. S6,E5

Hodor stays behind to keep the wights from escaping the tree, allowing time for Meera and Bran to
flee. The wights tear up the door and begin clawing and stabbing him. S6,E5

Brother Ray is discovered by Sandor Clegane, hanged by the neck. We learned Lem Lemoncloak and
his men murdered him and his people. S6,E7

Steve is decapitated with an ax by Sandor Clegane. S6,E8

Riddell takes an ax to the chest be Sandor Clegane. S6,E8

Morgan gets his neck slashed with an ax by Sandor Clegane. S6,E8

Gatins takes an ax to the crotch, then the head by Sandor Clegane. S6,E8

Brynden "The Blackfish" Tully was killed off-screen by Jaime's forces. It was confirmed that he died
fighting. S6,E8

Lem Lemoncloak and two others were lynched by Sandor Clegane and Beric Dondarrion as
punishment for the massacre of Brother Rays group. S6,E8

Lady Crane is murdered in her home by the Waif. S6,E8

The Waif is killed off-screen by Arya Stark. Her face is cut off and added to the Hall of Faces. S6,E8

Belicho Paenymion and Razdal mo Araz get both their throats sliced open by Grey Worm after
attempting to offer Yezzan zo Qaggaz over to die. S6,E9

Rickon Stark gets shot with an arrow by Ramsay Bolton while attempting to run across the
battlefield and reunite with Jon Snow. S6,E9

Smalljon Umber is bitten in the neck and then stabbed repeatedly in the face by Tormund
Giantsbane. S6,E9

Harald Karstark disappeared in the fray of battle. His status on whether he was captured or killed is
unknown. S6,E9

Wun Wun is riddled with spears and arrows from the battle. Ramsay Bolton puts him down with a
final arrow to the eye. S6,E9

Ramsay Bolton is severely beaten by Jon Snow, then tied up and left in the kennel at Winterfell,
where Sansa watches his starving dogs rip him apart. S6,E9

Grand Maester Pycelle is brutally stabbed to death by Qyburn's "Little Birds". S6,E10

Lancel Lannister chases a "Little Bird" through a cellar filled with wildfire, only to be stabbed in the
back by him. He crawls towards three candles each sitting in a separate puddle of wildfire. He
desperately tries to reach the candles, but one melts low enough that the flame ignites the wildfire,
destroying the Sept of Baelor and engulfing his body. S6,E10

The High Sparrow, Maergary Tyrell, Loras Tyrell, Mace Tyrell, Kevan Lannister, Boake, and a
multitude of people are burned to ash from the wildfire that was ignited underneath the
Sept. S6,E10

Septa Unella is strapped to a table by Cersei Lannister and left to the hands of Gregor Clegane, what
happens next is unknown. S6,E10

Tommen Baratheon hurls himself out of a window of the Red Keep after witnessing the Sept of
Baelor be destroyed by wildfire, which killed his wife, his extended family and the Faith.S6,E10

Lothar Frey and Black Walder Rivers are butchered off-screen by Arya Stark. They are put in a meat
pie and fed to Walder Frey. S6,E10

Walder Frey has his throat slit by Arya Stark as retribution for her family and the Northern Army,
shortly after discovering he ate his sons. S6,E10

Season Seven

Who had been resurrected from death on the show?

Beric Dondarrion was resurrected by Thoros of Myr. He was killed the first time by the Mountain,
and we saw Sandor Clegane kill him in combat. He was resurrected 7 times.

Gregor Clegane was revived in an experiment by Qyburn after suffering from poisonous wounds
inflicted by Oberyn Martell. He is never the same after that.

Jaqen H'ghar drinks a vial of poison in front of Arya Stark and the Waif as penance for Arya's actions,
but returns in the following season.

Jon Snow was resurrected by Melisandre, after being stabbed in a Mutiny by his fellow brothers.

Euron Greyjoy reawakened after being drowned in a ceremony by his brother Aeron.
Benjen Stark was resurrected by the Children of the Forest in the same manner they made the
Night's King, meaning he is stuck in the North until the Wall falls.

Credits:

IMDb

General

OVERVIEW

What is Game of Thrones?

Game of Thrones is HBO’s drama series based on the A Song of Ice and Fire book series written by
George R.R. Martin (GRRM).

What is A Song of Ice and Fire?

A Song of Ice and Fire (ASoIaF) is a medieval fantasy book series. The story is scheduled to span 7
books (five of which are currently published). The first book of the series bears the title A Game of
Thrones, which gave name to the tv series.

What is it about?

Without getting into too many details, it is basically about a realm called the Seven Kingdoms which
is going through a period of upheaval as different families and factions all attempt to gain control of
the throne. The tone is dark, gritty and realistic with characters that are neither inherently good or
evil. Although it is classified as a fantasy series, it is almost more historical in nature with the
fantastical elements few and far between (although they seem to be growing with each book).

Is there an official website for the series?

Indeed there is. HBO has launched an official Game of Thrones website as part of their portal. They
have also launched a production diary blog with sporadic updates. You can follow the official Twitter
account @GameOfThrones.

PRODUCTION

Who are the show runners for this series?

David Benioff and Dan (D. B.) Weiss are handling the show running duties, they are collaborating on
writing most of the episodes and are involved in all of the decision making on the show. HBO is
financing the series in full.

What about other people involved in the production of Game of Thrones?

The overview of the creative team, including the show runners, directors, art directors, and
production designers, together with their background and credits can be found at our Crew page.
All this sounds expensive. How can we know Game of Thrones won’t be canceled prematurely as
some previous HBO series?

We cannot, but it has been indicated that HBO regrets canceling some of their shows. More
specifically, they have not taken DVD and other sales (which created profit in the long run) into
account when calculating the bottom line. This means HBO is willing to give the new series more
time to justify the investment.

I really want to get a part in this show! What do I need to do?

If you are a working actor with an agent, have your agent submit your info to the casting directors
(Nina Gold is the series casting director) and hope they call you in for an audition. In rare cases,
there are open auditions for a role. If you don’t have an agent you will have to try for an extra. Extras
NI is the agency that will be supplying the extras, you can sign up with them and hope to get on. You
have to live in Northern Ireland to join, however.

What if I just want to work as a PA or intern or guy-who-runs-out-to-get-coffee?

Most likely they will be hiring these folks locally. If you live in the Belfast area you might want to
contact the local production office (set in the Paint Hall) and see if they are hiring any on-set PA’s or
interns.

ADAPTATION

How does HBO plan to adapt the series?

HBO plans to tell the entire saga as Martin wrote it. Seasons one and two largely corresponded to
the story in books one and two, respectively, but those lines will by necessity get more blurry in the
future. Each season will contain 10 episodes, and the showrunners have stated they are adapting the
story as a whole, and not individual volumes.

Is George R. R. Martin involved in the making of the television adaptation?

Martin is executive producer on the project but he is not involved with the day-to-day production of
the show. He is, however, reviewing audition tapes, and he plans on writing one episode each
season. In addition, he gets consulted on certain crucial plot issues.

How do we know this series won’t stray far from the books and end up like Legend of the Seeker?

First off, Martin is involved with the television adaptation, whereas Goodkind is not. Also, the show
runners have stated they want to stay true to the original story and the first season confirmed that.
Furthermore, Martin has always said his series would only really work on television and only on a
pay network such as HBO as they can get away with showing the darker aspects of his books
(violence and sex/nudity) much more than your average US cable or broadcast network. All of these
factors leads one to believe this TV adaption will continue to remain faithful to the source material.

Since A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons are basically two parts to one book, will they
film those books as one season?

It is assumed that they would merge those two books and tell the story contained within them
chronologically over two seasons. It stands to reason the producers would not want to suspend half
the plotlines and thus half the characters for an entire season.

Does the adaptation follow the point-of-view structure of the books?

No, the show does not stick to that structure and its limitations. We get to see scenes that did not
appear in the book due to there not being any POV characters present.

Do the ages of the characters remain consistent with the ages of the characters in the books?

No, many of the younger characters were aged up a few years. This was done for a couple of
reasons. One was to make some of the scenes more believable and palatable to a general audience.
Indeed, Martin himself has stated he wished he could go back and make many of the children older
at the start of the series. The other reason for this decision was a logistical one. Actors that are
minors are restricted in the number of hours they can work on set. Not to mention, finding good
child actors can be difficult.

Are we going to see flashbacks of the events taking place before the beginning of the first book?

The show steers clear from the use of this device, and prefers to present the back story by means of
different characters serving as narrators, giving us their own take on the history, much like in the
books.

Is the budget big enough to film the battles and other epic elements properly?

There are several factors contributing to HBO getting more for their money because the filming
locations chosen (see below) came with certain financial incentives. Read some details of budgetary
issues here and here. This contributed to the appropriate epic feel of the show. The two battles in
season one (the Green Fork and the Whispering Woods), however, were not shown on screen, even
though they are depicted from a limited perspective in the books. In contrast, the Battle of
Blackwater was the centrepiece of season two.

How are they handling the direwolves?

Dogs of the Nothern Inuit breed have been used to stand for young direwolves at different ages.
These dogs have been bred to resemble wolves in appearance and trace their ancestry to Siberian
Huskies, Alaskan Malamuts, and German Shepherds, among others. Also, a prop of a female direwolf
carcass was used in the scene where the direwolf pups are found. The producers turned to CGI-
enhanced wolves to depict adult direwolves in future seasons.

What about the different languages in the world of ASoIaF?

British English (with some of its dialectal varieties) represents the common tongue of Westeros. The
Dothraki language was created for the series by David J. Peterson of the Language Creation Society,
fully developing the Dothraki fragments from the books. The production will follow suit with other
invented languages appearing in the series.

Season One

SCRIPTING

How long is the first season?

It consists of 10 one-hour episodes.

Who wrote the scripts for the series?

The pilot episode (and the eventual first episode as adapted and reshot later) was written by David
Benioff and Dan (D. B.) Weiss. Bryan Cogman wrote episode four, Jane Espenson episode six, while
GRRM is the author of episode eight. The rest of the episodes were covered by Benioff and Weiss.

What part of the story does the show premiere encompass?

The first episode opens with the prologue of A Game of Thrones and ends with the infamous line
“the things I do for love”. It also encompasses the scene of the wedding, which in the book comes
later.

What about the other nine episodes?

The remaining episodes, of course, cover the remainder of the first book. A scene from the
beginning of the second book has been included, namely the one introducing the characters of Hot
Pie and Lommy Greenhands. See our Season One episode guide for details.

CASTING

Who have they cast?

You can see the full cast list of season one here. Among the established names cast in the series are
Sean Bean (as Eddard Stark), Peter Dinklage (as Tyrion Lannister), Charles Dance (as Tywin
Lannister), Lena Headey (as Cersei Lannister), Aidan Gillen (as Petyr ‘Littlefinger’ Baelish), Peter
Vaughan (as Maester Aemon), Mark Addy (as Robert Baratheon), and Jason Momoa (as Khal Drogo).

Were there recasts following the pilot episode shoot?

Two major roles were recast. Michelle Fairley replaced Jennifer Ehle in the role of Catelyn Stark, and
Emilia Clarke replaced Tamzin Merchant as Daenerys Targaryen. This necessitated substantial
reshoots of the pilot material. In addition, they decided to reshoot the prologue, and due to
scheduling conflicts, two of the three brothers of the Night’s Watch (originally played by Jamie
Campbell Bower and Richard Ridings) were recast. Several minor roles (in terms of the pilot) that
were filled by extras were also properly cast once the series was commissioned. Roy Dotrice was
announced to play the role of Grand Maester Pycelle before the first season started shooting, but
soon after the role was recast with Julian Glover as Dotrice had to withdraw due to medical reasons.
In a similar fashion Owen Teale replaced the previously announced Derek Halligan in the role of
Alliser Thorne.

Does my favourite minor character appear in the series?

The chances are good. While there were necessarily cuts done in the process of adaptation, these
were limited to the more obscure characters. Some minor roles were backgrounded/demoted to
featured extras. Others were shuffled to first appear on screen in future seasons.

FILMING

When did they film the first season Game of Thrones?

The filming of the pilot started on October 24, 2009 and concluded on November 18, 2009. The
filming of the first season started on July 23, 2010, and lasted until December 16, 2010 (about 21
weeks / 5 months in total).

Where was it filmed?

They filmed the pilot in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Morocco. Morocco, where they shot the
Daenerys scenes for the pilot, was replaced by Malta (King’s Landing exteriors were also shot there),
and the location in Scotland (Castle Doune) was dropped. Sets were built in the Paint Hall studios in
Belfast, where Game of Thrones is using all of the available facilities at the moment. A Castle Black
set was built in the abandoned Magheramorne quarry in Northern Ireland, and the production used
several other locations around Northern Ireland. We have created a map of filming locations with all
the known details.

Who directed it?

Five directors were involved with the first season. The pilot was directed by Thomas McCarthy. The
ten episodes of the season (i.e. including the pilot reshoot) were helmed by Brian Kirk, Alan Taylor,
Daniel Minahan, and Timothy Van Patten, all HBO veterans. This post gives the division of labor
between the four of them.

VIEWER EXPERIENCE

When did the first season air?

The first season of the show originally ran on HBO between April 17 and June 19, 2011.

Is there a teaser or a trailer to watch?

Several teasers, trailers, behind-the-scene videos, as well as character introduction featurettes were
released prior to the premiere. You can find all official Game of Thrones videos in our media library.
Two weeks before the premiere, HBO aired a preview of the first 14 minutes of the show.

Is there a soundtrack of the show available?

Yes, you can either get hold of Ramin Djawadi’s score on iTunes or buy the CD edition.

Will I be able to buy episodes of Game on Thrones through any on-demand online service like
iTunes without subscribing to HBO?

Unfortunately, no. Deals with broadcasting partners abroad prevent HBO from implementing any
such arrangement. HBO’s new subscriber service HBO GO allows you to watch all the episodes of
their shows on demand. HBO makes episodes of their shows available on iTunes for download, but
not before they had been released on DVD/BluRay.

So when are we getting the DVD/BluRay boxset of the first season?

The boxset released on March 5, 2012, in the UK and a day later in the States.

Season Two

SCRIPTING

How long is the second season going to be?

The second season will be 10 episodes long, same as the opening one.

Is GRRM writing another episode this season?

He took on the writing of episode nine, entitled Blackwater.

What about other writers for season two?

David Benioff and Dan Weiss will be handling most of the writing duties again. Bryan Cogman will
also be writing an episode (203), and Vanessa Taylor joined the writing team for two episodes in
season two (204 and 206).

Is the show changing its name to Clash of Kings for season two?

No way, that is not how it works, what with everything HBO invested into branding and name
recognition. The show remains to be called Game of Thrones.

CASTING

Who have they cast?

The season two cast includes Carice van Houten (as Melisandre), Stephen Dillane (as Stannis
Baratheon), Liam Cunningham (as Davos Seaworth), Natalie Dormer (as Margaery Tyrell), and
Gwendoline Christie (as Brienne). Check the full list of confirmed season two new cast and
characters here.

FILMING

When was the second season filmed?

Principal photography started on July 25, 2011, and concluded on December 11, 2011 (about 20
weeks / 4 and a half months in total).

Where did they film it?

They filmed the second season in three countries. Northern Ireland remained the principal location.
Croatia, specifically Dubrovnik and the area, was a new location for season two. The filming there
concluded in mid-October. The third location, also new, was Iceland, and the filming there took
place at the end of November and in the beginning of December. The production will not be
returning to Malta. Check out our map of filming locations for details.

Who directed it?

Alan Taylor has been signed on to helm four more episodes this season. Neil Marshall is going to
direct Blackwater, the GRRM-penned episode nine. There are three more directors this year,
bringing the total to five: David Nutter, David Petrarca, and Alik Sakharov (who was a
cinematographer on season one). You can find the full director breakdown for Season 2 here.

VIEWER EXPERIENCE

When did the second season air?

Season two premiered on HBO on April 1, 2012, and concluded on June 3, 2012.

Is there a soundtrack of the show available?

Yes, the soundtrack by Ramin Djawadi has been available since June 2012.

When are the DVD/BluRay boxsets coming?

The boxset release date has been set for February 19, 2013 in the US. In the UK, the release date is
March 4. However, you can buy a digital copy of season two via the media service blinkbox in the UK
already now.
Season Three

SCRIPTING

Who are the writers for season three?

The writing team for the 10-episode season three has remained unchanged from season two: David
Benioff and Dan Weiss, George R.R. Martin, Bryan Cogman, and Vanessa Taylor. Here you can find
the lineup by episode.

Which episode is George writing in season three?

This year, GRRM is writing episode seven. The working title of the episode was Autumn Storms,
which eventually changed to Chains.

CASTING

Who have they cast?

The cast of season three includes Diana Rigg (as Olenna Tyrell, the Queen of Thorns), Iwan Rheon (as
Boy, probably Ramsay Snow), and Ciáran Hinds (as Mance Rayder). Check out the full list of new
season three cast and characters here.

FILMING

When did the third season filming take place?

Principal photograpy started on July 9, 2012, and wrapped on November 24, 2012 (that is a total of
20 weeks/4 and a half months).

Where were they filming?

The list of locations is expanding again this year. Morocco was added to Northern Ireland, Iceland,
and Croatia; the show returned there for the first time after the pilot shoot. Two additional days
were shot later in January 2013 in LA, making the US the 5th country S3 was filmed in. Visit
our filming map for more details.

Who directed the episodes this year?

David & Dan are stepping into director shoes for the first time this season. Dan Minahan, David
Nutter, and Alik Sakharov return to direct more episodes. Two new directors joining the team are
Alex Graves and Michelle MacLaren. Here you can find the full S3 lineup broken down by episode.

Credits:

Winter is coming