In Game of Thrones, fans watch as kingdoms are torn apart from the inside, monsters descend down upon the lands of the living, and murder and betrayal become commonplace. Yet the heart of the show lies in the characters, many of whom viewers come to care about deeply.
In such a harsh world, it is no surprise then that many of these characters are forced to fight for their honor, their families, and often their own lives. Game of Thrones is not a show that shies away from turning these situations against viewers' hearts, and many times has left fans in shock when things do not go well for their favorites.
8 The First Time Ned Stark Was Stabbed In The Back
Viewers did not have to wait long into the show's first season before things started turning against their heroes. Even the first few episodes were quick to demonstrate that, and one of the first examples of this was when Ned Stark was ambushed by Lannister men led by Ser Jaime, who wanted revenge for the capture of his brother by Ned's wife, Catelyn.
What ensued was a pitched battle in the streets of King's Landing, where Ned and a few of his Stark men were set upon by superior numbers and forced to fight for their lives. Ultimately, Ned's men were killed while he battled with Jaime, and Ned was struck from behind in what was only the first of many dishonorable acts committed by those who serve House Lannister.
7 Brienne Is Good, But Arya Is Better
Late in the final season, fans are treated to a reunion between Brienne of Tarth and Arya Stark. Brienne had been tasked with finding Arya and bringing her back to her family several seasons earlier, but Arya's story took the girl in a much different direction. When they meet in Winterfell, Arya has changed significantly since her time as the partner of the irritable Sandor Clegane.
The young girl was now a skilled and deadly fighter, capable of killing without hesitation and having done so on more than one occasion. As they square off in a friendly duel of skill, the two women battle each other to a tie. Most fans would agree, however, that if this were a duel to the death, 'no one' would be walking away from it alive.
6 Syrio Deserved A Death Befitting The First Sword Of Braavos
Though the former First Sword of Braavos plays only a small role in the first season, the character is beloved by fans for his flair, and more importantly for the fact that he is the one who starts Arya on her warrior's path. Though they may have called them 'dancing lessons,' the skills Syrio taught the young Stark helped keep her alive after she lost everything.
The story of Syrio Forel ends deep within the Red Keep when Ser Meryn Trant of the Kingsguard and several Lannister men come to take Arya away and Syrio defends her escape with a wooden practice sword. Despite his death occurring off-screen, all fans can agree that the First Sword of Braavos deserved better than to die at the hands of the wicked Meryn Trant.
5 Lyanna Mormont Could Tangle With Giants
Few characters introduced in the later seasons earned the same level of love from the fans as the small but confidant Lyanna of House Mormont. None could fault her fierceness or bravery, and they were both on full display during the battle of Winterfell, where she led the defense of the courtyard against the Night King's forces.
As the walls were breached Lyanna came face to face with a giant wight, which crushed the young woman in its massive grasp, but not before she shoved a Dragonglass dagger into its eye, killing it as she died. Though it was an honorable death befitting House Mormont, most fans would rather have had the Lady of Bear Island walk away from that fight alive.
4 Arthur Dayne Had Ned Stark Outmatched
Though there are many epic duels that take place throughout the history of Westeros, most of them are only known through the stories the characters tell. However, with Bran's ability to see into the past, fans are able to witness events that took place long before the show picks up, including those at the Tower of Joy at the end of Robert's Rebellion.
Here we see Ned Stark and six of his bannermen facing off against three of the Kingsguard, including the famed Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. Ned should certainly have died there, as he was facing the greatest warrior of his time, and he would have if not for the actions of Howland Reed, who struck the Sword of the Morning from behind.
3 Jon Snow Could Have Slain Viserion
Jon Snow was always portrayed as one of the main characters of the show. He was the viewer's main look into the threat portrayed by the White Walkers, which was where the show quite literally started. However, though Jon had many epic moments in the final seasons, his role in the Battle of Winterfell left many fans wanting more.
As he was chased through the castle by the undead dragon Viserion, Jon barely escaped with his life. Yet he was still armed with his Valyrian steel sword, and instead of having the dragon drop dead with the death of the Night King, seeing Jon slay the dragon would have been much more satisfying.
2 The Hound Was In The Right
The duel between Brienne and the Hound is one where most fans didn't want either of the parties involved to lose; Brienne had developed into a fascinating character by this point, and the Hound was beloved by fans despite his harsh demeanor (or perhaps because of it).
This battle between two titans was a highlight of the show, demonstrating just how brutal such a fight would be. However, while both characters are held in high regard by fans, most would agree that Sandor had the right of it when he said, "there's no safety," after what happened to Arya's family.
1 The Red Viper Deserved Better
Few scenes in the entire series are held in such painful regard by fans as the battle between Oberyn Martell and Gregor Clegane. The Red Viper came onto the scene and immediately won viewers over with his suave, his style, and his cunning. Even more, he had a plan for revenge against one of the most hated and feared people in Westeros, the Ser Gregor the Mountain.
The duel itself was epic. The heavily armed and armored giant facing off against the agile and swift Dornishman. Despite the odds, Oberyn won against his terrifying foe... or at least, he should have. Instead, in a moment of foolish arrogance, he ended up getting his head smashed like a watermelon, to the horror of everyone watching.