Game of Thrones is an exceptionally popular adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novel series A Song of Fire and Ice. The series premiered on HBO on April 17, 2011, and aired for 73 episodes over eight seasons. The HBO drama won several awards over its eight-year run, including 59 Emmys, which is more than any other drama show in history and second only to SNL on overall wins (according to Entertainment Weekly). Despite having a loyal fan base, the final season of the show was heavily criticized for its reduced episodes and artistic direction, with many fans considering it a rushed and disappointing ending to an otherwise phenomenal show. The series inspired a Game of Thrones prequel titled House of the Dragon, which can be streamed on HBO Max. According to Deadline, there are other spin-offs in the works as well.
Whether you are a fan of the show or not, you can’t deny Game of Thrones had the world in a choke-hold for quite some time. With its gorgeous on-location scenery, massive budget, fantastic acting, and incredible writing, it earned its place as the world’s favorite TV series. Each storyline was more interesting than the next, and every character had their own bit of wisdom to impart. Here are the best quotes from Game of Thrones.
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10 “There is only one God, and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: Not Today!”
HBO
During their short stay in King’s Landing, in season 1, Ned Stark asked former first sword of Braavos and master fencer Syrio Forel to train his youngest daughter Arya. During her training, Forel shares a bit of wisdom with the child. This is one of the most well-known quotes from Game of Thrones, and the advice stays with Arya throughout the rest of the series.
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9 “Let me give you some advice, bastard. Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.”
One of the best quotes to come out of Game of Thrones is delivered by one of the series’ wisest and wittiest characters, Tyrion Lannister. Feeling a kinship to Jon in Season 1, Episode 1, “Winter is Coming,” Tyrion gives Ned Stark’s bastard son Jon Snow some sage advice shortly after they first meet. Knowing his fair share of judgment, the imp shares with Snow the secret to not allowing others’ opinions to affect him.
8 “The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.”
Earlier on in the same episode, Ned Stark must uphold his duty as Warden of the North and execute a Night’s Watch soldier for desertion. After striking the fatal blow, he uses the unfortunate circumstance as a teaching moment, and asks his son Bran, “You understand why I did it?” When Bran replies, “Jon said he was a deserter,” Ned eventually explains why he had to deliver the punishment with this quote, meaning if you are going to take a man’s life, you at least owe it to him to look him in the eyes and hear his final words yourself.
7 “You’re going to die tomorrow, Lord Bolton. Sleep well.”
The evening before the Battle of the Bastards, Sansa Stark tells delivers this quote to her husband Ramsay Bolton. It is one of the most powerful of the series as it is especially satisfying to see her gain the upper-hand over Ramsay, who had subjected her to the cruelest abuse throughout their short marriage. At that moment, Sansa Stark takes back her power, instills fear and doubt in her enemy, and foreshadows his eventual demise.
6 “A lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinions of a sheep.”
As the patriarch of one of the major houses of Westeros, the Lannisters, Tywin Lannister has a wealth of wisdom to share with his children. In Season 1, Episode 7, Tywin gives his son Jaime this advice in response to Jaime telling him it bothers him when people call him King Slayer. It is a fancier way of telling Jaime that he cares too much about what others think of him.
5 “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.”
In that same episode, Tywin’s daughter Cersei has a heated discussion with Ned Stark after he confronts her about her children not sharing Robert Baratheon’s bloodline. Ned makes a grave mistake in showing Cersei compassion and warning her to flee with her children. During the conversation, she tells him he made a mistake in not claiming the Iron Throne for himself, using this quote to prove her point.
4 “All my life, men like you have sneered at me. And all my life, I’ve been knocking men like you into the dust.”
Brienne of Tarth is one of the most well-respected characters in the Game of Thrones universe and is an inspirational woman. Not one to let anyone tell her what she is and isn’t capable of, Brienne responds with this quote on the journey to King’s Landing when Jaime is making fun of her for her appearance and strength.
3 “Power resides where men believe it resides. It’s a trick, a shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow.”
Lord Varys was arguably one of the most underrated characters of the series given that he accomplished so much without ever calling attention to himself. While sharing a glass of wine and a riddle with Tyrion Lannister, Lord Varys sums up his final point with this quote.
2 “Yes. All men must die, but we are not men.”
Daenerys Targaryen is another powerful woman lead that broke through every glass ceiling meant to constrain her. She liberated thousands of slaves on her journey to the Iron Throne. In Season 3, Episode 3, when preparing for yet another battle, Missandei says to her “Valar Morghulis” which translates to “All Men Must Die” in High Valyrian. Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, Breaker of Chains responds with this memorable quote.
1 “First lesson, stick ’em with the pointy end.”
Jon Snow was undeniably a fan favorite of Game of Thrones, and while he has many quotable moments throughout the show, our favorite of his is to his younger sister Arya. In the first season, before he departs for the Night’s Watch, Jon gifts Arya her first sword, giving her these words as her “first lesson.” The same phrase is repeated by Arya Stark herself several times throughout the series, which reinforces their familial bond. HBO has recently revealed that they will pursue a Jon Snow spin-off series, with Kit Harrington reprising his role.
