Over the course of eight seasons, Game of Thrones gave fans one of the best television viewing experiences ever, and it’s all thanks to its complex and immersive storytelling.
Based on George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, the hit HBO series boasted several compelling storylines that fans followed for almost a decade.
Despite the final season ending on an underwhelming note, the show still gave us some of the most profound and unforgettable arcs that truly defined what Game of Thrones is all about. From unlikely allies to tragic fates, we’ve listed the five storylines that offered great plot depth.
5. Arya & The Hound Forged an Unexpected Friendship
Arya and The Hound’s bond was a surprising twist for the audience because their story evidently started on the wrong foot. Sandor Clegane kidnapped Arya in hopes of trading her for a ransom to the Starks, but what seemed like total opposites soon discovered a common denomina tor.
The beginning part of their journey even involved Arya including The Hound on her kill list, but the circumstances changed them both, and their final scene together proved how much they have grown. With The Hound being sympathetic to Arya and the latter giving up her desire for revenge, it was clear that they had an impact on each other’s lives.
4. Daenerys Courageously Conquered Astapor and Meereen
Daenerys’ journey from being sold as a bride to building an army was one great enterprise, and her skill as a leader was put to the test when she went to conquer Slaver’s Bay in hopes of liberating the slaves. Her initial plan was to fortify her defense, but circumstances led her to make it a crusade to end the brutal slave trade.
The endeavor did not come easily. She had to face the Wise Masters, endure Drogon’s stubbornness, and suffer the loss of Ser Barristan Selmy—all while attempting to subdue cities! Despite things not going exactly as planned, her efforts weren’t in vain. This entire journey alone was proof of just how powerful the Mother of Dragons was.
3. Tyrion Embodied the True Meaning of Resilience
Tyrion’s story is one of the most bittersweet among the main characters in Game of Thrones. Since the beginning, he was not favored by his family, although he managed to capture the hearts of fans because of his wit and humor. His greatest suffering came after he was framed for the murder of King Joffrey, and his escape from the gallows was a turning point in his arc.
He found company in Daenerys’ council, but the turn of events did not bode well for both of them. His betrayal led to the queen’s demise, but somehow, he survived that part of the story. Tyrion was someone who continued to prove that, despite his stature, he was not easily defeated.
2. Cersei Faced A Whirlwind of Triumphs & Defeats
Fans almost unanimously feel the same way about Cersei and her evil doings. From the beginning, she already bared her ruthless ways and wicked motives, and in between her grand schemes were celebrations of triumphs. She pulled the strings and bent the rules to her will, no matter what it cost.
Still, she had moments when viewers genuinely felt sorry for her. At the end of the day, she was a mother who lost all of her children, a woman publicly shamed and humiliated, and a person who realized death was coming for her and she could no longer put on a brave face.
1. Jon Snow’s Tragic Journey Was The Heart & Soul of Game of Thrones
Jon Snow was a character in search of his place in the world, but the problem was that he found it in several places, and yet, he seemed not welcome at all. As a bastard, he found it difficult to fit into the Stark family. As the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, he was betrayed and murdered.
His alliance and relationship with Daenerys also turned sour in the end, with Jon Snow reluctantly killing her to prevent further chaos. He was sent back to the Night’s Watch as punishment for his crime, although the final scene saw him with the Wildlings.
It’s not certain whether or not he officially joined the Free Folk, but it only showed that, even in the end, Jon Snow still struggled to find his place on earth.
What’s your favorite storyline from the show? Let us know in the comments!
Game of Thrones is currently available to watch on HBO Max.
