Summary

HBO’sGame of Thronesis packed with iconic quotes and phrases from all eight seasons, many of which have remained in the cultural lexicon for years following the show’s conclusion. Based on theA Song of Ice & Firebook series by George R.R. Martin, the fantasy drama became a television phenomenon in the 2010s. Though theGame of Thronesendingleft a sour taste in the mouths of many audiences, the words of iconic characters like Ned Stark and Tyrion Lannister have lived on.

With the vast array of characters in theGame of Thronescast, the show benefited from varying perspectives on the world. Characters like Bronn and the Hound offered a more cynical wisdom, often taking shape in the form of humor in their unforgettable lines. Meanwhile, characters like Ned and Tywin had serious wisdom in their words, though ranging significantly in their philosophies. From Martin’s words in the books to original lines from the show,Game of Thronesnever ceased to amaze with memorable quotes.

The Hound in Game of Thrones

20F*** The King

Season 2, Episode 9 “Blackwater”

The Hound is one of the most memorableGame of Thronescharacters, and he takes a drastic turn during the Battle of Blackwater in season 2. He’s one of the few characters to directly stand up to Joffrey, and the“F***the king”line perfectly captures the outspoken, rebellious nature fans would grow to love about him in seasons 3 & 4. While more of a fun line, it’s certainly iconic and unforgettable.

19A Mind Needs Books Like A Sword Needs A Whetstone

Game of Thronesquickly establishes thatpower doesn’t only come from sheer force and strength, with Tyrion making a distinctionbetween himself and Jaime in season 1. He declares that Jaime’s strength is his sword, while Tyrion’s strength is his mind, and that reading is the greatest way to stimulate it. Tyrion is first introduced as a man only occupied by lust, but he quickly begins to demonstrate a wisdom that differentiates him from others around him.

The Best Swordfighters In Game Of Thrones Ranked

Jaime, Brienne, Arya… or the Sword of the Morning? Which of these Game of Thrones fighters is the best with a sword?

18Give Me Ten Good Men And Some Climbing Spikes, I’ll Impregnate The B*tch

Season 1, Episode 5, “The Wolf And The Lion”

Bronn is a character packed with hilarious philosophical tidbits gathered from his harsh upbringing. When eyeing the Eyrie, Tyrion states that the castle is “impregnable,” as its geographical position makes it nearly impossible to capture by sheer force.Bronn’s response provides the perfect summary of his character and also of how war is fought in Game of Thrones: dirtyand without regard for respect and rules.

Season 7, Episode 3, “The Queen’s Justice”

one last moment of satisfaction in over the Lannisters

Olenna Tyrell is one of the most uniquely bada** characters inGame of Thrones, and her final confrontation with Jaime Lannister allows her to go out with a bang. In her closing moments, Olenna plays Jaime’s compassion against him, convincing him to poison her. Just before she’s about to die, she reveals thatshe was the one who orchestrated Joffrey’s murder all the way back in season 4, getting one last moment of satisfaction in over the Lannisters.

A custom collage image of Brienne of Tarth, Arya Stark, and Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones - created by Tom Russell

16Love Is The Death Of Duty

Season 1, Episode 9, “Baelor”

When Jon Snow is ready to abandon the Night’s Watch after Ned Stark’s death, the wise Maester Aemon leaves him with a powerful quote that stays with him for the rest of his life.On multiple occasions, Jon has to sacrifice love to do what’s right, including the climacticGame of Thronesfinale moment where he stabs Daenerys to protect the realm. It’s a theme that’s prevalent all throughoutA Song of Ice & Fire, as everything begins when Rhaegar Targaryen sacrifices his honor for love.

15When You Play The Game Of Thrones, You Win Or You Die

Season 1, Episode 7, “You Win Or You Die”

Using the title of the show and the name of the episode in a quote isn’t always cool, but Cersei Lannister pulls it off in a fantastic way, laying down the ground rules for the naive Ned Stark. Their confrontation in the garden perfectly demonstrates the differences between them, which ultimately leads to Ned’s death. Ned tries to show Cersei compassion so she can escape with her children, but as Cersei explains,there’s no room for compassion in the cutthroat game of King’s Landing politics.

14Chaos Is A Ladder

Season 3, Episode 6, “The Climb”

Some of themost perfectGame of Thronesscenesare the confrontations between Littlefinger and Varys. While both are schemers, the“Chaos is a ladder”quote from the former shows their true differences. While Varys looks to hold the realm together,Littlefinger is willing to cause chaos, like poisoning Jon Arryn, so he can grasp opportunities to climb the social ladder, advancing his position. He’s a strategic opportunist, and chaos is his guise.

13The Lannisters Send Their Regards

Season 3, Episode 9, “The Rains Of Castamere”

The Red Wedding is themost heartbreakingGame of Thronesmoment, and it all comes to a closewhen Roose Bolton finishes off Robb Stark with a knife through the heart. Just before the killing blow, he reveals that he’d been flipped by the Lannisters, adding insult to injury. The quote encapsulates this tragic moment, which has become widely recognized as the most shocking TV scene ever.

12I’m Not Going To Stop The Wheel. I’m Going To Break The Wheel

Season 5, Episode 8, “Hardhome”

Daenerys Targaryen became iconic during the stretch of seasons where she kept winning and accumulating more power, and the“break the wheel”quote perfectly summarizes her impact. Daenerys is so easy to root for because she hasn’t been brought up by the corrupt system of Westeros.She’s an outsider who can envision a better world, and she knows she has to demolish the current political settingin order to do so. In a sense, that vision comes to fruition.

All 6 Ways We Know Dragons Were Killed In Game Of Thrones History (Including House Of The Dragon)

Dragons are some of the most powerful creatures in the Game of Thrones universe. From the shows and novels, here’s every way we’ve seen them die.

11Know Your Strengths, Use Them Wisely, And One Man Can Be Worth Ten Thousand

Season 4, Episode 5, “First Of His Name”

Game of Thronesconstantly examines ideas of power, and Littlefinger gives his perspective in season 4 when referring to the early lords of the Vale. He knows he’s not a powerful king or great warrior, but he’s risen from nothing to be one of the most powerful lords in Westeros. Littlefinger plays the game of thrones in a tactical manner, knowing the value he can provide that others can’t. Power isn’t just about strength, it’s about intelligence and influence, and Littlefinger is someone who undoubtedly understands his strengths.

Bronn in Game of Thrones

Olenna Tyrell looking up from her chair in Game of Thrones

Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones

Littlefinger smirking at Varys in Game of Thrones

Roose Bolton stabbing Robb Stark in Game of Thrones

Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones

Daenerys and Dragon in Game of Thrones

Littlefinger in Game of Thrones