Game of Thrones is an eight season tv show that is based on the books written by George R. R. Martin. Despite the book series not being finished, the show that was watched around the world came to an end in 2019. The show is filled with so many different characters, some with the weirdest names that it is hard to follow at first, but as I tell everyone that begins to watch it, just keep pushing through, and you'll get hooked. This show makes the audience fall in love with characters, but unlike so many others today, the writers have no qualms about killing off your favorites without a second thought. My dad gave me some advice before I started watching that I wish I had listened to. He told me to not become emotionally invested in any character, whether they are the protagonist or not because they will more than likely be killed off. The lands of Westeros were not the same after these deaths within the show, and every time I rewatch the show, I get hurt all over again. Also, major spoilers are ahead for those who have not watched.
Ned Stark
To kick off this list, I decided to go with the classic Ned Stark death that still shakes everyone to their cores when they watch season one, episode nine. No one could have seen it coming, especially when an escape plan seemed so close, yet so far. Being beheaded on the orders of his best friend's son (but not even really his son technically) hits close to home for everyone. His death is felt throughout the rest of the seasons by all of his children, as well as the audience.
Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen's death still makes me incredibly angry. Her untimely end in season eight, episode six came as a shock to everyone, since the whole season was arguably terrible. The worst part about it was that Jon Snow was the one that did it. I guess many people could argue that it was justified after she burned a whole city down, but that part was completely out of the blue as well. I could go on and on about this horror that is the death of Daenerys, but I won't, just for everyone's sake.
Jon Snow (kind of)
Jon Snow's death doesn't really count, technically, but it felt real whenever we were all watching the end of season five. It still tears me up to watch him get stabbed countless times by guys who were supposed to be on his side, following his lead, so that's why it's ranked number three in my top ten deaths.
Jorah Mormont
My sweet, perfect, amazing Jorah Mormont. Arguably one of the best characters just because of the way he treated Daenerys, and the way he died for her during the battle between humans and white walkers. Jorah was one of the good ones and stood by her side from day one, so watching her sob while holding his corpse was as painful as can be.
Lyanna Mormont
Lyanna is one of the worst deaths that Game of Thrones did to us. The little girl was as amazing as they come, with her leadership and power at such a young age. She was ferocious, and she fought until the end, swearing her loyalty to the Starks and vowing not to give up. Watching her small body get crushed by a wight giant was painful, but the fact she stabbed it in the eye with dragonglass before her death was the most perfect way to end her character.
Oberyn Martell
The Red Viper was the perfect example of what people are like in Dorne, a country that has never been a part of Westeros and could never be ruled by any king in King's Landing. In season 4, episode 8, Oberyn represented Tyrion in his trial by combat and dueled against the Mountain, who had previously killed his sister, so his much-wanted revenge was warranted. Unfortunately, he did not win the duel and was killed. His presence was sorely missed on the show with his fiery character.
Hodor
I do not think I really even need to explain why the death of Hodor is on this list. Hodor was one of the most beloved characters that had ever been shown onscreen in the show. Especially since he was so devoted to Bran and died trying to protect him in season six, episode five. We finally learned his origin story and the reason his name is Hodor, which definitely was a tearjerker as he took his last breath onscreen.
Missandei
Missandei was one of Daenerys' most trusted advisors, and soon became a fan favorite because of the way she stood with Daenerys while she rose to power. She was young and incredibly smart and lived her entire life in slavery before being freed by Daenerys. Her death hurt us since she was so close to reaching her perfect life before being put in chains by Cersei Lannister and then beheaded by the Mountain in season eight, episode four.
Robb Stark
Robb Stark had so much potential, not to mention how good looking he was. He was nice to watch on screen, but his time was cut short as the Rains of Castamere played whilst being shot at with arrows and being struck in the heart. It is a tearjerker to watch in season three, episode nine, The Red Wedding, but Robb had it coming for him. I mean, he did go back on his word to Walder Frey, who aided him in his war efforts, by not marrying Frey's daughter after the war. Regardless of what the problem was, I do not agree that the solution was to kill Robb and all the rest of the Starks present at the wedding along with him.
Khal Drogo
Khal Drogo could have been such a good character with how good he was to Daenerys in the end of season one, but his death was understandable. In season one, episode ten, we see the khal's body being burned as a Dothraki tradition, while Daenerys is filled with sadness and grief over it, she walks into the fire that is taking over her late husband's body. After this happened, the episode ended with Daenerys being found in the ashes of the fire with three small dragons that had been birthed during the fire. His death was one that had to happen simply because Daenerys would have never been able to find her own path and find her way to the Iron Throne.
It was hard to decide these in a specific order because they all hurt regardless of where they are placed on my list. Game of Thrones is an amazing, well-made show that I think everyone should watch if they can handle a little bit of gore here and there. It is truly addicting, and even writing this has made me want to go back and watch it all over again from the beginning. It has such good storylines for every character, and they really leave no room for imagination, tying everything together eventually in the end. My only word of advice would be to not watch the very last season because it will only disappoint you, but do what you feel you must do.
Also, remember, winter is coming.
