The Best Deaths in Game of Thrones

Coleman Molnar and Bianca Teixeira February 17, 2015

With the news that George RR Martin has sanctioned the producers of season five of Game of Thrones to kill off characters who are still alive in the books, we’re coming to the realization that nobody is safe from the HBO’s bloodlust, not even those of us who have read the books. To celebrate the fact that anyone and everyone is at risk, we’ve listed our favourite deaths in the series so far. And even if you’ve read the books and know what to expect, they’re still shocking.

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Game of Thrones event in Quebec city

To celebrate Game of Thrones season 4 coming out on Blu-Ray today (we’ll take any excuse) a few journalists were sent to the incredible Hotel du Glace in Quebec City. In addition to attending a GoT promotional party, we were also invited to spend the night in the hotel that is made of only ice and snow. To sleep, one had to be encased in a thick sleeping bag, to get warm one had to make a break for the outdoor hot tub and to find food one had to order pizza. Just like the plight of the Lannisters themselves. Almost.

The Mountain Vs. The Red Viper

Brienne Vs. Three Henchmen

Drogon the Dragon Vs. The Good Masters of Astapor

Viserys Targaryen Vs. Khal Drogo

Is it weird to call a death ‘premium’? How else can you describe being killed by having a bowl of molten gold poured over your head? Drogo even upped the game by declaring ‘A crown for a king’ right before.

Winner: Khal Drogo (for now)

Lannisters Vs. Starks

Also known as the Red Wedding. An event so upsetting, YouTube is filled with videos of people REACTING to it. Which is fair considering the scene included a dagger shoved into the belly of a pregnant woman, Roose Bolton stabbing Robb and Catelyn’s throat being slit. Gory to say the least.

Winner: Lord Frey

Joffrey Vs. Ned Stark

Sean Bean fans, take care: he never makes it out alive. Ever. Even when he plays a main character in a show that had literally just started. Bean’s Ned Stark confessed to treason, was betrayed by Joffrey and had his head chopped off. Or did he? The quick cut to black had most fans in disbelief. Until the next episode showed his head on a stick, that is.

Winner: Joffrey (for now)

Assassin Vs. Joffrey

Well, well, well. Look who wound up on the chopping block. For an insufferable little shit, King Joffrey made it pretty far in the series. His surprise death (by poisoning) at the end of season 4 was one that everyone had rooted for for years. The secrecy behind who actually did it led to Tyrion being mistakenly tried for murder.

Winner: Assassin

Khal Drogo Vs. Infection

No one ever expected mountain-of-a-man Drogo to be brought down by an infection caused by a cut. Of course, technically it was Danys who suffocated him to death after the witch mistakenly turned him into a vegetable but still. An infection.

Winner: Infection

Game of Thrones event in Quebec city

Tyrion Takes Vs. Shae and Tywin

Brienne Vs. Three Henchmen

If we didn’t have ample proof of Brienne’s propensity for sheer badassery before, watching her slowly insert her sword into the third guy while maintaining eye contact, pretty much completes the argument. We had no idea Jane Lynch could kick so much ass.

Drogon the Dragon Vs. The Good Master of Astapor

Watching Daeneyrs give the order to BBQ this slave master is like witnessing your team score in double overtime. Satisfying. The fire-breathing dragon on a leash is pretty awesome, but Daeneyrs find her stride here is the real reward. Ya, she’s multilingual. Your damn straight she’s going to free all the slaves. Oh, and you know she’s got two other dragons, too. No biggie.

Khal Drogo Vs. Infection

No one ever expected mountain-of-a-man Drogo to be brought down by an infection caused by a cut. Of course, technically it was Daenerys who suffocated him to death after the witch mistakenly turned him into a vegetable, but still. An infection.

Winner: Infection

Assassin Vs. Joffrey

Joffrey Vs. Ned Stark

The Mountain Vs. The Red Viper

Even if you’ve read the books and already know the outcome, we bet watching this scene makes you cringe. And like a horror movie that’s based on true events, the fact that the man who plays The Mountain, Icelandic strongman Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, could, in all likelihood, actually crush your head in like that makes it all the more chilling.

Lannisters Vs. Starks

Tyrion Vs. Shae and Tywin

Tyrion Lannister has Daddy issues, we all know that, but when he finds out his Daddy issues are connected to his Lady issues, he decides to take drastic measures. And since this is Game of Thrones, that means killing more central characters.

No man deserves to die with his pants down…except Tywin Lannister, that guy was a dick.

Viserys Targaryen Vs. Khal Drogo

When we met the whiny, petulant Viserys in season one, we knew we were going to enjoy watching him die. And the golden crown scene does not disappoint. Sorry Viserys, but in case you didn’t notice, Khal Drogo just doesn’t give a fuck.

Winner: Khal Drogo (for now)