When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. It’s violent, vicious, and not for the faint of heart.
Over the past six seasons, a lot of people on “Game of Thrones” have died. It’s a game of survival, and you’re lucky if you’ve made it this far.
Some of these characters came back from the dead. We barely knew some of them, and we knew a lot of them so well that we shed a tear or two (or two-hundred) when we watched them die on our TV screens. And some? We couldn’t wait for them to die, and when they did, we were cheering.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with some exceptions), we ranked 90 notable deaths (and semi-deaths) from the series – basically, the deaths of characters who had names, had more than a few lines, and/or had some kind of impact on a major plot point or a major character.
Here are 90 “Game of Thrones” deaths ranked from the least sad to the most sad:
Note: The Hound is exempt from this list. He was presumed dead and that was very sad for all of us, but turns out he never actually died. Direwolves are also exempt.
90. Ramsay Bolton
Ramsay Bolton was Roose Bolton's bastard son who had a penchant for extreme violence against innocent human beings. He was briefly married to Sansa Stark, and tortured Theon Greyjoy for several seasons. He also killed his dad, his stepmom, and his baby brother. And Rickon Stark. And Osha. And a lot of other people.
Time of death:Season 6, episode 9, "Battle of the Bastards"
Cause of death: Sansa leaves him to be eaten by his own hounds.
Sadness ranking: -25. Ramsay's death is probably the most satisfying one on this whole show. His violence was gratuitous and he had zero redeeming qualities. Nobody loved him, not even his dad.
89. Joffrey Baratheon
Starting with the execution of Ned Stark, Joffrey proved that he was completely out of control and wouldn't listen to anybody. He was a terrible king, and also a terrible person.
Time of death:Season 4, episode 2, "The Lion and the Rose"
Cause of death: Poisoned by Petyr Baelish and Olenna Tyrell at his wedding to Margery Tyrell.
Sadness ranking: -10. The only sad thing about Joffrey's death is that we don't get to hate him anymore. Joffrey was responsible for the untimely deaths of a lot of people who didn't deserve it.
88. Walder Frey
Walder Frey was the Lord of the Crossing at the Twins, and for a brief period, the Lord of Riverrun. He had over 100 descendants, and so many daughters that he didn't even know some of their names. He never had a good reputation in Westeros, and was often called the "Late Walder Frey" after delaying his assistance in Robert's Rebellion until it was already won.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 10, "The Winds of Winter"
Cause of death: Arya Stark slits his throat after feeding him a pie made out of his own sons.
Sadness ranking: -8. He's responsible for the Red Wedding, plus he's really gross. Not sad, not even a little bit.
87. Ser Meryn Trant
Ser Meryn Trant was a knight of the Kingsguard under Robert Baratheon, Joffrey, and Tommen and was always loyal to House Lannister (aka Joffrey and Cersei). He had a fondness for sleeping with very, very young women.
Time of death: Season 5, episode 10, "Mother's Mercy"
Cause of death: Arya gouges out his eyes and stabs him many times before slitting his throat, out of revenge for the season-one death of her dancing instructor, Syrio Forel.
Sadness ranking: -5. Meryn Trant was a jerk, but Arya's form of execution was a bit disturbing.
86. Alliser Thorne
Master-at-arms at Castle Black. He lost the vote for Lord Commander to Jon Snow, whom he hated since Snow's arrival at Castle Black. He instigated the stabbing of Jon Snow at the end of season five.
Time of death:Season 6, episode 3, "Oathbreaker"
Cause of death: Jon Snow hangs him for treason.
Sadness ranking: -5. Thorne was a bully. He was such a pain ever since season one, so his death was a little more than slightly satisfying.
85. The Mountain (sort of)
The Mountain, or Gregor Clegane, was a knight who would do anything for House Lannister, including rampaging villages in the Riverlands, and killing infants and raping women and children before brutally killing them.
Time of death: Season 4, episode 8, "The Mountain and the Viper"
Cause of death: Oberyn Martell stabbed him multiple times with a poisonous spear during Tyrion Lannister's trial by combat.
Sadness ranking: -5. He was a horrible man, and now he's a monstrous, murdering zombie.
84. Smalljon Umber
Smalljon Umber was the Lord of Last Hearth. He betrayed his family's centuries-old loyalty to House Stark by giving Rickon Stark to Ramsay Bolton because he hated Wildlings. His father, Greatjon Umber, the guy who lost some fingers to Robb Stark's direwolf, would've been pissed if he lived to see this treachery.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 9, "Battle of the Bastards"
Cause of death: Tormund ripped his throat out with his bare hands, then stabbed him in the head.
Sadness ranking: 0. He was a traitor to House Stark and didn't have any redeeming qualities.
83. Janos Slynt
Janos Slynt was the Commander of the City Watch who betrayed Ned Stark. When Tyrion Lannister was the Hand of the King, he sent Slynt to the Night's Watch as punishment for betraying his oath to protect the Hand of the King.
Time of death: Season 5, episode 3, "High Sparrow"
Cause of death: Beheaded by Lord Commander Jon Snow, for refusing his commands.
Sadness ranking: 0. He is the reason Ned Stark got locked up when the City Watch was sworn to protect the Hand of the King. He also hated Jon Snow for being the bastard son of a traitor.
82. Myranda
A servant of House Bolton, and Ramsay Bolton's love interest. She was just as sadistic as Ramsay.
Time of death:Season 5, episode 10, "Mother's Mercy"
Cause of death: Theon throws her off the ledge at Winterfell before he escapes with Sansa.
Sadness ranking: 0. She was loyal to Ramsay and did whatever she could to help him, including torturing Theon. She hunted people as a hobby.
81. Craster
Craster was a Wildling who begrudgingly took in the men of the Night's Watch while they were beyond the Wall. He took all his daughters as wives, and killed all male babies. Actually, he just left them in the woods for the White Walkers to take.
Time of death:Season 3, episode 4, "And Now His Watch Has Ended"
Cause of death: Stabbed by Karl Tanner, a member of the Night's Watch.
Sadness ranking: 0. Craster was a terrible person, and literally an incestuous baby killer.
80. Khal Moro
The Khal who captured Daenerys and brought her to Vaes Dothrak.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 4, "Book of the Stranger"
Cause of death:Daenerys burned him alive along with the other khals.
Sadness ranking: 0. He and the other khals were pretty terrible people, who treated women and Daenerys like their property.
79. The Waif
The Waif was a Faceless Men assassin serving in the House of Black and White in Braavos. She hated Arya, and that's pretty much all there was to her.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 8, "No One"
Cause of death: Killed by Arya Stark offscreen, but presumably with her sword, Needle.
Sadness ranking: 0. Her hatred for Arya was excessive and annoying and her storyline got old fast.
78. Kraznys mo Nakloz
He was a slave trader in Astapor, on Slaver's Bay. He sold the Unsullied to Dany in exchange for Drogon, but that didn't work out so well for him.
Time of death:Season 3, episode 4, "And Now His Watch Has Ended"
Cause of death: Burned alive by Drogon's mouth fire.
Sadness ranking: 0. He was a misogynist and a jerk.
77. Pyat Pree
Ew. This creepy Warlock of Qarth and member of the Thirteen stole Dany's dragons, and could seriously use some concealer and/or a good night of sleep.
Time of death:Season 2, episode 10, "Valar Morghulis"
Cause of death: Burned alive by Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion.
Sadness ranking: 0. He was a creepy dragon thief with no redeeming qualities.
76. Karl Tanner
The crow-turned-traitor is responsible for the death of Lord Commander Mormont. After those events, he and the other men who betrayed the Night's Watch stayed at Craster's Keep. But not for long.
Time of death:Season 4, episode 5, "First of His Name"
Cause of death: Stabbed in the back of the head and through the mouth by Jon Snow during the Night's Watch raid on Craster's Keep.
Sadness ranking: 0.He killed Jeor Mormont, so his death was totally satisfying. Especially because Jon Snow, who was so fond of Mormont, got to do it himself.
75. Razdal mo Eraz and Belicho Paenymion
Razdal mo Eraz was a Wise Master from Yunkai, and Belicho Paenymion was a prominent noble from Volantis, involved in slave trade. They tried to get Daenerys to leave Slaver's Bay, and secretly funded the Sons of the Harpy.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 9, "Battle of the Bastards"
Cause of death: Greyworm slit their throats.
Sadness ranking: 0. They were bad guys who loved slavery and would do anything to keep it. At the Battle of Mereen, they offered their partner, Yezzan zo Qaggaz, to be killed because he is low-born.
74. Viserys Targaryen
Viserys was annoying, rude, sexist, and selfish. He treated his sister like an object to win him the Iron Throne, instead of, you know, like a person. As the head of House Targaryen, he would have led his family name into a disaster, and probably for dead.
Time of death: Season 1, episode 6, "A Golden Crown"
Cause of death: Khal Drogo poured molten gold on his head.
Sadness ranking: 0.5. By episode six, he had already overstayed his welcome. Dany was a little conflicted about her brother's death, and that's the only reason he gets half a point.
73. Locke
The man-at-arms for House Bolton, who you might recognize as the guy who cut off Jaime Lannister's hand. Oh, and he also threw Brienne into that pit with a bear. Roose Bolton sent him on a mission to find the missing Stark boys, Bran and Rickon.
Time of death:Season 4, episode 5, "First of His Name"
Cause of death: Bran snapped his neck, while wagging into Hodor.
Sadness ranking: 0.5. He was a jerk who didn't follow orders. Not sad. But he did bring Brienne and Jaime together, so he gets half a point for accidentally creating a beautiful friendship.
72. Polliver
A man-at-arms in service of House Lannister. He stole Needle from Arya in an attack on the Night's Watch recruits with Yoren, which earned him a spot on her little list.
Time of death: Season 4, episode 1, "Two Swords"
Cause of death: Stabbed in the throat by Arya Stark, after getting Needle back from him.
Sadness ranking: 1. He was gross, but it was sort of sad to see Arya love killing him so much.
71. Rast
Rast was one of the Night's Watch men who betrays his oath and participated in the Mutiny of Craster's Keep. He was sent to Castle Black as punishment for rape.
Time of death: Season 4, episode 5, "First of His Name"
Cause of death: Ripped to shreds by Ghost, Jon Snow's direwolf, while trying to flee the battle.
Sadness ranking: 1. Rast was always a bully to Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly. His death was kind of poetic, because throughout the show he had been haunted by the direwolf responsible for his demise.
70. Xaro Xhoan Daxos
Xaro Xhoan Daxos was the merchant in Qarth who let Dany and her crew into the city, then proposed marriage in exchange for a free trip to Westeros. Dany almost accepted the proposal, but Jorah convinced her not to.
Time of death: Season 2, episode 10, "Valar Morghulis"
Cause of death:On Dany's orders, Ser Jorah Mormont lockedhim inside a Valyrian stone vault with Doreah.
Sadness ranking: 1. He seemed nice and hospitable until he stole Dany's dragons.
69. Olly
A farm boy from a village just south of the Wall. His village was attacked by Wildlings, and the village sent him to Castle Black to warn of their attack. He killed Ygritte during the Battle of Castle Black, and stabbed Jon Snow after he let Wildlings come south of the Wall.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 3, "Oathbreaker"
Cause of death: Jon Snow hanged him for treason.
Sadness ranking: 1. A kid dying is sad and Jon Snow was clearly conflicted about it.
68. Balon Greyjoy
Lord of the Iron Islands, the stubborn father of Theon and Yara, and a Stark-hater. He started and lost the Greyjoy Rebellion, a failed attempt shortly after Robert's Rebellion to make the Iron Islands an independent kingdom.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 2, "Home"
Cause of death: His brother, Euron Greyjoy, pushed him off a bridge in Pyke.
Sadness ranking: 1.5. He was stubborn and not a very clever or effective ruler. He also didn't care that his son Theon was getting tortured, not even after Ramsay Bolton sent him his body parts. He was gone before we really got to know him well enough to care.
67. Shae
Shae was the prostitute Tyrion Lannister fell in love with and took to King's Landing. In a huge betrayal, she testified against Tryion at his trial.
Time of death:Season 4, episode 10, "The Children"
Cause of death: Tyrion strangled her upon discovering that she was sleeping with his father, Tywin.
Sadness ranking: 2. She was annoying and betrayed Tyrion, when he thought she was the only person he could trust. She gets two sadness points because it was hard to watch Tryion kill the woman he loved.
66. Doreah
Doreah was another handmaiden to Dany. She taught Dany how to please Khal Drogo in the bedroom (aka, how to be sexy). In Qarth, she betrayed Dany because she helped get her dragons stolen.
Time of death:Season 2, episode 10, "Valar Morghulis"
Cause of death: On Dany's orders, Ser Jorah Mormont locked her inside a Valyrian stone vault with Xaro Xhoan Daxos.
Sadness ranking: 2. We didn't even see her die. And even if we had, it probably wouldn't have been that sad. She could come back, but probably not.
65. Mirri Maz Duur
She was responsible for Drogo's death and the death of Dany's unborn child.
Time of death:Season 1, episode 10, "Fire and Blood"
Cause of death: Dany burned her alive on Khal Drogo's funeral pyre.
Sadness ranking: 2. We're not condoning burning people, but in the "Game of Thrones" world, she was totally asking for it. But the Dothraki did rampage her village, take her people for slaves, and raped all the women, so she was trying to get some deserved revenge, which moves her up a couple sympathy points.
64. Lancel Lannister
Lancel was Cersei's cousin (he's son of Kevan Lannister, Tywin's brother) and also Cersei's former lover. He was the squire who gave King Robert wine while hunting, which ended in his demise. He chopped his blond Lannister locks off and joined the Faith Militant, and ousted Cersei for her crimes against the Faith of the Seven.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 10, "The Winds of Winter"
Cause of death:Stabbed by one of Qyburn's little birds, then blown up by the wildfire in the tunnels underneath the Sept of Baelor.
Sadness ranking: 2. Even when he had hair, he was always kind of annoying, down with incest and down with using violence to enforce religious beliefs. Not cool, dude.
63. Grand Maester Pycelle
Maester Pycelle served as the Grand Maester for many kings including the Mad King, and also had a seat on the king's council. Throughout the series he remains loyal to House Lannister and served as a spy for Cersei while Tyrion was Hand of the King.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 10, "The Winds of Winter"
Cause of death:Stabbed by Qyburn's little birds right before the wildfire erupted at the Sept of Baelor.
Sadness ranking: 2. He was really gross, but he was way less creepy than Maester Qyburn.
62. Lysa Arryn
Lady Regent of the Vale and sister of Catelyn Stark, wife of former Hand of the King Jon Arryn, and ever so briefly, the wife of Littlefinger. Lady Arryn was actually responsible for killing her own husband, not the Lannisters. Jon Arryn's death pretty much spawned all of the events that made this entire series possible. Oh, and she also breastfed her grown son Robyn in front of everybody and it was really creepy.
Time of death: Season 4, episode 7, "The Gift"
Cause of death: Littlefinger pushed her out the Moon Door for threatening Sansa's life.
Sadness ranking: 2.5. It's sad to see anyone related to the Starks go because boy, do they go quickly, but she was kind of the Joffrey of the family.
61. Roose Bolton
Roose Bolton was the ord of the Dreadfort, and up until the Red Wedding, loyal to House Stark. When the War of the Five Kings went unfavorably for the Starks, he betrayed them and took part in the Red Wedding with the Lannisters and the Freys, and he was appointed the new Warden of the North. He arranged Ramsay's marriage to Sansa Stark, in an attempt to secure their taking of Winterfell.
Time of death:Season 6, episode 2, "Home"
Cause of death: Ramsay Bolton stabbed him after Roose threatened to name his unborn son successor.
Sadness ranking: 3. He was the only person who could keep Ramsay in line and looked down on his sadistic ways, but he did a lot of terrible things, starting with betraying the Starks and giving Ramsay some power.
60. Hoster Tully
Lord of Riverrun and Catelyn Stark's dad.
Time of death:Season 3, episode 3, "Walk of Punishment"
Cause of death: Illness.
Sadness ranking: 3. We didn't know the guy, and he died offscreen. But his funeral provided one of the only comedic scenes the show has ever had.
59. Rickard Karstark
Lord of Karhold and the head of House Karstark and a close ally to the Stark family. In the third season, against Robb's orders, he murdered Lannister children (Kevan Lannister's sons).
Time of death: Season 3, episode 5, "Kissed by Fire"
Cause of death: Beheaded for treason on a dramatic rainy day by Robb Stark.
Sadness ranking: 3. While he was a loyal ally to the Starks, he acted on impulse and murdered completely innocent children just because he hated the Lannisters. Robb's decision to execute him possibly led to families in the North like the Boltons betraying him at the Red Wedding.
58. The High Sparrow
The High Septon, excellently played by Jonathan Pryce, was just following the rules of his faith. Sure, the rules are questionable, but he had more valid reasoning than, say, Ramsay Bolton. What is most unfortunate is that the entire reason the Faith Militant gained power at all is because of Cersei.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 10, "The Winds of Winter"
Cause of death:Burned alive in Cersei's wildfire explosion at the Sept of Baelor.
Sadness ranking: 3. He wasn't a terrible guy compared to most of the bad guys in Westeros, so he gets a few points for that.
57. Benjen Stark (sort of)
Okay, so technically he's back. But he's still dead, and he still died. The younger brother of Ned Stark, hero of Jon Snow, and First Ranger of the Night's Watch. Benjen disappeared after a trip beyond the Wall in season one. Since his alleged death, the internet came up with tons of theories about how he could still be alive - and in season six, he came back looking a bit like a wight but acting like a human, and saved Bran and Meera from some White Walkers.
Time of death: Season 1, episode 7, "A Man Without Honor"
Time of return: Season 6, episode 6, "Blood of My Blood"
Cause of death: Killed by White Walkers and left for dead. The Children of the Forest saved him.
Sadness ranking: 3. We didn't get to know him well, but he's a Stark, and Jon cared about him a lot. The sadness factor also kind of goes down since he came back and all.
56. Will
Will is actually the first character you ever see in "Game of Thrones," but you've probably forgotten about him already. He didn't last very long: He was the Night's Watch ranger who fled from a White Walker and wight attack beyond the Wall.
Time of death: Season 1, episode 1, "Winter Is Coming"
Cause of death: Ned Stark beheaded him.
Sadness ranking: 3. We barely knew him and barely remember him, but he sent an important message and didn't deserve to die for it.
55. Brice Dondarrion (sort of)
Dondarrion was the leader of the Brotherhood Without Banners, a group Ned Stark sent to the Riverlands while he was Hand of the King to bring Ser Gregor Clegane (The Mountain) to justice when news came that he was raiding villages in the Riverlands.
Time of death:Season 3, episode 5, "Kissed by Fire"
Cause of death: The Hound defeated him in a trial by combat.
Sadness ranking: 3. He didn't really die, because Thoros of Myhr brought him back to life with his Lord of Light powers. But he loses a part of himself every time he comes back, so that's kind of sad.
54. Trystane Martell
The prince of Dorne who was supposed to marry Myrcella Baratheon.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 1, "The Red Woman"
Cause of death: Stabbed in the head with a spear by Obara the Sand Snake.
Sadness ranking: 3. He was a good guy and didn't do anything to deserve it, but we didn't know him for very long and his personality was kind of dull.
53. Hizdahr zo Loraq
Hizdahr was the son of one of the Great Masters whom Daenerys crucified. Daenerys, impressed with Hizdhar, sent him to Yunkai as an ambassador. When he returned, he encouraged her to reopen the fighting pits to get Yunkai to follow her orders.
Time of death: Season 5, episode 9, "The Dance of Dragons"
Cause of death: Stabbed by the Sons of the Harpy.
Sadness ranking: 3. Although he always seemed suspicious, he was genuinely trying to help Daenerys make a smoother transition in abolishing slavery in the cities along Slaver's Bay.
52. Areo Hotah
Captain of the Martell guard, and Doran Martell's personal bodyguard.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 1, "The Red Woman"
Cause of death: Stabbed in the back (literally and figuratively) by Tyene the Sand Snake.
Sadness ranking: 3. He was a badass warrior gone too soon. He plays a much more prominent role in the books, so it was sad to see him go without much of a storyline.
51. Three-Eyed Raven
The Three-Eyed Raven doesn't appear in person until the end of season four, but he guided Bran on his journey throughout the series. He taught Bran more about warging, and showed Bran visions that gave us some very, very important information about a very, very important baby.
Time of death:Season 6, episode 5, "The Door"
Cause of death: Killed by wights during the White Walkers' attack on the heart tree.
Sadness ranking: 3. For most of his time on the show, we knew him as a bird.
50. Selyse Baratheon
Wife of Stannis Baratheon, mother of Shireen. She was a loyal follower of the Lord of Light.
Time of death:Season 5, episode 10, "Mother's Mercy"
Cause of death: Hanged herself after seeing her daughter sacrificed to the Lord of Light.
Sadness ranking: 3. She wasn't very nice to her daughter when she was alive.
49. Mance Rayder
The leader of the Wildlings who led the attack on Castle Black.
Time of death: Season 5, episode 1, "The Wars to Come"
Cause of death: Jon Snow shot him with an arrow before he's burned alive at the order of Stannis Baratheon.
Sadness ranking: 3. He was responsible for the attack on Castle Black. What was more moving about his death was that Jon gave him a quick one, instead of allowing him to burn alive.
48. Doran Martell
He was the ruler of Dorne who preferred to stay out of the War of the Five Kings. In general, he kept Dorne at a distance from the politics of Westeros because he wanted to keep peace. He was also sick with gout and confined to a wheelchair.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 1, "The Red Woman"
Cause of death: Stabbed by Ellaria Sand.
Sadness ranking: 4. He was a peaceful man, but boring. The betrayal that led to his death is the only interesting thing to happen in Dorne on the show.
47. Osha
The Wildling with an attitude loyal to the Starks. She helped Bran and Rickon escape Winterfell, and took Rickon with her when they separated from Bran.
Time of death:Season 6, episode 4, "Book of the Stranger"
Cause of death: Ramsay Bolton stabbed her in the neck.
Sadness ranking: 4. She pretty much just showed up again to die. We hadn't seen her in a while, so the death wasn't as impactful as it would have been a few seasons ago.
46. Irri
Irri was the Dothraki handmaid who taught Dany their language and about their customs. After Drogo's death and upon seeing Dany's dragons, she swore fealty to her Khaleesi.
Time of death:Season 2, episode 6, "The Old Gods and the New"
Cause of death:Killed when Dany's dragons were stolen in Qarth.
Sadness ranking: 4. Irri's teachings of the Dothraki language and culture gave Dany the confidence she needed to become the Queen that she is. So while her character is one of those that you only remember when you're rewatching the first two seasons, her death hit Dany pretty hard because they were close.
45. Jon Arryn
Jon Arryn was the Hand of the King before Ned Stark, and the whole series basically starts because his death leads King Robert Baratheon to bring Ned Stark to King's Landing.
Time of death:Season 1, episode 1, "Winter Is Coming"
Cause of death: Poisoned by Lysa Arryn (his wife) and Littlefinger (Petyr Baelish)
Sadness ranking: 4. We never see him alive or even see his real eyes, but he seemed like a nice enough guy who was trying to reveal Cersei and Jaime's little secret and protect the realm.
44. Qhorin
Qhorin, also known as Qhorin Halfhand, was a ranger of the Night's Watch. He led the mission to search for Benjen Stark beyond the Wall, but soon joined Jon Snow in captivity of the Wildlings.
Time of death: Season 2, episode 6, "The Old Gods and the New"
Cause of death: Jon Snow killed Qhorin at his own request to gain the trust of the Wildlings.
Sadness ranking: 4. He was fun, but his sacrificial death was more brave than sad.
43. Mycah
Arya's friend on the Kingsroad back in season one. Joffrey started a stupid fight over Arya having fun with a poor person, and Arya fought back.
Time of death: Season 1, episode 2, "The Kingsroad"
Cause of death: Killed by the Hound, on Joffrey's orders.
Sadness ranking: 4. He was only around for one episode, and it was our first glimpse at how much of a monster Joffrey would become.
42. Talisa Stark
Talisa met Robb Stark on the battlefield after the Battle of Oxcross, and then they fell in love and got married, violating Robb's deal with the Freys. She was from Volantis.
Time of death: Season 3, episode 9, "The Rains of Castamere"
Cause of death: Stabbed in the stomach by Lothar Frey at the Red Wedding.
Sadness ranking: 4. She wasn't the greatest character, and compared to the other deaths at the Red Wedding, hers didn't hit as hard. The saddest part of her death was watching her unborn child get stabbed inside of her.
41. Stannis Baratheon
Stannis the Mannis was Lord of Dragonstone, brother of Robert and Renly Baratheon, and believed the Iron Throne belonged to him. He was really, really stubborn.
Time of death:Season 5, episode 10, "Mother's Mercy"
Cause of death: After his failed attack on Ramsay Bolton's army at Winterfell, Brienne of Tarth executed him for murdering Renly.
Sadness ranking: 4. He'd been on the show for a while and since he was so good on the battlefield, he was probably one of the only people who could take down the Lannisters. And boy, did he want to. But he executed his daughter in order to get closer to the Iron Throne, and he murdered his brother, Renly. He is missed, though.
40. Leaf
She was of the ancient race known as the Children of the Forest, and is responsible for creating the White Walkers.
Time of death:Season 6, episode 5, "The Door"
Cause of death: Killed by wights while protecting Bran, Meera, and Hodor from attack.
Sadness ranking: 4. We didn't know her very well, but she made a big sacrifice for Bran's survival.
39. Matthos Seawoth
Son of Davos Seaworth, Stannis Baratheon's right-hand man.
Time of death: Season 2, episode 9, "Blackwater"
Cause of death: Burned alive by wildfire during the Battle of Blackwater.
Sadness ranking: 4. Sad for Davos, but he wasn't a character we knew very well.
38. Kevan Lannister
Tywin's brother, and Hand of the King to Tommen after Tywin's passing. Througout season six, Kevan was trying to get Cersei out of the king's council. He's Lancel Lannister's dad.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 10, "The Winds of Winter"
Cause of death:Burned alive in Cersei's wildfire explosion at the Sept of Baelor.
Sadness ranking: 4. Kevan was a Lannister, but like Tyrion and Jaime, he was one of the ones to root for. He was trying to restore peace to the kingdom and keep Cersei as far away from the Iron Throne as possible.
37. Septa Mordane
Sansa and Arya's no-nonsense tutor and septa at Winterfell. She went to King's Landing with the Starks to continue Sansa and Arya's studies. She was more fond of Sansa than Arya, who she viewed as a troublemaker and not a lady.
Time of death:Season 1, episode 10, "Fire and Blood"
Cause of death: Beheaded on King Joffrey's orders.
Sadness ranking: 4.5 She wasn't a character anyone was attached to, but it was compeltely unecessary for Joffrey to kill her. He only did it to torture Sansa even more after beheading Ned right in front of her.
36. Myrcella Baratheon
The only daughter of Cersei and Jaime Lannister, sister to Joffrey and Tommen. Back in season two when Tyrion was Hand of the King, he sent her to Dorne where she would marry Trystane Martell when she became of age.
Time of death: Season 5, episode 10, "Mother's Mercy"
Cause of death: Ellaria Sand poisoned her with a kiss before she left for King's Landing with Jaime.
Sadness ranking: 4.5 It was sad to see her go in Jaime's arms, but we didn't know her very well and her death was predictable.
35. Khal Drogo
At first, the Dothraki warrior was menacing. But over the course of the first season, as he began to bond and build a real love with Dany, he became more likeable.
Time of death:Season 1, episode 10, "Fire and Blood"
Cause of death: Dany suffocated him in a mercy killing after a spell by Mirri Maz Duur left him in a catatonic state.
Sadness ranking: 4.5. At this point we were pretty invested in Dany and Drogo. The saddest part about his death was saying goodbye to Jason Mamoa, whose performance made him famous, and probably won him the role of Aquaman in 2017's "Justice League."
34. Lady Crane
An actress portraying Cersei Lannister in a play in Braavos. Arya was assigned to assassinate her.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 8, "No One"
Cause of death: The Waif slit her throat
Sadness ranking: 5. She was kind to Arya and was a decent person. People in Braavos are really cool and really chill! Everyone should leave Westeros and go there.
33. Jory Cassel
Jory was basically Ned Stark's right-hand man. He was the captain to the House Stark guards and traveled with Ned from Winterfell to King's Landing.
Time of death: Season 1, episode 5, "The Wolf and the Lion"
Cause of death: Jaime Lannister stabbed him in the eye.
Sadness ranking: 5. He would do anything for the Starks, including getting killed, which he did. This death was a little sadder to see for book readers, since you spend more time with him in the books.
32. Mace Tyrell
Lord of Highgarden and the Head of House Tyrell. He also served as Master of Ships and Master of Coin on King Tommen's council.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 10 "The Winds of Winter"
Cause of death:Burned alive in Cersei's wildfire explosion at the Sept of Baelor.
Sadness ranking: 5. He was a lovable buffoon. Before he left for good, we're just glad he gave us (and Meryn Trant) the gift of song on the streets of Braavos.
31. Grenn
Grenn joined the Night's Watch at the same time as Jon Snow. Jon taught him swordsmanship alongwith Pyp. He, along with Sam and Edd, survived the White Walkers' attack at the Fist of the First Men.
Time of death:Season 4, episode 9, "The Watchers on the Wall"
Cause of death:Killed while fighting the giant Mag the Mighty in the Battle of Castle Black, and trying to hold the gate closed so the Wildlings couldn't get in.
Sadness ranking: 5. He was a very minor character and a loyal friend to Jon and Sam. He was dim-witted, so he sometimes provided much-needed comic relief.
30. Pyp
Pyp joined the Night's Watch at the same time as Jon Snow. Jon taught him swordsmanship along with Grenn. While he initially said he was caught stealing, it was later revealed that Pyp was sent to the Wall after rejecting a highlord's sexual advances.
Time of death:Season 4, episode 9, "The Watchers on the Wall"
Cause of death: Killed by Ygritte during the Battle of Castle Black.
Sadness ranking: 5. He was a very minor character, but a loyal friend to Jon and Sam.
29. Brother Ray
The Faith of the Seven Septon who is the reason the Hound is still alive.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 7, "The Broken Man"
Cause of death: Rogue members of the Brotherhood Without Manners hanged him after killing his entire community.
Sadness ranking: 5. This death hit the Hound pretty hard emotionally, and it was nice to see him feel some feelings for once. Ideally Ian McShane would be on this show forever, but we can't have everything.
28. Tywin Lannister
Lord of Casterly Rock, Warden of the West, and Head of House Lannister. He was also Hand of the King for three different kings, including the Mad King. His army saved King's Landing from Stannis in the Battle of Blackwater, and he was the mastermind behind the Red Wedding.
Time of death: Season 4, episode 10, "The Children"
Cause of death: His son, Tyrion, shot him with a crossbow while he was using the bathroom.
Sadness ranking: 5.5. Although he was one of the show's primary villains, it was sad to see him go because he was such a good character. The show truly isn't the same without him.
27. Jon Snow (sort of)
Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, and Ned Stark's "bastard" "son."
Time of death: Season 5, episode 10, "Mother's Mercy"
Cause of death:Stabbed by Alliser Thorne, Olly, and other members of the Night's Watch who hate Wildlings.
Sadness ranking: 5.5. He's back, and in our hearts we always knew he would be back.
26. Renly Baratheon
Brother of King Robert and "King" Stannis Baratheon, Renly was one of the only characters Ned Stark trusted, but he fled King's Landing right when Ned needed him most. Renly is also one of the few gay characters on the show.
Time of death: Season 2, episode 5, "The Ghost of Harrenhal"
Cause of death: Killed by the ghost-baby of Stannis and Melisandre.
Sadness ranking: 6. Loveable and sweet, but he could have avoided being murdered if he hadn't been so stubborn. He also ditched Ned Stark in King's Landing right before things got bad, which was lame.
25. Yoren
Remember Yoren? He was a Night's Watch recruiter who came down from the Wall to King's Landing to bring back some recruits. While he was down there, Ned Stark was beheaded, and he's the one who saved Arya by chopping her hair off and disguising her as a boy. His story was also the inspiration for Arya's prayer.
Time of death: Season 2, episode 3, "What Is Dead May Never Die"
Cause of death:Killed by Ser Amory Lorch, a House Lannister loyalist, in a fight when Lannister men had come looking for Robert Baratheon's bastard son.
Sadness ranking: 6. In his last few episodes, he bonded with Arya. He was one of those clever but rare Westeros citizens who doesn't care about politics. He was also a great fighter.
24. Loras Tyrell
Loras was the only remaining heir to Highgarden. He was a popular tourney knight in Westeros, and one of the most skilled in the kingdom. He was imprisoned by the Faith of the Seven for the crime of laying with a man.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 10, "The Winds of Winter"
Cause of death:Burned alive in Cersei's wildfire explosion at the Sept of Baelor.
Sadness ranking: 6. He wasn't as major a character as Margery, but he was sympathetic, especially throughout his imprisonment. His violent death, like everyone else's in the wildfire explosion, was as unexpected as it was upsetting.
23. Jojen Reed
The only son of Howland Reed, the Lord of Greywater Watch, and younger brother of Meera Reed. Jojen sought out Bran Stark to help him find the Three-Eyed Raven, because they have similar visions.
Time of death: Season 4, episode 10, "The Children"
Cause of death: His sister, Meera, killed him after he suffered multiple stab wounds from a wight outside the heart tree.
Sadness ranking: 6. His death was quick and unexpected, since his character survives the wight attack outside the heart tree in the books.
22. Rodrik Cassel
Ser Rodrik Cassel was the master-at-arms at Winterfell, and loyal servant to House Stark. He trained many soldiers including Robb Stark, Jon Snow, and the man who killed him, Theon Greyjoy. In season one, Rodrik escorted Catelyn to King's Landing and the Vale.
Time of death: Season 2, episode 6, "The Old Gods and the New"
Cause of death:Beheaded in terrible fashion by Theon Greyjoy during the Fall of Winterfell.
Sadness ranking: 6.5. Rodrik was loyal to the Starks through and through. His death was especially sad because it was gruesome and Theon performed the execution on a whim in front of Bran and Rickon, who were close to him.
21. Syrio Forel
The Braavosi dancing instructor made quite an impression on Arya and on audiences. Although it's very likely that he's dead, there's still some hopefuls out there who believe that there's no way a knight like Meryn Trant could've killed the skilled fighter, even if his only weapon was a wooden sword.
Time of death: Season 1, episode 8, "The Prince of Winterfell"
Cause of death: Probably killed by Meryn Trant and his men in King's Landing.
Sadness ranking: 7. He was a charming, chill guy who helped make Arya the person she is now. He also saved her from being captured by the Lannisters. His death made us sad, but made Arya so mad that she brutally murdered Maryn Trant at a brothel in Braavos in a violent an act of revenge.
20. Ros
A prostitute from a town near Winterfell who went down to King's Landing to work at Littlefinger's brothel. While working for Littlefinger, she spied for Varys and proved she truly belonged there.
Time of death: Season 3, episode 6, "The Climb"
Cause of death: Joffrey brutally shot her with his beloved crossbow.
Sadness ranking: 7. Her death was brutal and hard to watch. Although she was an outsider, Ros learned how to survive in King's Landing pretty quickly. She helped reveal Littlefinger's plans to help Sansa escape to the Vale, but when Littlefinger found out she'd been spying on him for Varys, he gave her to Joffrey knowing full well he would play a sadistic game with her.
19. Brynden Tully (The Blackfish)
Brynden Tully is a knight and member of House Tully. He's Catelyn Stark's uncle, and brother of Hoster Tully, who was the Lord of Riverrun. In season six, he easily took Riverrun from the Freys, but the Lannisters took it back. Before he was allegedly killed, he helped Brienne and Podrick escape the castle.
Time of death:Season 6, episode 8, "No One"
Cause of death: We didn't actually see him killed, but it's assumed that he's dead when the Lannisters take Riverrun after he refuses to surrender.
Sadness ranking: 7. A beloved character, but we didn't see him die. He escaped the Red Wedding unscathed and was a fierce warrior, so there's a chance that he's still around.
18. Maester Aemon
The Grand Maester at Castle Black and brother of Aegon Targaryen, making him the Mad King's uncle, and Daenerys' great uncle. He joined the Night's Watch to get away from the politics of Westeros. Maester Aemon was one of Lord Commander Mormont's closest advisors. He was always loyal to Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly.
Time of death: Season 5, episode 7, "Kill the Boy"
Cause of death: Old age
Sadness ranking: 7. His death was somewhat expected since he was so old, but he'd been with us since the beginning and helped Sam get his confidence.
17. Ser Barristan Selmy
Former member of the Kingsguard. Joffrey let him go from his position in season one, and he made his return in season three to help Daenerys take the Seven kingdoms.
Time of death: Season 5, episode 4, "Sons of the Harpy"
Cause of death: Died fighting the Sons of the Harpy during an attack in Mereen.
Sadness ranking: 7. He went heroically and with honor. Many people, including the actor who played him, were upset by his death since Selmy is still alive in the books.
16. Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun
Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun was a giant Wildling loyal to Jon Snow who was integral to the taking of Winterfell at the Battle of the Bastards.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 9, "Battle of the Bastards"
Cause of death:Shot in the eye by Ramsay Bolton after taking a lot of arrows. Like, a lot.
Sadness ranking: 7. We didn't know him very well, but his heroic fight at the Battle of the Bastards made us sad enough to shed a tear or two.
15. Robert Baratheon
King Robert was quite a delight. Sure, he was a drunk and kind of yelled at everybody and was a terrible king, but he was a lovable character gone way too soon. He also provided some of the only comedic relief this show has ever had.
Time of death:Season 1, episode 7, "A Man Without Honor"
Cause of death: Wounded by a wild boar on a hunting trip after drinking wine given to him by his squire, Lancel Lannister, under orders from Cersei Lannister.
Sadness ranking: 7.5. He just wasn't fit to be a king, especially of a place like Westeros. He was too lazy for the gig and it ended up being his downfall.
14. Tommen Baratheon
Poor Tommen was too good to be king, and just when he was starting to stand up to his mother and make decisions for himself, she took everything he loved away from him by blowing up the Sept of Baelor with wildfire.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 10, "The Winds of Winter"
Cause of death: Commited suicide by jumping from a window in the Red Keep.
Sadness ranking: 7.5. He was one of the good ones. He just wanted to do a good job, but wasn't very intuitive about his own mother, Cersei, who is indirectly responsible for her last living child's death.
13. Karsi
Karsi was a Wildling leader who retreated to Hardhome after the Battle of Castle Black. After killing a Then, she accepted Lord Commander Jon Snow's offer to become allies against the White Walkers.
Time of death: Season 5, episode 8, "Hardhome"
Cause of death: Killed by wights, then became one.
Sadness ranking: 7.5. Huge credit to the writers for creating such a strong character we all got attached to in the span of only one episode.
12. Walda Bolton and newborn child
Roose Bolton's wife, and granddaughter of Walder Frey.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 2, "Home"
Cause of death: Ramsay left them to be fed to his hounds
Sadness ranking: 8. We didnt know Walda very well, but Ramsay killed an innocent woman and a baby in a greusome way for his own gain. Not cool.
11. Margery Tyrell
Margery started the series as the wife of Renly Baratheon, but quickly joined the Lannisters in an attempt to get the Tyrells a seat on the Iron Throne after his death. At first she came across as self-interested, but the kindness she extended toward Sansa Stark and the poor people of King's Landing proved that while she was a master manipulator on the same level as Cersei, she had a good heart.
Time of death:Season 6, episode 10, "The Winds of Winter"
Cause of death:Burned alive in Cersei's wildfire explosion at the Sept of Baelor.
Sadness ranking: 8. Margery saw right through Cersei and would have been a good ruler, especially with the help of her grandmother, Olenna Tyrell. Her death was very unexpected and it was sad to see another character to root for go.
10. Ygritte
The Wildling woman Jon fell in love with during his spy adventure beyond the Wall.
Time of death: Season 4, episode 9, "The Watchers on the Wall"
Cause of death: Olly shot her with an arrow during the Battle of Castle Black.
Sadness ranking: 8. Jon made eye contact with her the exact moment she died, but he eventually got his revenge on Olly.
9. Rickon Stark
Rickon, the youngest of the Stark children, barely talked and we barely knew him compared to the other Stark kids.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 9, "Battle of the Bastards"
Cause of death: Ramsay Bolton shot an arrow in his back, while pretending to give him to Jon Snow unscathed.
Sadness ranking: 8. Ramsay's sadistic way of murdering him was mind-blowingly awful, especailly for Jon Snow, who saw it up close. Rickon's return to the show was exciting at first, but turns out he just showed up to die.
8. Lord Commander Jeor Mormont
Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, who took a liking to Jon Snow and served as a father figure to him. He even gave Jon his Valyrian steel sword, Longclaw, that has saved Jon and a bunch of other people from White Walkers. And will probably save everyone in Westeros in the last season.
Time of death: Season 3, episode 4, "And Now His Watch Has Ended"
Cause of death:Stabbed to death by a traitor to the Night's Watch at Craster's Keep.
Sadness ranking: 8. Lord Commander Mormont was one of the few people in Westeros who was a good person, and fought for what was right. It was even more heartbreaking when his son Jorah Mormont found out about his death through Tyrion Lannister two seasons later.
7. Master Luwin
Maester Luwin was a sweet old man, loyal to the Starks, andbasically served as Bran and Rickon'sfather figure in Winterfellespecially after Ned's death. He saved Osha by suggesting keeping her as a prisoner, and helped Osha hide Bran and Rickon from Theon when he was trying to kill them.
Time of death:Season 2, episode 10, "Valar Morghulis"
Cause of death:Osha gave him a quick death after he suffered a stab wound when Ramsey's men took over Winterfell.
Sadness ranking: 8. He was probably the Starks' most trusted ally, and his death was slow and heartbreaking.
6. Oberyn Martell
Ah, Oberyn Martell. He was our first glimpse of Dorne, and he is sorely missed. He came to King's Landing to get his deserved revenge on the Lannisters. He threw insults left and right at Cersei, and didn't give a damn whom he offended as long as he got his satisfying revenge. Which he got, sort of. Kind of. Not really.
Time of death: Season 4, episode 8, "The Mountain and the Viper"
Cause of death: The Mountain smashed his face and skull with his bare hands in Tyrion's trial by combat.
Sadness ranking: 8.5. He was such a fun character gone too soon, and it was one of the bloodiest deaths ever seen on the show. But if Oberyn hadn't been so cocky in the trial by combat against The Freaking Mountain, he probably would've survived and gotten his revenge.
5. Robb Stark
Easy on the eyes and a man with almost as much honor as his father, Robb really did himself in when he broke his promise to marry one of Walder Frey's daughters and married Talia instead.
Time of death:Season 3, episode 9, "The Rains of Castamere"
Cause of death: Shot with an arrow by a Frey, then Roose Bolton stabbed him in the heart.
Sadness ranking: 9. Robb was one of the few characters left to root for in the War of the Five Kings, and his death was particularly brutal, especially seeing his corpse paraded around with his direwolf's head on top.
4. Eddard "Ned" Stark
The Lord of the North and the Hand of the King was a stand-up guy, and way too good for the world of Westeros. His need to do the right thing got him (and a lot of other people) killed.
Time of death: Season 1, episode 9, "Baelor"
Cause of death: Beheaded by Sir Illyn Payne on King Joffrey's order.
Sadness ranking: 9. In the moment, Ned's death hit us hard and we didn't think we'd ever get over it. But the show moved on, and so did we. His spirit lives with his kids (the ones who are still alive at least).
3. Catelyn Stark
Catelyn Stark, Lady of Winterfell, was born into House Tully and married into House Stark. She had a hard time adjusting to life in the North, but loved Ned and her children and would do anything for them.
Time of death: Season 3, episode 9, "The Rains of Castamere"
Cause of death:Black Walder Rivers slit her throat at the Red Wedding.
Sadness ranking: 9.5. The way the scene played out, it seemed like maybe she was going to make it if you hadn't read the books. And she had just seen Roose Bolton stab her son in the heart, and witnessed her daughter-in-law and unborn grandchild get stabbed to death.
2. Hodor
Hodor worked at the stables in Winterfell. Throughout the series, he carried Bran Stark pretty much everywhere after their escape from Theon Greyjoy. Although mentally disabled, he was fiercely loyal to the Stark family.
Time of death: Season 6, episode 5, "The Door"
Cause of death: Killed by wights while trying to protect Bran and Meera from them.
Sadness ranking: 100. The saddest part of his death was the simultaneous reveal of his origin story. His mental disability was a direct result of Bran Stark's time-travel warging.
1. Shireen Baratheon
Daughter of Stannis Baratheon. She had greyscale as a baby and Stannis found a cure for her. She was smart and well-read, and taught Davos Seaworth how to read.
Time of death: Season 5, episode 9, "The Dance of Dragons"
Cause of death: Burned alive by Melissandre as a sacrifice to the Lord of Light, on Stannis' order.
Sadness ranking: 1,000. This scene was too hard to watch, and the sacrifice ultimately led nowhere, since Stannis didn't defeat Ramsay's army.
