Game Of Thrones is set to finally answer who will emerge victorious in the battle for the Iron Throne, but where did season seven leave the prime candidates?
The eighth and final season is set to become the biggest TV event of 2019, bringing an end to a TV phenomenon which has garnered online theory frenzy, stacks of accolades and helped create some of the most memorable TV moments in the binge golden age.
But as allegiances lock and the Night King’s White Walker army breaches The Wall, where are the characters gunning for reign over Westeros? Here’s a catch-up on the whereabouts of the main (and perhaps forgotten) players.
Jon Snow & Daenerys Targaryen
Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen were last seen consummating their relationship aboard a ship on their way to White Harbor – all while we casually discover the pair are actually aunt and nephew.
Awkward doesn’t quite cover it.
Aside from the inevitable sparks once news of his Targaryen origins spreads, the pair are also heading back into northern territory, where The Wall has been breached and House Stark has gone through a few wrinkles of its own.
Arya and Sansa Stark
After dramatically killing Littlefinger in Winterfell, Arya and Sansa are now a united front at House Stark after tensions between the pair appear to be resolved.
With The Wall breached, however, they could be one of the first major power-players to be affected by the Night King’s armies – will Jon Snow return in time to defend his homestead?
Bran Stark and Samwell Tarly
Why are we coupling these together? If you’ll recall, Samwell Tarly arrived at Winterfell and dropped the bombshell of Jon Snow’s parentage and connection to Daenerys Targaryen to Bran, who uses his Greensight to revisit the memory of Rhaegar and Lyanna.
Bran, however, witnesses the Night King’s armies destroy The Wall through his ravens – which will surely instigate panic once he alerts Arya and Sansa.
The Night King, Tormund and Beric
Riding atop undead dragon Viserion, The Night King burned down The Wall with blue flame breath in the closing moments of season seven, allowing his army to penetrate into Westeros.
As the wall came crumbling down, it’s unknown whether Tormund and Beric were killed in the destruction – being seen trying to escape the wreckage.
Cersei Lannister and Ser Gregor Clegane
Cersei was last seen unable to give the killing order against Jaime, letting him walk away out of King’s Landing and presumably help fight the armies in the North.
With Euron Greyjoy, The Golden Company and Ser Gregor Clegane now her remaining allies, she’s promised to help Jon Snow and Daenerys in their conquest against the White Walkers – but has stated how she truly intends to betray them in the scuffle.
Jaime Lannister
After a near stand-off with Cersei’s terrifying bodyguard The Mountain, Jaime was last seen walking out of King’s Landing and presumably venturing North to help fight the undead army.
Leaving behind Cersei, Jaime is a big threat to the Iron Throne ruler as he knows about her plans to betray Daenerys and Jon Snow – but will he reveal them? Or will he face a battle to survive on his path northwards?
Melisandre
You may have forgotten about a key scene in season seven which saw Melisandre flee Westeros for Volantis in a parting discussion with Varys.
Varys advises Melisandre not to return to Westeros which she refutes, saying how she must return to face her end – so when, and how, will Melisandre return to the mix?
Tyrion Lannister, Brienne Of Tarth, Sandor Clegane, Ser Jorah and Varys
These characters were all present at the tense meeting in the Dragon Pit, and are all aboard the ship back to White Harbor.
Interestingly, Tyrion is the only one who witnesses the consummation of Jon Snow and Daenerys’ relationship – could this have further ramifications down the line?
Gendry
The whereabouts of Gendry are a pretty big mystery considering we last saw him make his endless run to Eastwatch to help save Jon Snow.
With Eastwatch now a wreckage, it’s unclear if Gendry was still there when The Wall came down – but considering actor Joe Dempsie is definitely in season eight, we’ll have to wait and see how the character’s whereabouts will be addressed.
Bronn and Podrick
Another mystery is where Bronn and Podrick have ventured to, after last being seen avoiding the Dragonpit talks and remaining neutral between the sides of Daenerys and Cersei Lannister.
With Jaime now leaving behind King’s Landing, we wouldn’t be surprised if he encounters Bronn on route to the North considering their close friendship.
Yara and Euron Greyjoy
After dragging her through the streets of King’s Landing, Yara is now being held captive by uncle Euron – who has sailed to Essos to ferry back with The Golden Company army.
Euron is now one of Cersei’s last remaining allies, but it remains to be seen whether his allegiances could switch when push comes to shove.
Theon Greyjoy
Theon was last seen battling for Ironborn support by punching Harrag into submission, prompting others to get behind him on his mission to save Yara from Euron.
With Euron sailing to Essos and back, will Theon conduct an intervening battle which will save Yara and ruin Cersei’s plans to have Golden Company backing?
Game Of Thrones season eight will release in April 2019.
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