10 saddest deaths of all time in Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones, the television adaptation of George R. R. Martin's novel A Song of Ice and Fire seemed to strike a place in the hearts of fantasy story lovers all over with its detailed plot and character development. Most noticeable in the show is its willingness to kill off main characters, usually out of nowhere and almost always violently.

Westeros is not a forgiving world, so the frequently fatal nature of people in this series is just par for the course.

Ned Stark, and 9 other saddest deaths in Game of Thrones

1. Shireen Baratheon

Shireen Baratheon (image via HBO Entertainment)

Shireen Baratheon was the daughter of Stannis Baratheon and Selyse Baratheon who met a tragic end in Game of Thrones. Melisandre, the red priestess, convinced Shireen's parents to sacrifice her to melt the snow and change Stannis’ fate.

In Season 5, Episode 9, titled The Dance of Dragons, she was burned alive by Melisandre as a sacrifice to the Lord of Light.

2. The Red Wedding murders (Lady Talisa, Catelyn & Robb Stark)

The infamous Red Wedding took place at the Twins in Season 3, Episode 9 titled, The Rains of Castamere. Robb, the king in the north, was betrayed and brutally murdered by the Freys and Boltons. He was shot multiple times by crossbow and then stabbed in the stomach by Roose Bolton.

His pregnant wife, Talisa, too was brutally stabbed to death, leaving him devasted and accepting his death. Robb's mother, Lady Catelyn Stark witnessed the deaths of her son and daughter-in-law. Filled with grief and desperation, she slit the throat of Walder Frey's wife.

However, she too faced her death at the Red Wedding when Roose Bolton stabbed her. Their deaths were a devastating turning point in the War of the Five Kings.

3. Missandei

Missandei was the loyal attendant and scribe to Daenerys Targaryen. She met her untimely and brutal death in Season 8, Episode 4, The Last of the Starks of Game of Thrones. She was captured by Cersei Lannister and put in chains. Ser Gregor Clegane, The Mountain, brutally beheaded her in front of Tyrion, Varys, Grey Worm (her lover), and Daenerys herself.

Her final words, "Dracarys", were addressed to Daenerys and Greyworm, marking the end of her slavery and liberation from this life. Missandei’s death was a tipping point for Daenerys. It pushed her beyond the brink, and she may no longer accept mere surrender from Cersei.

4. Theon Greyjoy

Theon’s journey was one of redemption. His past mistakes haunted him, but he found purpose in protecting Bran. His death was poignant and heroic. His final moments occurred during the Battle of Winterfell in Season 8, Episode 3 titled, The Long Night. He bravely defended Bran Stark but was ultimately killed by the Night King.

5. Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys Targaryen (image via Instagram)

Daenerys was the major character in the Game of Thrones series. She overcomes immense challenges throughout the eight seasons. Her transformation from a compassionate liberator to a ruthless conqueror was heartbreaking. She was killed by Jon Snow in Season 8, Episode 6 titled “The Iron Throne” of Game of Thrones.

After her descent into madness and the destruction of King’s Landing, Jon reluctantly stabbed her to prevent further bloodshed. Her death marked the end of her quest for the Iron Throne. Drogon burnt down the Iron Throne after her death and mournfully carried his mother's body to an unknown resting place.

6. Ser Jorah Mormont

Ser Jorah Mormont was an exiled knight who pledged fealty to Daenerys after fleeing Westeros. He bravely met his tragic end during the Battle of Winterfell in Season 8, Episode 3 of Game of Thrones. He fought bravely, defending Daenerys Targaryen from the relentless onslaught of the undead.

Unfortunately, he succumbed to his wounds, meeting his untimely death. His character development was marked by his loyalty and unrequited love for Daenerys.

7. Myrcella Lannister

Myrcella Lannister (Macall B. Polay/courtesy of HBO)

Myrcella was kind-hearted and innocent. Her death was a tragic consequence of the ongoing conflict between Dorne and House Baratheon. She was poisoned by Ellaria Sand in Season 5, Episode 10 titled “Mother’s Mercy” of Game of Thrones. She spent her final moments in Jaime Lannister’s arms.

8. Hodor

Hodor’s final moments occurred in Season 6, Episode 5 titled, “The Door” of Game of Thrones. Bran’s warning to young Hodor while in the past led to his mental breakdown, and he sacrifices himself to save Bran and Meera from wights.

Hodor’s backstory was heart-wrenching, and his final moments were both heroic and tragic. His name itself became synonymous with his sacrifice.

9. Ned Stark

Eddard (Ned) Stark (image via Instagram)

Ned was honorable, principled, and a loving father. His death was a pivotal yet shocking event and set the tone for the series. As the honorable warden of the North, he was falsely accused of treason by King Joffrey Baratheon. Despite being honest and loyal, his fate was the victim of the politics of King's Landing.

In Season 1, Episode 9 titled “Baelor” of Game of Thrones, he was publicly beheaded in the Great Sept of Baelor. His death started a chain of events throughout the seven kingdoms and altered the course of the series.

10. Oberyn Martell

Oberyn Martell ( The Red Viper of Dorne) image via Instagram

Prince Oberyn Martell, also known as the Red Viper of Dorne, died an untimely death during a trial by combat In Game of Thrones. In season 4, episode 8 titled, The Mountain and the Viper, Oberyn faced Ser Gregor Clegane, The Mountain, fighting for the trial of Tyrion Lannister.

He had the upper hand initially but was eventually overpowered by The Mountain, who confessed to assaulting and murdering Oberyn's sister before crushing his skull and giving him a brutal death.

Edited by Prem Deshpande