10 Short-Lived but Beloved Game of Thrones Characters We'll Always Remember

10. Hot Pie

He was the nicest guy, and we didn’t get as much of him as we would’ve liked. Thankfully, Hot Pie didn’t suffer a gruesome death or anything: he got his happy ending, which is uncharacteristic for Game of Thrones, working in an inn and baking tasty pies. We’re happy for him but miss him: Hot Pie added much warmth to the show.

9. Lyanna Mormont

If there was anyone worthy of representing House Mormont, it was the little Lyanna. Despite her age, height, and other seemingly restricting factors, she was the true daughter of the North: strong, just, unwavering, and respected by her people. Lyanna didn’t have much screen time before her untimely death — and deserved a lot more.

8. Brynden “Blackfish” Tully

Snarky and harsh but ultimately good-natured, Blackfish has a special place in our hearts. The man only appeared in two seasons (with a two-season gap between them) and didn’t have his happy ending, but his care for his niece Catelyn and her kids has shown him as a trustworthy and noble man who we’d loved to see more of.

7. Grenn

Another true Northerner (there’s be quite a few of them coming right up), Grenn was one of Jon Snow’s best friends on the Wall. Despite being a simple commonner, Grenn has proven himself more noble than many lords, proving it with his death. Like Lyanna Mormont, he died defeating an entire giant in a hopeless battle scenario.

6. Ygritte

It’s only upon a rewatch that you understand just how little screen time Ygritte really had. Her love story with Jon Snow was so compelling that even actors themselves fell for it and have been happy together ever since. Ygritte was a proud and unbent daughter of the True North and a great warrior. It’s a shame she had to go so soon.

5. Jeor Mormont

Another Mormont on our list, Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch fully deserved his nickname, “the Old Bear.” A noble, powerful, and just ruler, Jeor Mormont led the Watch with an iron fist and fatherly care, and personally did a lot for Jon Snow’s ascent and education. Unfortunately, he was betrayed by some of his own men.

4. Mance Rayder

A former black brother, Mance Rayder deserted from the Night’s Watch in favor of joining the Free Folk. Through years of hardships, Mance managed to unite all the rivaling clans and proclaimed himself the King Beyond the Wall. A deadly enemy of the Night’s Watch, Mance was a wise and interesting character — albeit, not for long.

3. Oberyn Martell

Like Ygritte, it’s hard to realize just how little screen time the Red Viper had until you rewatch Game of Thrones. Despite that, Prince Oberyn left an everlasting impression on fans, being the ultimate cheeky bastard of the series. Both sinful and virtuous, Oberyn’s righteous quest for revenge earned him sympathies from fans.

2. Robert Baratheon

Commonly known as Bobby B among the fans, Robert Baratheon might have been a shadow of his former self — but even as a shadow, he was a damn powerful one. Drowning in his vice and boredom, King Robert was still a force of nature, and it was only his will that kept the Seven Kingdoms together. With his death, it all fell apart.

1. Eddard Stark

Noble, righteous, loyal, respected… Lord Eddard Stark was all of these things plus a really good friend. The one man King Robert could fully trust, Ned felt like the main character of the show while it lasted. His execution was the turning point for all new fans who only then realized what kind of series Game of Thrones truly was. Seeing a good father and just ruler betrayed just like that was a very clear indication.