Another season of Game of Thrones has come to an end. There have been twists, turns, controversy and spectacle. Even fans of the books aren’t sure what to expect going forward. Sadly, many of our favourites didn’t make it out alive. Now that we’ve had some time to reflect, let’s take a look back at the 10 biggest WTF deaths of season 4. Spoilers galore!
(HBO)
10. Polliver (Episode 1): When Arya and The Hound walked into the tavern, you knew someone was in a world of trouble. Polliver (the Lannister man-at-arms who killed poor Lommy in season 2) tries to recruit The Hound, but the Lannisters aren’t the only ones who pay their debts. Arya shows us just how badass she can be and holds her own against a room full of trained soldiers. She retrieves her trusty sword, Needle, and proceeds to stab the man slowly and methodically through the throat. It’s absolutely chilling.
(HBO/Tumblr)
(HBO/Tumblr)
9. Karl Tanner (Episode 5): People say there are no black and white characters on Game of Thrones but Karl Tanner (played by Burn Gorman) might be the exception to the rule. He killed. He raped. He even drank wine from Jeor Mormont’s skull. The leader of the Night’s Watch deserters was creepy, controlling, and continuously making our stomachs turn. Jon Snow put an end to all that by shoving Mormont’s sword (Longclaw) through his skull. How’s that for karma?
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8. Lysa (Episode 7): Oh Littlefinger, what are you up to? After marrying Lady Lysa Arryn (and some loud, awkward sex), Petyr gets right down to business. He can’t have his new wife threatening Sansa and ruining all of his plans. As she stands at the edge of the Moon Door, Baelish confesses that he has only ever loved one person, her sister. Taking a page from Jaime Lannister, Littlefinger pushes her through the door and watches her fall. The things we do for love.
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7. Shae (Episode 10): Episode 10 was a bloodbath and Shae is the first casualty on our list. We find our favourite funny whore in quite a compromising position at the end of season 4. She’s lounging on Tywin’s bed when Tyrion creeps in, fresh from his prison escape. A distraught and angry Tyrion does the (not so) logical thing and strangles her to death with a gold chain. Then he apologizes…because that makes it better.
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6. Jojen (Episode 10): If someone had told you that Jojen Reed was going to be killed by evil skeletons this season, would you have believed them? Apparently, Bran’s psychic friend knew all along. Still, that doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking.
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5. Ygritte (Episode 9): Goodbye Ygritte. We’re going to miss your snark. This love story was never going to have a happy ending (but we can dream, right?). In the hour-long battle at the wall, Ygritte took down more than her fair share of black brothers. When she comes face-to-face with Jon Snow, she hesitates. That’s enough time for the youngest kid on the wall to make a kill shot. She dies in Jon’s arms
Honourable Mention to the rest of the Night’s Watch crew (HBO/Gameofgifs)
4. The Hound (Episode 10): Season 4 was a good year for fans of Sandor Clegane. We saw a lot of him as he travelled through the realm with his sometimes hostage/sometimes friend Arya. Too bad it all had to end. In a divergence from the book, The Hound and Arya are found by Brienne and Pod. Brienne tries to persuade Arya to come with her but the Hound won’t have it. The two fight, and while it seems evenly matched at the beginning, Brienne gets the upper hand and The Hound tumbles down the rock face. When Arya find him, he’s battered, bleeding, and asking for death. Arya won’t comply and simply walks away, leaving Sandor to suffer his final moment alone.
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3. Tywin (Episode 10): Tywin Lannister was a force to be reckoned with, plain and simple. Everyone feared him. He saw the downfall of kings, orchestrated the Red Wedding, and basically ruled Westeros. And like another famous king, he died on the toilet.
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2. Joffrey (Episode 2): The death we were all waiting for finally happened! The crossbow-wielding, torture-loving, battle-deserting King Joffrey died, clawing at his throat at his own wedding. Guests watched as he convulsed on the ground. Only Cersei seemed completely distraught. Some fans wanted a more painful and gruesome ending to this atrocious character. You know people loathe someone when they don’t think a Game of Thrones death is graphic enough.
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1. The Red Viper (Episode 8): In episode 1, we are introduced to Oberyn Martell, Prince of Dorne. He’s dangerous, sexy, and has come to King’s Landing for a single purpose – he seeks revenge for his sister’s death. In episode 8 he has his chance and volunteers to be Tyrion’s champion. His opponent is none other than Gregor Clegane (The Mountain) and the man responsible for the rape and murder of his sister and her children. Oberyn looks poised to win and has The Mountain on the ground, but instead on finishing him he demands to know who ordered the murders. He wants a confession and won’t stop until he gets one. Quickly, the tables are turned and The Mountain uses his last bit of strength to force Oberyn to the ground. He confesses while crushing Oberyn’s skull into dust with his bare hands. There’s no coming back from that…as the Red Viper or as the audience.
We feel the same way, Ellaria
(HBO/Tywins)
