Direwolves are a vital part of George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones universe. Here are all six House Stark direwolves in the show, ranked.
Like dragons in House of the Dragon, direwolves were an essential part of the unique world-building in Game of Thrones from start to finish. Based on the A Song of Ice & Fire novels by George R.R. Martin, the coveted HBO series is known as a low-magic fantasy. Unlike Lord of the Rings, where wizards roam the lands and immortal dark lords summon armies to wage war, Game of Thrones exists in a world where magic is believed to have died out and where mystical beasts are the subject of legend. That’s part of what makes the direwolves so exciting.
In the TV show’s opening episode, audiences are introduced to the many beloved members of House Stark. After a lovely beheading scene to prepare the viewer’s tastes for George R.R. Martin’s twisted mind, the Starks return to Winterfell, where they discover a dead mother direwolf with a stag’s horn pierced through it, leaving a bloody mess. Left behind are six direwolf cubs, perfectly fit for the six Stark children, including a special albino baby for Jon Snow. Aside from the scene’s foreshadowing of Ned Stark’s death, it’s a vital world-building moment.
Game of Thrones may not be a traditional fantasy series, but protagonists being paired with extraordinary mythical creatures lends itself to more typical genre norms. Direwolves in Martin’s world are expected to grow to the size of ponies, offering a truly exciting premise for the show’s first episode. The six direwolves in Game of Thrones range in their impact on the show, as some don’t last very long, and others are mainly in the background.
6
Lady
Sansa Stark’s Direwolf Doesn’t Last Very Long
Sansa Stark’s direwolf is named Lady, which corresponds to her desires early in Game of Thrones to be a proper noblewoman as Ned Stark’s eldest daughter. Lady is the smallest in the litter and quickly bonds with her human companion. Unfortunately, Lady doesn’t last very long and isn’t even mentioned after her death in the show’s second episode. For that reason, she’s the show’s worst direwolf, though it’s vital to mention that she offers some necessary dramatic purpose in season 1.
Audiences quickly grew to ignore Joffrey Baratheon, so much as to say he’s one of the easiest to hate TV characters ever. The young Lannister prince doesn’t give off the best vibe in the opening episode, but it’s episode 2 where the viewer really sees his true colors, and the hatred begins. Joffrey and Arya’s conflict over her sword practice leads to Cersei demanding Lady and Nymeria (Arya’s direwolf) be executed. Joffrey is utterly detestable, but the episode also establishes an essential dynamic between Ned, Cersei, and Robert Baratheon that plays out through season 1.
she simply doesn’t last long enough to compete.
Ned and Cersei are natural rivals, and Robert is the only thing standing in the way of utter chaos and bloodshed between the Starks and Lannisters. With that in mind, it’s sad that Lady goes so early, but she plays an important role in her limited time. Not to mention, the scene of Ned executing her is one of the most tear-jerking Game of Thrones moments, guaranteed to make fans cry. Lady is a sweet direwolf, but she simply doesn’t last long enough to compete.
5
Shaggydog
Rickon Stark’s Direwolf Is About As Important As Rickon Stark
After six seasons as a supporting character in Game of Thrones, it’s highly likely that many audiences have forgotten about the youngest Stark sibling and, even more so, his direwolf. Rickon Stark remains by Bran’s side for the show’s first three seasons before he and Osha left to take shelter with House Umber rather than joining for the adventure beyond the Wall. Rickon Stark’s direwolf, Shaggydog, accompanies Bran, Osha, Hodor, Jojen, and Meera in their travels in season 3, then disappears with his human companion for a significant portion of the series.
Rickon Stark returns briefly in season 6 for a devastating scene in “The Battle of the Bastards” when he’s sent to run towards Jon, dodging arrows fired at him by Ramsay Bolton. Of course, Rickon Stark perishes at this moment. Earlier in season 6, Shaggydog actually appeared first. Or, at least, part of him did. The Umbers stole the Starks, taking Rickon, Osha, and Shaggydog prisoners for years. They then butcher Shaggydog and present his head to Ramsay to confirm that Rickon is who they said he is.
Unfortunately for both Rickon and Shaggydog, neither plays a particularly important role in the overarching narrative of Game of Thrones. The direwolf barely has the edge over Lady just because it lasted a while and at least sees a bit of action in season 3. In the season 3 finale, Shaggydog helps Jon Snow fight off some wildlings, aided by the direwolf Summer, who’s being warged by Bran.
4
Nymeria
Arya Stark’s Direwolf Leaves Early On But Makes A Memorable Return
In the same episode where Lady is murdered, Arya is sadly forced to send her direwolf, Nymeria, into the wild. It’s another heartbreaking scene as Arya chooses to set the puppy free rather than see it executed. Despite Cersei’s best efforts to see the direwolf that attacked Joffrey brought to justice, Nymeria escapes. If that were the entire story with Arya’s direwolf, Nymeria would be one of the lowest, along with Lady. Luckily, she makes a return appearance in season 7.
Nymeria is named after one of the most fascinating characters in Westerosi history: Princess Nymeria of the Rhoynar, who will be the main character of an upcoming Game of Thrones spin-off. She’s reminded as a warrior queen who led her people from Essos to Dorne after escaping conquer, laying her roots, and changing Westeros culture forever. The fact that Arya would name her direwolf after such a historical figure is vital to her character, establishing her differences with Sansa early on.
Nymeria’s return in season 7 came as a shock with mild disappointment, though it offered a fulfilling narrative moment. On her road to Winterfell, Arya is surrounded by a pack of wolves led by a larger direwolf, whom she recognizes as her old pet. Arya tries to get Nymeria to come to her, but Nymeria has chosen her own path, much like Arya. With mutual respect, they leave each other once again. It’s a brief but bittersweet moment, reiterates just how far the show has come since the opening episode in Winterfell.
3
Summer
Bran Stark’s Direwolf Lasts Six Seasons & Dies A Heroic Death
Bran Stark’s direwolf is named Summer. Given the specific nature of seasons in Game of Thrones, the direwolf’s name has some intentional symbolism, speaking to Bran’s bright, hopeful nature at the beginning of the series and representing a warmth in the bitter North. After Bran’s heartbreaking accident takes away much of his hope, he still has Summer to remain by his side, protecting him from the threats of the freezing North for years to come.
Summer remains by Bran’s side while bedridden in season 1, viciously protecting him from the assassin sent by the Lannisters. That moment alone would be remarkable enough, but Summer has as practical as many fight scenes as Ghost in his six seasons alive in Game of Thrones. The fact that Bran can warg Summer adds a layer of excitement to their dynamic, as Bran can directly inhabit his direwolf in battle scenes. Bran wargs Summer multiple times throughout the show, using him to fight wildlings and hunt for food.
Summer is the first character to dive into wights to protect Bran, buying time for his escape.
The season 6 episode “Hold the Door” focuses mainly on Hodor’s sacrifice, but Summer is the first character to dive into wights to protect Bran, buying time for his escape. Given their long-standing, close bond, it’s upsetting to hear Summer go in season 6. Bran’s arc in the latter seasons is one of the more questionable, and it’s upsetting that the character never takes a moment to grieve for his pet.
2
Gray Wind
Robb Stark’s Gray Wind Has The Best Direwolf Scene In The Show
Robb Stark’s direwolf, Gray Wind, symbolizes his human companion by quickly growing brave and strong. Robb Stark is forced into an impossible situation in Game of Thrones season 1, as he’s barely a young man when he’s forced to call his father’s armies together and march south to war. And he isn’t much older than that when he’s declared as the first King in the North in three hundred years. Robb makes monumental mistakes along the way, as any youth would under such pressure, and Gray Wind perfectly represents his tenacity and potential.
Gray Wind’s potential isn’t fully displayed in the HBO show, as the battles in season 1 and early season 2 mainly play out off-screen. The feats of Robb and Gray Wind are only discussed by other characters, who claim Robb rides into battle on the back of a giant direwolf. While this is an exaggerated story, Gray Wind does fight alongside Robb in every battle. Robb fights with his men in the vanguard of the Northern army, and Gray Wind is known for viciously supporting him on the front lines.
Gray Wind’s best moment is in season 2, where Robb summons him to threaten Jaime after a tense verbal battle. While Robb himself doesn’t seem to get in Jaime’s head, it’s delightful to see the Kingslayer’s face turn to sheer terror as the giant wolf steps into his cage. It’s the most epic direwolf scene in Game of Thrones, solidifying Gray Wind as one of the best. Of course, Gray Wind’s death in “The Rains of Castamere” is another of the most upsetting Game of Thrones moments, piling on an utterly gruesome episode.
first
Ghost
Jon Snow’s Direwolf Is The Most Iconic In Game Of Thrones
The only direwolf to make it through the Game of Thrones ending is Ghost, Jon Snow’s beloved albino. Ghost is far and away the most iconic wolf in Game of Thrones, known for its distinct look and for surviving many of the show’s most intense moments, including the Battle of Winterfell. After Jon announces that each of the Stark children should have a direwolf, it’s Theon Greyjoy who declares that the “runt of the litter” should go to Jon, who was considered to be Ned’s bastard. Symbolically, Ghost suits Jon perfectly.
In practically every Game of Thrones season, Ghost is there to fight alongside Jon or other members of the Night’s Watch. Ghost helps fight during the Battle of Castle Black, aiding the Watch in its defense against Mance Rayder’s willing invasion. Even when Jon leaves for battles like Hardhome or during Jon’s mission to infiltrate the wildlings in season 3, Ghost knows to support Jon’s friends and allies. On multiple occasions, Ghost defends Sam or other Night’s Watch brothers.
The Game of Thrones ending may be widely shunned, but Jon’s ending is undoubtedly bittersweet, knowing that the pair are heading beyond the Wall to live out their days. Jon may have lost Danaerys and many of his friends, but audiences can rest assured knowing he’s with his beloved direwolf, living North of the Wall where he’d spent his happiest days with Ygritte. Ghost is the most iconic Game of Thrones direwolf, playing a critical role from the first episode to the last.
