The HBO fantasy series, based on George R.R. Martin’s epic series of novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, quickly established that not only is no character is safe from death, but also that no character is safe from poetic justice. The show is filled to the brim with shocking deaths that, still make a little too much sense. Be it in terms of how they died, what was coming next for them, or who killed them, these ten Game of Thrones characters suffered the most ironic fates in the series.
Daenerys Targaryen Dies at the Hands of Jon Snow
Plenty of Game of Thrones characters are killed by people they love. Shae, who is murdered by Tyrion, and Khal Drogo, who Daenerys mercifully smothers to death, come to mind. However, Daenerys herself ends the series by suffering a similar fate.
The Hound Goes Down in a Flaming Fury
Throughout his life, Sandor Clegane, aka the Hound, feared only two things: Fire, and his older brother, Ser Gregor Clegane, aka the Mountain that Rides. This is due to a traumatic incident from childhood in which Gregor shoved Sandor’s face into hot flames, burning him and leaving him horribly scarred. Since then, Sandor has avoided fire at all costs, even fleeing the Battle of Blackwater Bay due to the flames.
Theon Greyjoy is Forgiven in his Final Moments
Despite hailing from the Iron Islands, Theon Greyjoy spent most of his life as a ward to House Stark. He lived among Ned and Catelyn Stark’s children, growing close to the family. As such, when he turns on the Starks, taking Winterfell for his father, Balon Greyjoy, and claiming to kill Bran and Rickon, the youngest of the Stark children, the betrayal hits harder.
Missandei is Freed, Only to Die Back in Chains
After Daenerys frees the Unsullied of Astapor from the slavery of their cruel masters, Missandei becomes one of her most loyal friends and advisors. The translator embraces her newfound freedom. However, once Dany arrives in Westeros, Missandei is captured and killed by Lannister forces as a prisoner once again.
The Most Honorable Man in Westeros Dies a Traitor
Despite being played by actor Sean Bean, who tends to be a magnet for death, few fans who started Game of Thrones from Season 1 without having read the books expected Ned Stark to die so quickly. After all, he acted as the series lead throughout the first season, a role which typically keeps character safe. However, much to fans’ dismay, Ned found himself literally on the chopping block by the end of the first season.
The Fire Priest Freezes to Death
Thoros of Myr spent his life worshiping the Lord of Light. He became known for lighting his sword on fire, and for looking into flames for prophecy. Thoros’ association with fire leads to his ironic death freezing beyond the Wall.
The Night’s Watch Mutineers are Hanged by the man they Murdered
Game of Thrones’ fifth season ends with one of the most painful betrayals in the entire series. Jon Snow, the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, is convinced by his brothers that his long-lost uncle, Benjen Stark, has returned, before they turn on him because of his alliance with the Free Folk, stabbing him one by one, as they say “for the watch.” Among these mutineers are Jon Snow’s fiercest enemy on the Wall, Ser Alliser Thorne, and his personal steward Olly.
However, much to the Mutineers’ surprise and the fans’ relief, Jon Snow comes back to life early on into the sixth season. Upon his resurrection, Jon hangs anyone involved in his murder. As such, the mutineers die at the hands of someone they had previously killed.
Ramsay Bolton is Torn Apart by his own Hounds
Ramsay Bolton quickly established himself as one of the most hated characters in all of Game of Thrones. He even made audiences feel bad for Theon after his betrayal of House Stark, and what he does to Sansa is unspeakably evil. Worst of all, Ramsay sicks his dogs on people just to watch them die as his vicious beasts tear their prey apart.
Thankfully, Ramsay loses the Battle of the Bastards to Jon Snow, who retakes Winterfell for House Stark. Sansa confronts Ramsay in captivity, and unleashes his own hounds, who have not eaten in days, on their master. As Ramsay cries out for the dogs to stop, he suffers the safe fate he inflicted on so many others, making for one of the most satisfying moments in the entire series.
Tywin Lannister is Killed by his own Son
Tywin Lannister spent his entire life obsessed with his legacy. As such, he proved a cold and distant father to his youngest son, Tyrion, who, as a dwarf, brought dishonor upon his House. Tywin also resented Tyrion, since Tywin’s wife, Joanna, died giving birth to the boy, and so he made his son’s life a living hell.
Tywin obsessed over his infallible image, making his death even more ironic. The prideful Tywin Lannister was killed while using the restroom, at the hands of his own son Tyrion, the very son who he thought to be a stain on the name Lannnister. So much for the family legacy.
Viserys Targaryen Receives his Golden Crown
The most ironic death in all of Game of Thrones also is the first time any major character bites the dust in the series. Viserys Targaryen, the older brother to Daenerys, only lasted for a few episodes, but in that short time, he proved to be cruel. He believed himself to be the rightful king of Westeros, and would stop at nothing to receive his crown.
Viserys allowed Khal Drogo to marry his sister in exchange for the Dothraki support in his conquest of Westeros, but Drogo took too long for Viserys’ liking. One day, Viserys grew impatient, and threatened Daenerys if Drogo kept stalling. Right then, Drogo promises to give Viserys his crown, and does so in the most horrific way possible. He melts down some gold and pours it onto Viserys’ head, killing him. This was most likely not the golden crown Viserys had spent his entire life dreaming of taking.
