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Game of Thrones: Every character who died in the Battle of Winterfell

What do we say to the God of death? Spoilers inside.

Daniel Van Boom headshot
Daniel Van Boom
3 min read
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The Night King brings the long night. 
HBO

Not that it needs to be said, but Game of Thrones season 8 spoilers below. 

In a show that's come to define epic fantasy, Sunday night's Battle of Winterfell, promised to be the most epic battle yet. It's the battle Game of Thrones has been building up to since 2011. 

And if you've watched much Game of Thrones, you know that meant people you loved were going to die. Below is every character who died during the 90ish-minute, incredibly dark episode in order, plus fan reactions to those deaths. If you want a more comprehensive look at every character death, how much time they spent in battle and who reigned supreme at the Battle of Winterfell, we also have a much more detailed breakdown.

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6:04

Eddison Tollett

A recurring character of the show since the very first season, Eddison "Edd" Tollett was a brother of the Night's Watch and then, since season 6, the Lord Commander of Castle Black. Edd was the first character to die in the episode. He saved Samwell Tarly, but then was promptly stabbed in the back. He was briefly revived later in the episode by the Night King.

Lyanna Mormont

Lyanna Mormont, one of the best side characters in Game of Thrones, met her end at the Battle of Winterfell. She was crushed to death by a giant White Walker. Lyanna went out in characteristic style, though, stabbing the giant in the eye and taking him down with her. 

Twitter was especially upset about this one -- as of this writing, over 101,000 tweets in her name have racked up -- as we all should be.

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5:50

Beric Dondarrion

First appearing in season 1 to serve Ned Stark when he was hand of the king, Beric Dondarrion died protecting another Stark. After Arya lost her weapons and was fleeing from the undead, she got aid from Beric and The Hound. Arya and The Hound were able to escape thanks to Beric shielding them from wights, but he was fatally injured in the process.

Later in the episode we see his sacrifice was not in vain. 

Theon Greyjoy

"Gods help you, Theon Greyjoy. Now you are truly lost." Those were Sir Rodrik's last words before Theon, after betraying the Starks and taking Winterfell, executed him. In this episode, Theon's redemption arc was complete. He valiantly protected Bran from the undead, taking out scores of them. 

"You're a good man," Bran told him. Those were the last words Theon would hear, though. He lunged at the Night King in dramatic bullet time and was swiftly killed. Actress Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark, posted her own heartfelt tribute to Theon on Instagram after the episode, echoing Bran's final words to him. 

The Night King

What goes around comes around. As The Night King descended upon Bran Stark, and the battle seemed lost, Arya leapt out of nowhere, lunging at the Night King. The Night King caught her by the neck. She dropped her dagger but caught it with her other hand, and plunged it into the Night King.

Winterfell. Saved. Arya Stark, the GOAT.

Ser Jorah Mormont 

The final moments of the battle saw Daenerys stranded outside Winterfell without her dragon. A crowd of wights encircled her, but she was saved by Ser Jorah Mormont. The two fought side by side, but Ser Jorah would not survive. At least he died doing what he loved: Protecting his Khaleesi. 

Lady Melisandre

The episode opened with the return of Lady Melisandre, who set the Dothraki's blades alight (which, as it turned out, did no good). Confronted by Ser Davos Seaworth, she told him not to bother to make good on Jon Snow's promise to execute her if she ever stepped foot in Winterfell again. The Red Woman then predicted she'd be dead by morning anyway. Lady Melisandre made good on her promise.

She served in the battle by setting a defensive flame around Winterfell's gates and channelling Syrio Forel to counsel Arya ("what do we say to the God of death?"). After the battle was won, she took off her necklace, reverting her to her true age. The episode ended with her falling. 

Now that the long night is over, we begin the long wait until episode 4. 

Game of Thrones stars, from season 1 through today

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Originally published April 28.
Update, April 29: Adds Sophia Turner's reaction to Theon's death.