‘Game of Thrones’: Most Emotional Deaths in the HBO Series

The world of Game of Thrones is a dangerous place where survival isn’t guaranteed. With high stakes and constant threats – from dragons to White Walkers – many characters meet gruesome ends. While some deaths might be satisfying (like Joffrey Baratheon’s), others are truly heartbreaking and leave viewers deeply saddened.

Like any great show, Game of Thrones had many character deaths that affected viewers, though some were more debated than others. Here’s a look at 12 of the most emotionally powerful deaths from the series, ranked from the least upsetting to the most heartbreaking.

Lady – Season 1, Episode 2, “The Kingsroad”

HBO

At the beginning of the story, each of the Stark children receives a direwolf, and Sansa names hers Lady. Lady lives up to her name, being the most gentle of all the direwolves. She grows quickly and travels with Sansa, Arya, and Ned to King’s Landing. Sadly, Lady is killed as a result of an incident where Arya’s direwolf, Nymeria, bites Joffrey. Cersei Lannister insists on punishment, and Ned Stark makes the difficult decision to kill Lady himself, believing it’s a more honorable end than letting the executioner, Ilyn Payne, do it. (It’s a small comfort that Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa, actually adopted the dog used for Lady in real life.)

Lady’s death deeply saddened animal lovers everywhere, and sadly illustrates how innocent creatures often suffer because of human actions. It’s a reminder that we don’t deserve the pure love they offer. In terms of the story, this event is a pivotal moment for Sansa and Joffrey. Sansa finally sees Joffrey’s true nature, and understands what he’s really like.

Myrcella Baratheon – Season 5, Episode 10, “Mother’s Mercy”

HBO

This is a heartbreaking example of an innocent person caught in a larger conflict. Ellaria Sand, fueled by Dorne’s long-held resentment towards the Lannisters, takes revenge after Cersei’s forces kill her lover, Oberyn Martell. She retaliates by poisoning Myrcella Baratheon, a kind and gentle girl who is nothing like her cruel brother, Joffrey, or her mother, Cersei. Myrcella doesn’t share the Lannister family’s ruthless traits, making her murder a senseless tragedy that highlights how easily children become victims in adult conflicts, treated as expendable pieces in a dangerous game.

The moments before Myrcella’s death are particularly moving. She recognizes Jaime Lannister as her father and thanks him for being in her life, which is a rewarding moment for Jaime, allowing him to finally connect with her as a daughter. This makes her death, caused by Ellaria’s poison, even more heartbreaking.

Jorah Mormont – Season 8, Episode 3, “The Long Night”

HBO

Daenerys Targaryen has always kept a small, close group of people around her in Game of Thrones, and with good reason – being the Mother of Dragons isn’t easy! Luckily, she has the unwavering loyalty of Ser Jorah Mormont. He originally worked as a spy for Varys, hoping to earn a pardon and return home to Westeros, but quickly changed sides after recognizing Daenerys’s true character. For the rest of the series, Jorah remained steadfastly by her side, secretly in love with her but always prioritizing his duty.

Jorah dies fighting for Daenerys, and it seems he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. His death deeply affects Dany, marking the beginning of a series of losses for her in the final episodes of Season 8. It’s especially heartbreaking to watch because the audience knows how much his death devastates her.

Tommen Baratheon – Season 6, Episode 10, “The Winds of Winter”

HBO

Tommen Baratheon, much like his sister Myrcella, is known for his gentle and kind nature. He’s a welcome change from the harsh and unpredictable King Joffrey. And let’s not forget his adorable cat, Ser Pounce! Sadly, Tommen is simply too innocent to survive in the ruthless world of Westeros.

The season finale of Season 6 culminates in Cersei enacting her long-planned revenge, eliminating the Tyrell family – Margaery, Loras, and Mace. Devastated and realizing his mother was responsible for the destruction of the Great Sept, Tommen takes his own life. This shocking event is just one of many surprising twists in a dramatic episode, and it serves as a particularly tragic conclusion to the season.

Ned Stark – Season 1, Episode 9, “Baelor”

HBO

Ned Stark’s shocking execution, ordered by Cersei, sets off a chain of deaths throughout the entire series. Many readers and viewers initially thought Ned was the main character, making his death a huge surprise. Author George R.R. Martin intentionally defied expectations by killing off the presumed hero, which then allowed other characters, like Jon Snow, to step forward and become central figures.

This act intensifies Arya’s quest for revenge, marking Cersei as her next target. It also sets in motion major developments for the rest of the Stark family: the people of the North declare Robb their King, and Sansa understands she’s in danger and can no longer remain safe in King’s Landing.

Daenerys Targaryen – Season 8, Episode 6, “The Iron Throne”

HBO

Series finales often include character deaths, even beloved ones like Daenerys. And “The Iron Throne” is definitely one of the most debated and frustrating finales ever. While the final season wasn’t perfectly executed, it’s understandable why Daenerys acted as she did – she’d lost everything. However, the ending felt rushed, making the story’s progression feel unbelievable. But let’s move on from that point.

Daenerys’ death is a powerful and upsetting moment, made even more heartbreaking when Drogon, the last dragon, carries her body back to the ancient ruins of Old Valyria. While emotionally impactful, it’s frustrating to see Jon kill her – it feels like they could have resolved things through conversation. Daenerys Targaryen absolutely deserves to be remembered as one of the most significant characters, but her death ultimately feels more infuriating than sad.

Hodor – Season 6, Episode 5, “The Door”

HBO

Hodor, the ever-faithful Stark servant, meets a heartbreaking end in Season 6 of Game of Thrones. The episode reveals his origins and explains the story behind his name. The phrase “Hold the door” became incredibly emotional for viewers, prompting many to cry. The plot takes a surprising turn when it’s revealed that Bran Stark is actually responsible for Hodor’s (born Wylis) condition throughout the series, creating a complex and tragic connection.

Hodor’s death is especially heartbreaking because he sacrifices himself to save Meera and Bran, holding the door against the wights. He dies a true hero, and it’s always toughest when genuinely kind characters suffer. Thankfully, the show also eliminates the villains, suggesting a need for balance in the world – a principle seemingly upheld by both the old and new gods.

Ygritte – Season 4, Episode 9, “The Watchers on the Wall”

HBO

Jon Snow may not have all the answers, but he definitely knows how to win over a wildling’s heart. Ygritte is clearly the love of his life, and their connection is obvious from the start. Even though she initially distrusts people from south of the Wall, she begins to care for Jon, and he realizes that the free folk aren’t the villains everyone believes them to be. It just goes to show what can happen when you put aside your prejudices and embrace understanding.

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Ygritte’s death is especially devastating for Jon, given everything he’s already been through. He feels like he’s lost everyone he cares about, and Ygritte was the one thing keeping him grounded. Her loss is a painful reminder of their time together – she briefly remembers a happy moment they shared, wishing they could have stayed in that carefree place. It’s a moment of regret and longing.

Missandei – Season 8, Episode 4, “The Last of the Starks”

HBO

Missandei of Naath truly deserved a happier ending in Game of Thrones. After Daenerys rescued her, Missandei remained fiercely loyal, always at Dany’s side, much like Jorah. It felt deeply unfair that she died by Cersei’s hand instead of returning home with Grey Worm as they’d hoped. Many fans believe Missandei’s death was the moment Daenerys fully abandoned diplomacy and embraced destruction – her expression after witnessing the murder clearly showed she was ready to take King’s Landing by any means necessary.

Missandei’s death was particularly upsetting for viewers, as we’d seen her sweet relationship with Grey Worm develop over time. She was a genuinely kind character who strongly believed in Daenerys’s mission. Grey Worm’s journey to Naath to remember her after everything that happened felt like another heartbreaking moment.

Theon Greyjoy – Season 8, Episode 3, “The Long Night”

HBO

Theon Greyjoy’s story in Game of Thrones is one of the most compelling. He begins as a confident, almost arrogant, young man under Ned Stark’s care, but later becomes a villain. After enduring horrific torture by Ramsay Bolton, Theon transforms into a hero, rescuing Sansa and ultimately giving his life to protect Bran, someone he deeply hurt earlier in the series. It’s a complete and satisfying story of redemption, and a thoughtful exploration of who we are.

The story takes viewers on an emotional journey, swinging between disgust and sympathy for this complex character. Ultimately, Theon proves to be a good person, recognizing the Starks as his real family. Though his death is deeply moving, it’s a noble one, as he dies defending the people he cares about.

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2026-01-25 19:21