GOT: Epic Fails That Cost These Characters Everything!

This show continues to stand out as one of the top choices due to its rich fantasy setting, complex characters who face the grim realities of their world, and a generous serving of interpersonal drama. Despite being widely recognized in today’s media, these characters are far from perfect. One reason they captivate us is because they feel so human, whether they’re fighting for justice or chasing power.

In essence, the successes and missteps, particularly the missteps, are solely attributed to each character in the show. More often than not, when a significant character suffered a fatal end, it was typically due to decisions they themselves had made. Whether driven by honor, animosity, or desire, here’s a list of the ten most devastating mistakes made by characters on “Game of Thrones” that ultimately led to their demises.

Oberyn Would Not Have Approved of Her Actions

Among the most disheartening aspects of the series has been the mishandling of the Dornish storyline. Not only did it fail to live up to expectations, but it significantly distorted Ellaria Sand’s character, transforming her from a complex figure into a one-dimensional villain who contradicted the principles that Oberyn stood for. While it’s clear why she sought revenge in the show, her pursuit of vengeance for Dorne and the Martells ended up inflicting more harm upon the family than even the Lannisters could have.

Ellaria’s unyielding pursuit of revenge for Oberyn’s death led to her becoming Cersei Lannister’s target after Ellaria murdered Myrcella Baratheon – an act that Oberyn would have strongly disliked, as he found the killing of innocent children abhorrent. Consequently, it was not unexpected when Cersei captured Ellaria alive and made her witness her own daughter, Tyene, dying from the same poison Ellaria used on Myrcella. This bitter end was certainly self-inflicted by Ellaria, as she played a significant role in making such an outcome a possibility.

Even Stannis Baratheon’s Wife Wanted to Stop It

In essence, Stannis Baratheon enjoyed substantial backing from both on-screen characters and devoted series fans. Yet, his actions took a shocking turn when he chose to burn his own daughter alive. To provide some background, Stannis had enlisted the aid of Melisandre, a Red Priestess who possessed supernatural abilities, particularly in the realm of kings’ blood sacrifices. In a dire situation where a blizzard threatened to wipe out his army and halt his throne pursuit before it truly commenced, Stannis was confronted with an agonizing decision: either charge directly into the storm or sacrifice his daughter, hoping that her death would unleash the power of her sacrifice and clear a path through the storm for his troops.

Initially, it was evident that Shireen was the sole individual whom Stannis deeply cherished and protected. He safeguarded her from the harsh treatment of her mother, who disliked Shireen due to her gender and the grey-scale disease she carried, a condition usually fatal if not for Stannis’ unyielding quest for a cure. Regrettably, his thirst for power surpassed his fatherly affection. He ordered Shireen to be burnt alive, which momentarily pacified the storm, but left his soldiers horrified at serving such a man. Many deserted him within hours, and his wife, upon realizing the gravity of her decision just moments before the act was carried out, ended her life in guilt. Stannis was left with nothing, and his army was subsequently defeated, leaving him wounded and isolated. It was then that Brienne of Tarth found him and executed him for murdering his own brother, a crime facilitated by Melisandre’s actions. Ultimately, Stannis’ downfall was self-inflicted.

It Undid Jaime’s Entire Character Arc

Initially, spectators noticed the growing bond between Brienne of Tarth and Jaime Lannister. Despite their frequent conflicts, whether through words or actions, they gradually formed a mutual connection as they came to know each other better. Jaime came to appreciate Brienne for her warrior skills and virtuous character, while she discovered that Jaime was not just a careless oath-breaker but a complex individual. An added advantage was that she was a woman he found intriguing, who was not his sister, which promised a brighter future for their relationship.

Following many years of tension, they ultimately consummated their relationship in the final season, having triumphed over the White Walkers. Yet, Jaime swiftly departed from Brienne at that moment to rescue Cersei. His feelings for her outweighed those for Brienne. Given his extensive history, having regained a sense of honor and made righteous choices, he returned to the woman who had been instrumental in his ill-fated decisions. This hasty move proved fatal, as he was mortally wounded by Euron Greyjoy and then crushed under the rubble from Daenerys’ attack on King’s Landing. This tragic turn of events was largely due to a regrettable decision that seemed to negate his character development in the end.

Everything The High Sparrow Did After Was Her Fault

In simpler terms, Cersei Lannister is often compared to a mature adult in appearance but with impulsive decisions and actions similar to a teenager. She tends to act swiftly without thoroughly considering the consequences of her actions. This behavior was evident when she boosted the High Sparrow’s power by appointing him as the new High Septon and reorganizing the Faith Militant. Her intention was to weaken Margaery Tyrell’s influence, but she hadn’t foreseen that the Faith Militant held authority over everyone, including herself. Consequently, when Cersei was imprisoned on charges of incest and adultery, her predicament was essentially self-inflicted.

Subsequent events were marked by turmoil as the High Sparrow assumed effective control over King’s Landing, putting Cersei Lannister on trial for her life. During this time, Cersei suffered abuse, humiliation, and tragically lost her last living child under the influence of the High Sparrow. Driven to the edge, she grew increasingly ruthless, ultimately detonating the wildfire stores beneath the Sept of Baelor, resulting in hundreds of deaths and a consolidation of power. Despite defeating the Faith Militant, she lost her son in the end. Overwhelmed by guilt after learning that she had caused his wife’s death, Tommen took his own life, leaving Cersei alone and spiraling towards an inevitable demise.

If Jon Had Kept His Mouth Shut Daenerys Would Be Alive

Upon discovering that Jon Snow is indeed the legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, this revelation significantly altered his future prospects. All of a sudden, he found himself as a potential claimant to the throne, surpassing Daenerys Targaryen, who he had grown fond of, and it seemed, was actually his aunt. This news understandably left Jon bewildered. He didn’t yearn for the throne, yet this truth was also an integral part of his identity. In due course, Jon confided in Sansa and Arya, wishing to maintain transparency with them. Possibly, he anticipated that acknowledging Jon as a link between the Starks and Targaryens would alleviate the strife Daenerys faced with his sisters. However, he failed to comprehend just how skeptical they had become on their individual journeys.

News of the situation rapidly dispersed, causing doubts about Daenerys’ claim to the throne as rightful heir. Even some of her loyal followers started advocating for Jon to take the throne instead. Already grappling with a succession of swift and agonizing setbacks, Daenerys’ loss of affection from Jon, and the purpose that had given her life meaning, further exacerbated her descent. This turn of events forced Jon to confront the difficult choice between ending Daenerys’ life to prevent any potential future destruction or face banishment beyond the Wall.

Sansa Would Become Sharper After This

In the realm of Westeros, there are numerous questionable strategies, and relying on Littlefinger is one of the more significant mistakes. His modus operandi involves aligning himself with the most powerful to advance his own status, and his fixation on Catelyn Stark, which later shifted to Sansa upon her demise, only added to his unreliability. It’s worth noting that, given her circumstances, Sansa had limited options for support. The Lannisters had taken her family’s lives, leaving her with no other allies within the city. Nevertheless, she could have expressed her reservations about some of Littlefinger’s plans to maintain a degree of autonomy and self-preservation.

In an attempt to make her a spy at Winterfell, he wedded her to Ramsay Bolton, who subjected her to unbearable cruelty and mistreatment beyond what she experienced under Joffrey. Sansa endured this torment under his “care” in a manner she hadn’t before. She held Littlefinger accountable for this, believing he should have done more due diligence about whom she was marrying and for the consequences that followed. The only reason she continued to associate with him after was because of his connections, but she was forever changed by that ordeal. Sansa grew more distant and calculating, resembling Cersei Lannister in some aspects, though she wasn’t comfortable admitting it. Trusting Littlefinger’s judgment proved to be the most detrimental decision she ever made for herself.

Theon Would Literally Lose Himself Along the Way

In the second season of the series, Theon Greyjoy appeared to be taking on a villainous role. After turning against the Starks and returning to his biological family, Theon attempted to prove himself by attacking Winterfell, claiming it for himself. However, he had insufficient troops to defend the castle, leading everyone to believe he had murdered Bran and Rickon Stark as a display of power. Consequently, when Ramsay Snow captured Theon, it seemed like retribution was finally upon him, despite the harsh consequences that followed.

Ramsay mercilessly tormented Theon until he was shattered and missing several parts of his physical self. Ramsay stripped Theon of any sense of self-worth by reducing him to a terrified slave who trembled at the thought of Ramsay’s anger. For the remainder of the series, Theon struggled to put himself back together. However, it should be noted that Theon brought about his own suffering. He made a strategically poor choice when he attempted to seize the North without sufficient forces to maintain control. He was aware that retribution would follow, but likely did not foresee its extreme nature.

Honor Ultimately Killed the Warden of the North

It was this revelation about Cersei Lannister’s secret lineage that ultimately led to the demise of Ned Stark and, indirectly, King Robert Baratheon. Upon learning the truth – that Cersei’s children were born from an incestuous relationship with her brother Jaime – Ned advised Cersei to leave the kingdom with her kids. He was aware that Robert would likely execute Cersei and Jaime, but he also feared that the king might harm the innocent children, who were unaware of the truth themselves.

Ned significantly misjudged the relentless nature of Cersei. Once she was aware of the impending event, she would go to great lengths to thwart it. In reality, Cersei orchestrated Robert Baratheon’s demise and assumed power, thereby hindering Ned from challenging her authority. Her men were eliminated, her children either imprisoned, forced into exile, or on the run, while Ned was confined. Cersei aimed to use Ned’s life as a pawn for negotiating peace with the North, but she herself fell short in predicting her son’s ruthlessness. As a result, it was Ned who ultimately paid the ultimate price because he provided Cersei with a warning.

Years of Abuse Pushed Tyrion Over the Edge

As a movie reviewer, I found myself deeply moved by the complex dynamic between Tywin and his son Tyrion in this gripping tale. Unlike many fathers and sons, their bond was fraught with abuse, stemming not just from Tyrion’s physical differences, but also from an event – his mother’s death during childbirth – that he had no control over.

The poignant irony lies in the fact that Tyrion, despite being the object of Tywin’s scorn, was remarkably like his father, sharing the same sharp intellect that allowed him to navigate the game with uncanny skill. Had they collaborated or if Tywin had recognized Tyrion’s abilities, they might have forged a thousand-year legacy, as Tywin so ardently desired.

Sadly, their story ends with Tywin continually belittling Tyrion at every turn, and ultimately accusing him of a heinous crime. A tragic tale indeed, where the father’s inability to see beyond his own prejudices may have cost them both an extraordinary legacy.

In a turn of events I was grateful for, Joffrey Baratheon met an untimely end, and Tyrion found himself accused as the prime suspect. Seizing this chance to rid ourselves of him, despite my knowledge that his son was innocent, I went along with the trial proceedings. Humiliated in front of everyone, Tyrion demanded a trial by combat, which unfortunately ended unfavorably for him, sealing his fate. But Tyrion, being as resilient as he is, managed to escape, thanks to Jaime, his older brother.

Later, I attempted to confront him about the accusations, only to discover that he had been secretly sleeping with my lover, Shae – a fact I had criticized him for before. Unable to bear my father’s cruelty any longer, I took matters into my own hands and ended Tywin’s life. If only he had shown his son the love and affection he deserved, perhaps he would still be alive today.

Daenerys Descent Into Tyranny Ensured Her Death

The gravest blunder in the series unfolded when, driven by uncontrollable anger, Daenerys reduced a city to ashes using her dragon’s fire. She had achieved what she yearned for – the throne was hers, secured both by birthright and conquest. However, after experiencing immense losses since arriving in Westeros, it appeared that the victory wasn’t enough compensation in the end. This revelation triggered a change within her, leading to the release of her pent-up fury upon the city’s inhabitants. This pivotal moment not only shattered years of efforts aimed at becoming a benevolent ruler, but also solidified Daenerys as one of the most formidable antagonists in the show.

Despite some people arguing that the conclusion was hastily executed, it’s clear that her demise was inevitable due to her extreme danger. Daenerys was more than just a commander; she was armed with a dragon and determined to use its flames against her adversaries, which at this point, were the entire world. Jon Snow, tragically, decided to take her life before the destruction she could cause began in earnest. If circumstances had been slightly different, Daenerys might not have resorted to burning the city, but given her state of mind, it was a possibility that couldn’t be ignored.

2025-05-30 05:19