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When Game of Thrones debuted on HBO in 2011 it started a global phenomenon due to its many incredible characters, memorable lines and exciting blend of drama with fantasy.
Apart from the popular mixture of dragons and female nudity, one of the reasons Game of Thrones had such an impact worldwide is because of its many truly quotable lines. To this day, there are Game of Thrones quotes used in memes and casual conversation, for all kinds of occasions.
So, in honor of GoT’s epic quotability, we’ve compiled this bumper guide to all the best Game of Thrones famous lines, for when you’re looking for the ideal quote for a card or just want to take a trip down memory lane.
From GoT quotes about love, to ones about power, death and even funny lines – this is truly the only Game of Thrones sayings list you will ever need!
The Best and Most Iconic Game of Thrones Quotes
We know you probably already have these lines learned by heart, but nevertheless, here are the most well-known and famous sayings from Game of Thrones.
“Ned Stark: Winter is coming.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 1: “Winter is Coming”
“Cersei Lannister: Everyone who isn’t us is an enemy.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 3: “Lord Snow”
“Tyrion Lannister: Everyone knows a Lannister always pays his debts.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 5: “The Wolf and the Lion”
“Syrio Forel: There is only one god. And his name is death. And there is only one thing we say to death – ‘Not today’.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 6: “A Golden Crown”
“Tywin Lannister: The lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinions of the sheep.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 7: “You Win or You Die”
“Cersei Lannister: When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 7: “You Win or You Die”
“Ygritte: You’re a pretty lad. The girls would claw each other’s eyes out to get naked with you.
Jon Snow: Walk.
Ygritte: I could teach you how to do it.
Jon Snow: I know how to do it.
Ygritte: You know nothing, Jon Snow.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 7: “A Man Without Honor”
“Daenerys Targaryen: (in Valyrian) A dragon is not a slave.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 4: “And Now His Watch Is Ended”
“Varys: Chaos. A gaping pit waiting to swallow us all.
Petyr Baelish: Chaos isn’t a pit. Chaos is a ladder.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 6: “The Climb”
“Lancel Lannister: [about the Mountain] Order your man to step aside or there will be violence.
Cersei Lannister: I choose violence.” Game of Thrones, Season 6, Episode 8: “No One”
The Most Inspiring Game of Thrones Lines
While Game of Thrones was often pretty dark and sad, there were still moments of inspiration where we wanted to yell “Yasss” at the screen! These inspiring quotes were also often very feminist as well, which we love to see.
“Tyrion Lannister: Let me give you some advice, bastard. Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor. Then it can never be used to hurt you.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 1: “Winter is Coming”
“Tyrion Lannister: Threaten me again and I will have you thrown into the sea.
Varys: You might be disappointed in the results. The storms come and go. The big fish eat the little fish. And I keep on paddling.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 2: “The Night Lands”
“Jon Snow: No, you just want to steal her. What do you think Craster cuts off for that?
Samwell Tarly: I can’t steal her, she’s a person not a goat.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 2: “The Night Lands”
“Brienne of Tarth: [to Jaime Lannister] All my life men like you have sneered at me. And all my life I’ve been knocking men like you into the dust.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 8: “The Prince of Winterfell”
“Daenerys Targaryen: Yes, all men must die, but we are not men.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 3: “Walk of Punishment”
“Daario Naharis: I have no interest in slaves. A man cannot make love to property.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 8: “Second Sons”
“Barristan Selmy: Your Grace, may I have a word? The city is yours. All these people, they’re your subjects now. Sometimes it is better to answer injustice with mercy.
Daenerys Targaryen: I will answer injustice with justice.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 4: “Oathkeeper”
“Oberyn Martell: ‘Tis a big and beautiful world. Most of us live and die in the same corner where we were born and never get to see any of it. I don’t want to be most of us.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 6: “The Laws of Gods and Men”
“Daenerys Targaryen: Lannister, Targaryen, Baratheon, Stark, Tyrell. They’re all just spokes on a wheel. This one’s on top, then that ones on top and on and on it spins, crushing the people on the ground.
Tyrion Lannister: It’s a beautiful dream. Stopping the wheel. You’re not the first person to have dreamt it.
Daenerys Targaryen: I’m not going to stop the wheel. I’m going to break the wheel.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 8: “Hardhome”
“Brother Ray: Now, I know I can never bring that lad back. All I can do with the time I’ve got left is bring a little goodness into the world. That’s all any of us can do, isn’t it? Never too late to stop robbing people, to stop killing people. Start helping people. It’s never too late to come back. And it’s not about waiting for the gods to answer your prayers. It’s not even about the gods. It’s about you. Learning you have to answer your prayers yourself.” Game of Thrones, Season 6, Episode 7: “The Broken Man”
“Jon Snow: We can’t defend the North if only half the population is fighting.
Robett Glover: You expect me to put a spear in my granddaughter’s hand?
Lyanna Mormont: I don’t plan on knitting by the fire while men fight for me. I might be small, Lord Glover, and I might be a girl, but I am every bit as much a Northerner as you.
Robett Glover: Indeed you are, my lady. No one has questioned–
Lyanna Mormont: And I don’t need your permission to defend the North. We’ll begin training every man, woman, boy, and girl on Bear Island.” Game of Thrones, Season 7, Episode 1: “Dragonstone”
“Olenna Tyrell: [talking to Daenerys about Tyrion] He’s a clever man, your Hand. I’ve known a great many clever men. I’ve outlived them all. Do you know why? I ignored them. The lords of Westeros are sheep. Are you a sheep? No. You’re a dragon. Be a dragon.” Game of Thrones, Season 7, Episode 2: “Stormborn”
“Daenerys Targaryen: [to Jon Snow] I was born at Dragonstone. Not that I can remember it. We fled before Robert’s assassins could find us. Robert was your father’s best friend, no? I wonder if your father knew his best friend sent assassins to murder a baby girl in her crib. Not that it matters now of course. I spent my life in foreign lands. So many men have tried to kill me. I don’t remember all of their names. I have been sold like a brood mare. I have been chained and betrayed, raped and defiled. Do you know what kept me standing through all those years in exile? Faith. Not in any gods. Not in myths and legends. In myself. In Daenerys Targaryen. The world hadn’t seen a dragon in centuries until my children were born. The Dothraki hadn’t crossed the sea. Any sea. They did for me. I was born to rule the Seven Kingdoms. And I will.” Game of Thrones, Season 7, Episode 3: “The Queen’s Justice”
The Wisest Game of Thrones Quotes
As well as inspiration, the characters of Game of Thrones actually offered up plenty of wisdom at times as well. These are the best wise Game of Thrones quotes, where we were shown many smart and clever life lessons.
“Ned Stark: You understand why I did it?
Bran Stark: Jon said he was a deserter.
Ned Stark: But do you understand why I had to kill him?
Bran Stark: Our way is the old way?
Ned Stark: The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 1: “Winter is Coming”
“Ned Stark: I don’t fight in tournaments.
Jaime Lannister: No? Getting a little old for it?
Ned Stark: I don’t fight in tournaments because when I fight a man for real, I don’t want him to know what I can do.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 1: “Winter is Coming”
“Benjen Stark: You know, my brother once told me that nothing someone says before the word “but” really counts.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 3: “Lord Snow”
“Davos Seaworth: Strange that this Lord of Light asks you to work in the shadows.
Melisandre: Shadows cannot live in the dark, Ser Davos. They are servants of light, the children of fire. And the brighter the flame, the darker they are.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 4: “Garden of Bones”
“Robb Stark: [talking about his father] He once told me that being a lord is like being a father, except you have thousands of children and you worry about all of them. The farmers plowing the fields are yours to protect. The charwomen scrubbing the floors, yours to protect. The soldiers you order into battle. He told me he woke with fear in the morning and went to bed with fear in the night. I didn’t believe him. I asked him, “How can a man be brave if he’s afraid?” “That is the only time a man can be brave,” he told me.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 8: “The Prince of Winterfell”
“Jon Snow: My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones if you put a sword through their hearts.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 1: “Valar Dohaeris”
“Meera Reed: Some people will always need help. That doesn’t mean they’re not worth helping.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 2: “Dark Wings, Dark Words”
“Jorah Mormont: There’s a beast in every man and it stirs when you put a sword in his hand.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 3: “Walk of Punishment”
“Varys: [about Petyr Baelish] Actually, I rather enjoy him. But he would see this country burn if he could be king of the ashes.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 4: “And Now His Watch Is Ended”
“Robb Stark: I’m not fighting for justice if I don’t serve justice to murderers in my ranks, no matter how highborn. ” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 5: “Kissed By Fire”
“Petyr Baelish: It doesn’t matter what we want, once we get it, then we want something else.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 5: “Kissed By Fire”
“Stannis Baratheon: I never asked for this. No more than I asked to be king. We do not choose our destiny, but we must do our duty, no? Great or small, we must do our duty.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 8: “Second Sons”
“Daario Naharis: [to Jorah Mormont] You have a very suspicious mind. In my experience, only dishonest people think this way.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 9: “The Rains of Castamere”
“Tywin Lannister: Any man who must say, ‘I am the king’ is no true king. I’ll make sure you understand that when I’ve won your war for you.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 10: “Mhysa”
“Tommen Baratheon: Wisdom is what makes a good king.
Tywin Lannister: Yes. But what is wisdom? Hmm? A house with great wealth and fertile lands asks you for your protection against another house with a strong navy that could one day oppose you. How do you know which choice is wise and which isn’t? You’ve any experience of treasuries and granaries or shipyards and soldiers?
Tommen Baratheon: No.
Tywin Lannister: No. Of course not. A wise king knows what he knows and what he doesn’t. You’re young. A wise young king listens to his counselors and heeds their advice until he comes of age. And the wisest kings continue to listen to them long afterwards…” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 3: “Breaker of Chains”
“Tywin Lannister: Here I stand unarmed, unguarded. Should I be concerned?
Oberyn Martell: You are unarmed and unguarded because you know me better than that. I am a man of reason. If I cut your throat today, I will be drawn and quartered tomorrow.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 3: “Breaker of Chains”
“Barristan Selmy: Conquerors are always met with resistance.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 1: “The Wars to Come”
“Daenerys Targaryen: The Harpy’s life was not yours to take. Once, the Masters were the law-
Mossador: –and now you are the law!
Daenerys Targaryen: The law is the law. Take him.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 2: “The House of Black and White”
“Jon Snow: I heard it was best to keep your enemies close.
Stannis Baratheon: Whoever said that didn’t have many enemies.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 3: “High Sparrow”
“Samwell Tarly: Jon’s taking a risk, but he has to. We don’t stand a chance otherwise. Sometimes a man has to make hard choices, choices that might look wrong to others but you know are right in the long run.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 8: “Hardhome”
“Brother Ray: I’m done with fighting.
Sandor Clegane: Even if it’s to protect yourself?
Brother Ray: Violence is a disease. You don’t cure a disease by spreading it to more people.
Sandor Clegane: You don’t cure it by dying, either.” Game of Thrones, Season 6, Episode 7: “The Broken Man”
“Arya Stark: [as Walder Frey] Leave one wolf alive and the sheep are never safe.” Game of Thrones, Season 7, Episode 1: “Dragonstone”
“Tyrion Lannister: I am taking their side. You need to take your enemy’s side if you’re going to see things the way they do. And you need to see things the way they do if you’re going to anticipate their actions, respond effectively and beat them.” Game of Thrones, Season 7, Episode 6: “Beyond the Wall”
The Best Game of Thrones Love Quotes
In fiction, as in life, love is often a driving factor for people’s actions. Love motivated many events in Game of Thrones, so it makes sense there were also plenty of great lines about love in the series too.
“Jaime Lannister: The things I do for love. [Pushes Bran Stark out a tower window]” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 1: “Winter is Coming”
“Cersei Lannister: Jaime and I are more than brother and sister. We shared a womb. We came into this world together. We belong together.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 7: “You Win or You Die”
“Maester Aemon: Tell me, did you ever wonder why the men of the Night’s Watch take no wives and father no children?
Jon Snow: No.
Maester Aemon: So they will not love. Love is the death of duty.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 9: “Baelor”
“Maester Aemon: Then Lord Stark is one man in 10,000. Most of us are not so strong. What is honor compared to a woman’s love? And what is duty against the feel of a newborn son in your arms? Or a brother’s smile?” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 9: “Baelor”
“Cersei Lannister: [to Tyrion] One day I pray you love someone. I pray you love her so much, when you close your eyes, you see her face. I want that for you. I want you to know what it’s like to love someone, to truly love someone. Before I take her from you.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 6: “The Old Gods and The New”
“Cersei Lannister: You may never love the king, but you will love his children.
Sansa Stark: I love His Grace with all my heart.
Cersei Lannister: That’s so very touching to hear. Permit me to share some womanly wisdom with you on this very special day. The more people you love, the weaker you are. You’ll do things for them that you know you shouldn’t do. You’ll act the fool to make them happy, to keep them safe. Love no one but your children. On that front, a mother has no choice.
Sansa Stark: But shouldn’t I love Joffrey, Your Grace?
Cersei Lannister: You can try, little dove.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 7: “A Man Without Honor”
“Barristan Selmy: [to Daenerys] When your brother Rhaegar led his army into battle at the Trident, men died for him because they believed in him, because they loved him, not because they’d been bought at a slaver’s auction. I fought beside the last dragon on that day, Your Grace. I bled beside him.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 3: “Walk of Punishment”
“Talisa: Can you leave the war for one night?
Robb Stark: I love you. Do you hear me? I love you.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 7: “The Bear and The Maiden Fair”
“Orell: Of course I’m jealous. You should be with one of your own.
Ygritte: And you’re one of my own? I’ve never heard a kind word from your mouth.
Orell: You would if you were mine. I’d tell you that you’re beautiful and fierce and wild. I’d be good to you. You love him? [Ygritte nods] ‘Cause he’s pretty? Is that it? You like his pretty hair and his pretty eyes? You think pretty is gonna make you happy?
Ygritte: Don’t touch me.
Orell: You won’t love him so much when you find out what he really is.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 7: “The Bear and The Maiden Fair”
“Varys: [talking about Tyrion] You’ve been a good influence on our mutual friend, you know. He used to drink from sundown to sunup, visit three brothels a night, gamble away his father’s money. Now it’s just the drinking.
Shae: And now I’m his wife’s servant. I brush her hair and clip her nails and empty her chamber pot.
Varys: She is a sweet young thing. None of this is her fault.
Shae: I love that girl. I would kill for her. Do you think that makes it easier for me?” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 10: “Mhysa”
“Ygritte: You know nothing, Jon Snow.
Jon Snow: I do know some things. I know I love you. I know you love me. But I have to go home now.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 10: “Mhysa”
“Shae: [talking about Sansa] Do you love her?
Tyrion Lannister: Love her? I barely know her. She’s a child. She despises me.
Shae: That’s not an answer.
Tyrion Lannister: Of course I don’t love her.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 1: “Two Swords”
“Sansa Stark: Why did you really kill Joffrey? Tell me why.
Petyr Baelish: I loved your mother more than you could ever know. Given the opportunity, what do we do to those who’ve hurt the ones we love? In a better world, one where love could overcome strength and duty, you might have been my child. But we don’t live in that world.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 7: “Mockingbird”
“Daenerys Targaryen: You sold my secrets to the man who killed my father and stole my brother’s throne…
Jorah Mormont: I have protected you. Fought for you. Killed for you.
Daenerys Targaryen: …and you want me to forgive you?
Jorah Mormont: I have loved you.
Daenerys Targaryen: Love? Love? How can you say that to me? Any other man, and I would have you executed. But you, I do not want you in my city dead or alive. Go back to your masters in King’s Landing. Collect your pardon if you can.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 8: “The Mountain and The Viper”
“Jon Snow: Well what do you want me to say?
Samwell Tarly: I want you to tell me what it was like to have someone. To be with someone. To love someone and have them love you back. We’re all gonna die a lot sooner than I’d planned. You’re the closest I’ll ever get to know it.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 9: “The Watchers on The Wall”
“Maester Aemon: Love is the death of duty. I told that to your friend Jon Snow once. He didn’t listen and neither did you. That’s why you abandoned your watch atop the wall to come here and read about the things that may have happened to the girl you love.
Samwell Tarly: I don’t love her.
Maester Aemon: Yes you do.
Samwell Tarly: No.
Maester Aemon: Yes you do! I heard it in your voice when you first brought her to me. I remember how it sounds! I was in love once.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 9: “The Watchers on The Wall”
“Cersei Lannister: I don’t want to talk about Tywin Lannister. I don’t choose Tywin Lannister, I don’t love Tywin Lannister. I love my brother. I love my lover. People will whisper, they’ll make their jokes. Let them. They’re all so small I can’t even see them. I only see what matters.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 10: “The Children”
“Tormund Giantsbane: [talking about Ygritte] Snow. Did you love her? She loved you.
Jon Snow: She told you?
Tormund Giantsbane: No. All she ever talked about was killing you. That’s how I know.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 10: “The Children”
“Brienne of Tarth: [talking to Podrick about Renly] Yes, Pod, he liked men, I’m not an idiot. He didn’t love me, he didn’t want me, he danced with me because he was kind and he wouldn’t see me hurt. He saved me from being a joke. From that day until his last day. And I couldn’t save him in return. Nothing’s more hateful than failing to protect the one you love. One day, I will avenge King Renly.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 3: “High Sparrow”
“Tommen Baratheon: [talking about Margaery] I love her. I love her. I can’t help her.
Cersei Lannister: We must be strong for those we love. We cannot give in to despair.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 7: “The Gift”
“Daenerys Targaryen: I can’t bring a lover to Westeros.
Daario Naharis: A king wouldn’t think twice about it.
Daenerys Targaryen: So that’s what you want? To be my mistress?
Daario Naharis: I’m not proud. I don’t care what perfumed aristocrat sits beside you in the throne room. I don’t want a crown. I want you. I love you. And I make you happy. You know I do. Bring me with you. Let me fight for you.” Game of Thrones, Season 6, Episode 10: “The Winds of Winter”
“Olenna Tyrell: [to Jaime Lannister about Cersei] You love her. You really do love her. You poor fool. She’ll be the end of you.” Game of Thrones, Season 7, Episode 3: “The Queen’s Justice”
“Jaime Lannister: [talking about Cersei] She’s always been good at using the truth to tell lies. I wouldn’t be too hard on yourself. She’s fooled me more than anybody. [Tyrion turns to look at Jaime] What?
Tyrion Lannister: She never fooled you. You always knew exactly what she was, and you loved her anyway.” Game of Thrones, Season 8, Episode 2: “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”
“Tyrion Lannister: [talking about Daenerys Targaryen] I know you love her. I love her too. Not as successfully as you. But I believed in her with all my heart. Love is more powerful than reason. We all know that. Look at my brother.” Game of Thrones, Season 8, Episode 6: “The Iron Throne”
The Best Game of Thrones Quotes About Life and Death
One of the main themes in Game of Thrones is death, how to live your life knowing it was coming, how to live life honorably, and often how to deal with all the death around you. There were many brutal and shocking deaths on Game of Thrones, as well as iconic quotes about living and dying.
“Shae: Don’t say these things. If the wrong people hear you-
Sansa Stark: But you’re not the wrong people.
Shae: Don’t trust anybody. Life is safer that way.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 6: “The Old Gods and The New”
“Jorah Mormont: Rhaegar fought valiantly, Rhaegar fought nobly, and Rhaegar died.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 3: “Walk of Punishment”
“Beric Dondarrion: He was a good man, Ned Stark. He’s at rest now, somewhere. I would never wish my life upon him.
Arya Stark: I would. You’re alive.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 5: “Kissed By Fire”
“Ygritte: You’re mine as I’m yours. And if we die, we die. But first we’ll live.
Jon Snow: Yes, first we’ll live.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 7: “The Bear and The Maiden Fair”
“Melisandre: This War of Five Kings means nothing. The true war lies to the north, my king. Death marches on the Wall. Only you can stop him.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 10: “Mhysa”
“Petyr Baelish: People die at their dinner tables. They die in their beds. They die squatting over their chamber pots. Everybody dies sooner or later. Don’t worry about your death. Worry about your life. Take charge of your life for as long as it lasts. That is what it means to be Lord of the Vale.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 8: “The Mountain and The Viper”
“Tyrion Lannister: All my life, you’ve wanted me dead.
Tywin Lannister: Yes. But you refused to die. I respect that, even admire it. You fight for what’s yours.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 10: “The Children”
“Jon Snow: Castle Black is my home now. Night’s Watch takes no part in the wars of the Seven Kingdoms.
Melisandre: There’s only one war. Life against death.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 4: “Sons of the Harpy”
“Stannis Baratheon: The Lady Melisandre told me that death marches on the Wall.
Samwell Tarly: I’ve seen it, Your Grace.
Stannis Baratheon: Seen what?
Samwell Tarly: The army of the dead.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 5: “Kill the Boy”
“Tyrion Lannister: There’s always been more than enough death in the world for my taste. I can do without it in my leisure time.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 9: “The Dance of Dragons”
“Jon Snow: So what are you fighting for?
Beric Dondarrion: Life. Death is the enemy. The first enemy and the last.
Jon Snow: But we all die.
Beric Dondarrion: The enemy always wins. And we still need to fight him. That’s all I know. You and I wont find much joy while we’re here. But we can keep others alive. We can defend those who can’t defend themselves.” Game of Thrones, Season 7, Episode 6: “Beyond the Wall”
“Gendry: Look, I know you want to fight. And I know you’re not scared of rapers or murderers or-This is different. This is-this is death. You want to know what they’re like? Death. That’s what they’re like.
Arya Stark: I know Death. He’s got many faces. I look forward to seeing this one.” Game of Thrones, Season 8, Episode 2: “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”
“Samwell Tarly: That’s what death is, isn’t it? Forgetting. Being forgotten. If we forget where we’ve been and what we’ve done, we’re not men anymore. Just animals.” Game of Thrones, Season 8, Episode 2: “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”
The Best Game of Thrones Lines About Good and Evil
As well as the battle between life and death, the other main dichotomy explored in Games of Thrones was that between good and evil. Here are the best lines where characters discuss the notion of what is good, what is evil and how it impacts real life.
“Melisandre: You’ve carried more unpleasant cargo in your time. Are you a good man, Ser Davos Seaworth?
Davos Seaworth: I’d say my parts are mixed, my lady, good and bad.
Melisandre: If half an onion is black with rot, it’s a rotten onion. A man is good or he is evil.
Davos Seaworth: And which are you?
Melisandre: Oh, good. I’m a knight myself, of sorts, a champion of light and life.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 4: “Garden of Bones”
“Davos Seaworth: [to Stannis Baratheon] Your Grace, the world has got so far bent. I’ve seen things crawl out of nightmares, but my eyes were open. I don’t know if Robb Stark died because of the Red Woman’s sorcery or because at war men die all the time, but I do know that uniting the Seven Kingdoms with blood magic is wrong. It is evil. And you are not an evil man.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 10: “Mhysa”
“Melisandre: Lies and fables. Septons speak of seven gods. There are but two… a god of light and love and joy and a god of darkness, evil, and fear. Eternally at war.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 2: “The Lion and The Rose”
“Jorah Mormont: Herding the masters into pens and slaughtering them by the thousands is also treating men like beasts. The slaves you freed, brutality is all they’ve ever known. If you want them to know something else, you’ll have to show it to them.
Daenerys Targaryen: And repay the slavers with what? Kindness? A fine? A stern warning?
Jorah Mormont: It’s tempting to see your enemies as evil, all of them, but there’s good and evil on both sides in every war ever fought.
Daenerys Targaryen: Let the priests argue over good and evil. Slavery is real. I can end it. I will end it. And I will end those behind it.” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 7: “Mockingbird”
“Melisandre: Man or woman, young or old, lord or peasant, our choices are the same. We choose light, or we choose darkness. We choose good, or we choose evil. We choose the true god or the false.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 1: “The Wars to Come”
The Best Game of Thrones Quotes About Power
Power changed hands between many characters in Game of Thrones, and was often discussed as well. These are the best lines about power from the series.
“Petyr Baelish: Knowledge is power.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 1: “The North Remembers”
“Cersei Lannister: Power is power.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 1: “The North Remembers”
“Varys: Power is a curious thing, my lord. Are you fond of riddles?
Tyrion Lannister: Why, am I about to hear one?
Varys: Three great men sit in a room. A king, a priest and a rich man. Between them stands a common sellsword. Each great man bids the sellsword kill the other two. Who lives, who dies?
Tyrion Lannister: Depends on the sellsword.
Varys: Does it? He has neither crown nor gold nor favor with the gods.
Tyrion Lannister: He has a sword, the power of life and death.
Varys: But if it’s swordsmen who rule, why do we pretend kings hold all the power? When Ned Stark lost his head, who was truly responsible? Joffrey? The executioner? Or something else?
Tyrion Lannister: I’ve decided I don’t like riddles.
Varys: 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.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 3: “What Is Dead May Never Die”
“Hallyne the Pyromancer: After the dragons died, wildfire was the key to the Targaryen power.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 5: “The Ghost of Harrenhal”
“Quaithe: I’m no one. But she is the Mother of Dragons. She needs true protectors, now more than ever. They shall come day and night to see the wonder born into the world again. And when they see, they shall lust, for dragons are fire made flesh. And fire is power.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 5: “The Ghost of Harrenhal”
“Tyrion Lannister: You just sent the most powerful man in Westeros to bed without his supper.
Tywin Lannister: You’re a fool if you believe he’s the most powerful man in Westeros.
Tyrion Lannister: A treasonous statement. Joffrey is king.
Tywin Lannister: You really think a crown gives you power?
Tyrion Lannister: No. I think armies give you power.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 10: “Mhysa”
“Cersei Lannister: [to Oberyn Martell] You’re a prince of Dorne. A legendary fighter. A brilliant man feared throughout Westeros. But you could not save your sister. I’m a Lannister. Queen for nineteen years. Daughter of the most powerful man alive. But I could not save my son. What good is power if you cannot protect the ones you love?” Game of Thrones, Season 4, Episode 5: “First of His Name”
“Tyrion Lannister: What is it you want exactly?
Varys: Peace. Prosperity. A land where the powerful do not prey on the powerless.
Tyrion Lannister: Where the castles are made of gingerbread and the moats are filled with blackberry wine. The powerful have always preyed on the powerless, that’s how they became powerful in the first place.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 1: “The Wars to Come”
“Varys: Men decide where power resides, whether or not they know it.” Game of Thrones, Season 8, Episode 5: “The Bells”
The Saddest Game of Thrones Lines
As we’ve mentioned, Game of Thrones was quite dark and tragic at times, as evidenced by these saddest quotes. While the person speaking might not always have been sad, we think these are the most poignant lines anyway.
“Jon Snow: What the hell do you know about being a bastard?
Tyrion Lannister: All dwarves are bastards in their fathers’ eyes.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 1: “Winter is Coming”
“Maester Aemon: The gods were cruel when they saw fit to test my vows. They waited till l was old. What could l do when the ravens brought the news from the South: the ruin of my House, the death of my family? l was helpless, blind, frail. But when l heard they had killed my brother’s son and his poor son and the children! Even the little children.” Game of Thrones, Season 1, Episode 9: “Baelor”
“Ramsay Bolton: If you think this has a happy ending, you haven’t been paying attention.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 6: “The Climb”
“Jon Snow: And are you gonna share it with me? The deep wisdom you found inside the head of a bird?
Orell: People work together when it suits them. They’re loyal when it suits them. They love each other when it suits them. And they kill each other when it suits them. She knows that, you don’t. Which is why you’ll never hold onto her.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 7: “The Bear and The Maiden Fair”
“Davos Seaworth: I didn’t want to be a lord. I nearly didn’t accept.
Gendry: Why did you?
Davos Seaworth: I did it for my son. I didn’t want him to step over a river of shit every time he stepped through his front door. I wanted him to have a better life.
Gendry: Does he?
Davos Seaworth: He’s dead.
Gendry: How’d he die?
Davos Seaworth: Following me.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 10: “Mhysa”
“Tyrion Lannister: You have children. How happy would you say you are?
Cersei Lannister: Not very. But if it weren’t for my children, I’d have thrown myself from the highest window in the Red Keep. They’re the reason I’m alive.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 10: “Mhysa”
“Myranda: I’m Myranda, the kennel master’s daughter. May I? [Takes Sansa’s arm and inspects her sleeve] Oh, wonderful. The stitching. Who taught you?
Sansa Stark: My mother.
Myranda: I’m sorry for what happened to her.
Sansa Stark: Thank you.
Myranda: It’s good that she taught you. It was a gift. Now every time you wear something you made, you can remember her.
Sansa Stark: I’d rather have a mother.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 5: “Kill the Boy”
“Tyrion Lannister: If we want to create a new and better world, I’m not sure deceit and mass murder is the best way to start.
Daenerys Targaryen: Which war was won without deceit and mass murder?” Game of Thrones, Season 7, Episode 6: “Beyond the Wall”
The Best Funny Game of Thrones Quotes
For such a dark show, Game of Thrones still managed to have plenty of lighter moments, along with plenty of gallows humor! These are the best funny Game of Thrones quotes, but make sure you check out our full funny Game of Thrones lines post for more.
“Arya Stark: You’re a liar.
Gendry: You shouldn’t insult people that are bigger than you.
Arya Stark: Then I wouldn’t get to insult anyone.
Gendry: Well, I don’t care what any of them want. No good’s ever come of their questions.
Arya Stark: No good’s ever come? Who asked questions before?
Gendry: How can someone so small be such a huge pain in my ass?” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 2: “The Night Lands”
“Melisandre: You should kneel before your brother. He’s the Lord’s chosen, born amidst salt and smoke.
Renly Baratheon: Born amidst salt and smoke? Is he a ham?” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 4: “Garden of Bones”
“Xaro Xhoan Daxos: So, tell me, how long has your manservant been in love with you?
Daenerys Targaryen: He’s not my manservant and he’s not in love with me. He’s my advisor and he’s my friend.
Xaro Xhoan Daxos: Unlikely. I can almost always tell what a man wants.
Daenerys Targaryen: And what about what a woman wants?
Xaro Xhoan Daxos: Much more complicated.” Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 5: “The Ghost of Harrenhal”
“Cersei Lannister: You’re a clever man, but you’re not half as clever as you think you are.
Tyrion Lannister: Still makes me more clever than you.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 1: “Valar Dohaeris”
“[as Podrick returns a purse to Tyrion]
Tyrion Lannister: Oh, it was a gift, Podrick. This is more than I give you in a year.
Bronn: He’s a squire. You don’t pay him.
Tyrion Lannister: Oh, then it’s much more than I give you in a year.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 3: “Walk of Punishment”
“Jon Snow: If you’re impressed by a windmill, you’d be swooning if you saw the Great Keep at Winterfell.
Ygritte: What’s swooning?
Jon Snow: Fainting.
Ygritte: What’s fainting?
Jon Snow: When a girl sees blood and collapses.
Ygritte: Why would a girl see blood and collapse?
Jon Snow: Well, not all girls are like you.
Ygritte: Well, girls see more blood than boys. Or do you like girls who swoon, Jon Snow? [Gasps] Oh, a spider! Save me, Jon Snow. [She falls backwards into his arms, smiling] My dress is made of the purest silk from Tralalalaleeday.
Jon Snow: I’d like to see you in a silk dress.
Ygritte: Would you?
Jon Snow: So I could tear it off you.
Ygritte: Well, you rip my pretty silk dress, I’ll blacken your eye.” Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 7: “The Bear and The Maiden Fair”
“Man 1: You’d bring wildlings here, through our gates?
Jon Snow: Men, women, and children will die by the thousands if we do nothing.
Man 1: Let them die. We got our own to worry about. Less enemies for us.
Stannis Baratheon: [quietly] Fewer.
Davos Seaworth: What?
Stannis Baratheon: Nothing.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 5: “Kill the Boy”
“Olenna Tyrell: Put the pen down, dear, we all know you aren’t writing anything.
Cersei Lannister: Ah, yes, the famously tart-tongued queen of thorns.
Olenna Tyrell: And the famous tart Queen Cersei.” Game of Thrones, Season 5, Episode 6: “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken”
“Tyrion Lannister: [trying to speak Valyrian and miming giving money] For your baby. To eat. [The woman cowers away from him]
Varys: [to Tyrion] She thinks you want to eat her baby.” Game of Thrones, Season 6, Episode 51: “The Red Woman”
“Missandei: [to Jon Snow and Davos Seaworth] You stand in the presence of Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne, rightful Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, The Unburnt, The Breaker of Chains.
[Jon turns and looks at Davos]
Davos Seaworth: This is Jon Snow. [He nods and pauses] He’s King in the North.” Game of Thrones, Season 7, Episode 2: “Stormborn”
“Jon Snow: There’s no time for that. I saw the Night King, Davos. I looked into his eyes. How many men do we have in the north to fight him? 10,000? Less?
Davos Seaworth: Fewer.
Jon Snow: What?” Game of Thrones, Season 7, Episode 4: “The Spoils of War”
“Sansa Stark: What do dragons eat, anyway?
Daenerys Targaryen: Whatever they want.” Game of Thrones, Season 8, Episode 1: “Winterfell”
“Bronn: The Master of Coin looks forward to helping the Master of Ships, but first he has to ensure we’re not wasting coin, or soon there won’t be no more coin.
Davos Seaworth: “Any more.”
Bronn: You Master of Grammar now too?” Game of Thrones, Season 8, Episode 6: “The Iron Throne”
The Best Game of Thrones Quotes From the Books
As we’re sure you know, the Game of Thrones series was adapted from the best-selling book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin. While the books aren’t finished (yet), we’ve also included the best quotes from the books that didn’t make it into the television show.
“Tyrion Lannister: When you tear out a man’s tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you’re only telling the world that you fear what he might say.” A Clash Of Kings
“Brienne of Tarth: Winter will never come for the likes of us. Should we die in battle, they will surely sing of us, and it’s always summer in the songs. In the songs all knights are gallant, all maids are beautiful, and the sun is always shining.” A Clash Of Kings
“Sansa Stark: My skin has turned to porcelain, to ivory, to steel.” A Storm of Swords
“Jaime Lannister: I’m not ashamed of loving you, only of the things I’ve done to hide it.” A Storm of Swords
“Oberyn Martell: If you die before you say her name, ser, I will hunt you through all seven hells.” A Storm of Swords
“Thoros of Myr: We were king’s men, knights, and heroes . . . but some knights are dark and full of terror, my lady. War makes monsters of us all.” A Feast for Crows
“Petyr Baelish: You would not believe half of what is happening in King’s Landing, sweetling. Cersei stumbles from one idiocy to the next, helped along by her council of the deaf, the dim, and the blind. I always anticipated that she would beggar the realm and destroy herself, but I never expected she would do it quite so fast. It is quite vexing. I had hoped to have four or five quiet years to plant some seeds and allow some fruits to ripen, but now . . . it is a good thing that I thrive on chaos. What little peace and order the five kings left us will not long survive the three queens, I fear.” A Feast for Crows
“Jaime Lannister: A Hand without a hand? A bad jape, sister. Don’t ask me to rule.” A Feast for Crows
“Jon Snow: The more you give a King, the more he wants. We are walking on a bridge of ice with an abyss on either side. Pleasing one king is difficult enough. Pleasing two is hardly possible.” A Dance With Dragons
“Theon Greyjoy: There are ghosts in Winterfell, and I am one of them.” A Dance With Dragons
Did We Miss Any of Your Favorite Game of Thrones Quotes?
Let us know in the comments below!
