The famous series “Game of Thrones” is rich with wonderful moments both big and small. When it comes to the writing, author George R.R. Martin and showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have achieved a unique mix of profound quotes, witty humor, sarcastic one-liners, and just plain badass moments. After re-watching the series from start to finish, we rounded up 10 of our favorite lines which appear on the show. Scroll down to read the most iconic quotes from the series game of thrones.
1. “The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.” — Ned Stark
This quote contains everything anyone needs to know about Ned Stark and his world view.
Ned was one of the best characters on the series, with a toughened sense of humour, honor and duty. In the pilot episode, his character is immediately established with this lesson taught to his son Bran. He is driving home the point that no leader should give an order or make a decision he wouldn’t carry out himself.
This highlights the connection between a person and their decisions. If you’re going to condemn someone to death, you must be absolutely certain it’s the right call to take their life yourself. By personally carrying out the execution, it demonstrates respect for the person being punished.
2. “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.” — Cersei Lannister
This conversation takes place right before King Robert dies. Cersei is sending a clear message to Ned Stark with this incredible quote.
Ned found out Cersei’s kids were actually from incest, but he made a big mistake by giving her a chance to leave before telling Robert. This decision turned out really bad for him, and viewers will see it as the moment everything went wrong for Ned—he gets executed just two episodes later. Also, this is the only time in the series someone actually says the show’s title out loud.
3. “There is only one god, and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: ‘Not today.'” — Syrio Forel
Syrio Forel is a skilled swordsman from Braavos, and he’s the first person Arya meets who teaches her swordfighting. He tells her a very important lesson: the only god that truly matters is the god of Death.
As Arya’s journey continued in Westeros, she learns this lesson more deeply by killing several people. In season five, she even travels to Braavos to join the Faceless Men in the House of Black and White. This is where they worship the Many Faced God, who represents death.
4. “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
As Tyrion makes his moves in the capital, Lord Varys becomes his confidant and slippery associate. Varys recognizes Tyrion’s power, which lies not in physical strength but in his cleverness and ability to manipulate situations. Varys’s statement also makes us think about who really holds power in Westeros among the kings: Joffrey, Stannis, Renly, Robb, and Balon. It raises the question: is it the gods, the kings, or the soldiers who truly control what happens in Westeros?
5. “There’s a beast in every man, and it stirs when you put a sword in his hand.” — Jorah Mormont
Jorah serves as an advisor to Daenerys for most of the series, and sometimes his one-liners are pure gold. While speaking with her about the Unsullied and the nature of war, Jorah warns her of the inevitable violence involved. The show doesn’t shy away from violence and betrayals, and Jorah’s commentary on the nature of humans and destruction is sadly accurate.
6. “Oh no please, seduce away. It’s been so long. Though I rather think it’s all for naught. What happens when the non-existent bumps against the decrepit? A question for the philosophers.” — Olenna Tyrell
Olenna Tyrell has fairly earned the nickname “Queen of Thorns”.When Lord Varys, who is a eunuch, tries to flatter her, she responds with a sharp remark. She humorously refers to her own private parts as “decrepit” and highlights the fact that Varys lacks any reproductive organs. This exchange provided one of the funnier moments in season three.
7. “Chaos isn’t a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail, and never get to try again — the fall breaks them. And some are given a chance to climb, but they refuse. They cling to the realm, or the gods, or love … illusions. Only the ladder is real, the climb is all there is.” — Petyr ‘Littlefinger’ Baelish
It turns out Varys was right to be worried about Littlefinger. In the first two seasons, Littlefinger’s plans and goals are kept secret. While viewers sense he’s scheming, it’s not until a crucial moment that his thinking becomes clear. In “The Climb,” Littlefinger’s speech exposes his fondness for chaos and violence, even if it means trouble for the kingdom. He thrives on causing disorder and still manages to emerge victorious.
8. “By what right does the wolf judge the lion?” — Jaime Lannister
Jaime’s character development is one of the most intricate in the series. In this scene from season three, he shares a moment with Brienne while sitting together in a hot bath. He opens up to her about the story behind his infamous nickname, “Kingslayer.” Previously, this tale was seen as a reason to condemn Jaime for breaking his oath, but now, viewers get a deeper understanding of his perspective and thoughts.
But his side of things makes you see that he had little choice but to kill the king he was sworn to protect. His final line of the speech — “By what right does the wolf judge the lion?” — drives home the point that Ned Stark and his honor may not be the only moral way of living.
9. “I did not kill Joffrey but I wish that I had. Watching your vicious bastard die gave me more relief than a thousand lying whores.” — Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion’s speech during his trial is so impactful that it’s impossible to pick just one line. We’ve included the whole passionate speech in our collection because every word holds weight and significance. Here’s the rest of this powerful quote:
I wish I was the monster you think I am. I wish I had enough poison for the whole pack of you. I would gladly give my life to watch you all swallow it. I will not give my life for Joffrey’s murder and I know I’ll get no justice here. So I will let the gods decide my fate. I demand a trial by combat.
10. “Nothing isn’t better or worse than anything. Nothing is just nothing.” — Arya Stark
As Arya faces a world filled with death and chaos, she starts seeing things through a nihilistic lens. With her family gone and betrayal lurking everywhere, she finds little solace in the world. So when she encounters a dying stranger, her words to him aren’t about comfort. Instead, she bluntly reveals the harsh truth about death and the emptiness that awaits us all.
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