10 Shocking Ways Game of Thrones Betrayed the Original Books!

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Within moments of its debut, “Game of Thrones” skyrocketed into international fame as a groundbreaking television series. The HBO production skillfully adapted George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels, vividly portraying the enchanting yet often ruthless realm of Westeros and its warring factions on screen. Over an impressive span of 73 episodes across eight seasons, “Game of Thrones” achieved immense popularity for HBO and left a lasting impact on popular culture. It is now recognized as one of the most-watched and most-discussed TV shows in recent history. However, it didn’t always adhere strictly to its source material.

Throughout its broadcast, “Game of Thrones” surpassed Martin’s novels, crafting its unique narrative along the way. Certain adaptations made by the series were more well-received, but some weren’t as favored. It’s unclear whether it was viewer dissatisfaction or missed opportunities, but in several instances, the television show strayed from the books.

1) Tyrion Murders Shae 

Initially, one of the most touching relationships portrayed in “Game of Thrones” appeared to be between Tyrion and Shae. But things took a dark turn when Tyrion found Shae with his father in bed. Despite their relationship seemingly destined for failure from the outset, the sincere affection they showed towards each other throughout the series was one of its few tender moments. However, after Tyrion distanced himself for her protection, Shae’s loyalty shifted, and ultimately led to a brutal end for her.

In the TV series, when Tyrion discovers Shae with Tywin, she assaults him with a knife, forcing him to defend himself by killing her. On the other hand, in the books, Tyrion kills Shae out of anger towards his father, showcasing a more sinister aspect of his hatred. The change in the TV show has Tyrion appear less blameworthy, but their parting seems illogical and unjustifiably alters the original storyline for no apparent benefit.

2) Sansa Marries Ramsay 

Frequently, the TV series “Game of Thrones” introduced storylines that were absent from the original books. One such addition that sparked much debate was Sansa Stark’s marriage to Ramsay Bolton. This union was particularly distressing due to the numerous cruel scenes Sansa endured under Ramsay’s control. While this plotline undeniably heightened the show’s tension, it deviated significantly from the books by lacking coherence.

The play depicted Littlefinger marrying Sansa to Ramsay, yet it’s clear that Littlefinger would have preferred to keep her near him, given his nature. A wiser move for his own aspirations might have been to persuade Sansa to marry him instead of orchestrating a union with the menacing Ramsay. From a storytelling perspective, this plot twist primarily served to intensify Sansa’s tragic journey, as her character arc was already marked by adversity.

3) Robb Stark’s Death 

The death of Robb Stark at the Red Wedding was a pivotal moment in “Game of Thrones,” yet it subtly deviated from the original storyline. In the TV series, Robb’s romantic involvement with Talisa leads him to break his promise to marry Frey’s daughter and this act ultimately results in the betrayal by House Frey and the Lannisters. However, in the books, while the outcome is similar, Robb’s actions are less self-centered and hold a touch of poetic irony.

In the novels, Robb finds comfort after the perceived demise of his brothers from Jeyne Westerling, a woman who he later marries to shield her reputation, following their intimate relationship. While this union in the books isn’t motivated by self-interest but rather honor, it ultimately leads to Robb’s undoing due to his noble qualities being used against him, much like his father. The TV series altered this narrative aspect of Robb’s death, portraying his marriage as a selfish act driven by love instead.

4) Jaime & Cersei In The Sept 

Despite being hailed as one of television’s greatest fantasy series, much of its appeal lies in the human dimensions of its storytelling. For instance, the complex characters of Jaime and Cersei Lannister, whose incestuous relationship adds a dark, romantic layer to the show, are testament to this. However, it’s worth noting that one scene involving these characters was altered from the books to make it more unsettling.

In the novels, Jaime and Cersei come together for a mournful vigil by Joffrey’s lifeless body in the Sept of Baelor, soon after his death. They later engage in an intimate, albeit questionable encounter that was consensual. However, the TV show altered this scene to portray it as non-consensual, with Cersei expressing disapproval before Jaime forces himself upon her, right next to Joffrey’s corpse. This alteration was a significant departure from the original storyline, and served no real purpose other than to introduce more sexual violence into the narrative.

5) Danaerys Not Grieving Viserys 

The Targaryen clan, as depicted in both the series and literature, are known to have recurring dreams involving dragons. These dreams often carry prophetic messages, but even those without such significance hold great importance for the characters. In the novels, Daenerys frequently dreams about her late brother Viserys, a sign of her lingering grief and complicated feelings towards the only family member she was close to for most of her life, indicating that she is haunted by his spirit beyond the grave.

In a slightly different phrasing: Game of Thrones took an unusual route for the series when it came to Viserys’ return, but he never reappears after his death instead. This subtle implication suggests that he held minimal importance in his sister Daenerys’ life. By omitting scenes where Daenerys ponders her strained and intricate bond with Viserys, it paints her as a much more cold-hearted and merciless character than necessary, contradicting the compassionate portrayal of her in the original material.

6) The Stark Children Not Being Skinchangers 

Enthusiasts who adored the “Game of Thrones” series frequently acknowledge the Stark kids as the show’s most pivotal characters, since their narratives seamlessly connect the expansive storyline from start to finish. However, there are several elements of these characters that were omitted in the series, and in many instances, the Starks appeared less developed because of these absences. In the books, each Stark child is either depicted experiencing skinchanging with their direwolves or having dreams about it.

In the series, it’s only Bran Stark who exhibits any supernatural skills among his siblings, which are tied to his warging and his role as the Three-Eyed Raven. The other Starks do not display such abilities, like skinchanging with their direwolves, a feature that was present in the books but not fully explored in the show. This omission could have enriched the storyline by incorporating more of the books’ fantastical elements and allowing for more involvement of their animal companions in the show’s plot.

7) The Consummation Of Drogo & Daenerys’s Marriage 

Similar to the complex romantic entanglements of Cersei and Jaime Lannister, the treatment of romantic plots in “Game of Thrones” was also questionable for Daenerys and Khal Drogo. In the series’ premiere, Daenerys is wed to Khal Drogo to strengthen an alliance between the Targaryens and the Dothraki. In both the novels and the television adaptation, Drogo becomes Daenerys’ first profound love; however, the portrayal of this story in the show is much more contentious.

In the book, Drogo wins Daenerys’ affection and later consents to their marriage consummation. However, in the show, their marriage bed scene shows Drogo forcing himself on Daenerys after their wedding, which not only diminishes the romantic aspect of their love but also introduces unnecessary sexual violence into what should have been a loving and respectful union.

8) Everything About Euron Greyjoy 

Throughout the duration of “Game of Thrones”, a series known for its vividly malevolent characters, Euron Greyjoy was one who particularly captured attention. He wasn’t just memorable due to his involvement in some of “Game of Thrones” most thrilling battle scenes, but also because he often occupied a pivotal role within the narrative. However, while Pilou Asbæk delivered an impressive portrayal of Greyjoy on screen, there were several instances where his character deviated from the original source material in ways that, in the end, left many viewers somewhat underwhelmed.

In the novels, Euron Greyjoy stands out as the primary adversary, boasting powerful magic, exceptional fighting abilities, and a captivating dark charm that is tempered by a chilling sadistic nature. However, in the TV series, his character was significantly toned down, making him less intriguing, less menacing, and less engaging. This alteration to one of the books’ most compelling antagonists felt disappointing and unnecessary, as it failed to do justice to the original content by reducing him to little more than a mere plot device.

9) Changes To Characters’ Ages 

In contrast to the immense popularity that “Game of Thrones” enjoyed on television, its interpretation of George R. R. Martin’s novels was not entirely faithful. This deviation, while beneficial in certain aspects, had its drawbacks as well. One significant alteration was in the characters’ ages, particularly those from the Stark family, whose ages were substantially increased for the series. Although this adjustment allowed the show to handle more mature themes, it also diminished some of the poignant sadness found in the books.

In the books, Ned and Catelyn Stark are portrayed as being in their thirties, but they appear much older in the TV series. This means that their tragic deaths occur prematurely in the books, which adds depth to the stories of their offspring. For instance, Robb Stark leads his troops at just 15 years old in the books, whereas he is an adult in the show. As a result, the show’s characters seem less innocent and more calculating, having to be written as such due to their older appearances.

10) Catelyn Stark’s Death

On the television series ‘Game of Thrones’, numerous deaths were heart-wrenching, but none were as startling to audiences as those of Robb and Catelyn Stark during the Red Wedding. Interestingly, the books delved deeper into Catelyn’s story after her demise, contrasting with the show which concluded her narrative at the hands of House Frey. In the novels, Catelyn was miraculously brought back to life by the Brotherhood Without Banners, a resurrection that left her physically and emotionally altered following the Red Wedding.

The books depict Catelyn Stark turning into Lady Stoneheart, a largely silent and decayed version of her previous self. With no trace of empathy or forgiveness left in her, Lady Stoneheart becomes a relentless avenger seeking revenge for her own murder. Although the series’ decision to omit this storyline may have some justification, it undeniably takes away one of the most chilling and sorrowful characters from Game of Thrones>.

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2025-06-21 15:40