Game of Thrones brought almost a decade of the fantasy epic to a close with season eight earlier this year. As Jon Snow (played by Kit Harington) and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) fought to overthrow the Night King (Vladimir Furdik), the season finally revealed the ultimate fate for all of the major characters. While it was not the ending that all the fans were hoping for, there were a few scenes that stood out from the rest.
1. Jon learning the truth about his parentage
Game of Thrones: Jon learns about his true parentage (Image: HBO/SKY)
While viewers and readers have known for a long time about the truth of Jon’s true parentage, and his relation to Dany, it was only revealed to him in the season eight opener.
Told by his long-time companion Samwell Tarly (John Bradley), it was a moment of immense anticipation for fans and when it came it didn’t disappoint.
In the first episode of the new season, Samwell confronts him among the crypts of his relatives as he learns that his mother was Lyanna Stark (Aisling Franciosi) and his father was Rhaegar Targaryen (Wilf Scolding).
Fans knew that this would have a big impact on the final series and Jon’s blossoming romance with Dany as he was the true heir to the Iron Throne.
While this did not play out in the final episodes of the show in the way that some may have hoped, there is no denying that this was a important scene for GoT fans.
2. Brienne of Tarth knighted
Game of Thrones: Brienne is knighted (Image: HBO/SKY)
In one of the most emotional scenes of the final series, Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) was finally acknowledged for her longtime loyalty.
In the second episode as the army awaited the incoming army of the dead, Brienne gathered with Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Podrick Payne (Daniel Portman), Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), Ser Davos (Liam Cunningham) and Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju).
As the team discussed their former glories, the subject that Brienne was not a knight was brought up as she revealed that women were not allowed the honour.
Jaime chose to thwart tradition and make Brienne a knight of the Seven Kingdoms and she was clearly emotional at the overwhelming decision.
Accompanied by Ramin Djawadi’s haunting soundtrack, the moment was one of the most powerful of the whole season.
READ MORE: Game of Thrones: Will the Night King return in the prequel series?
3. Arya killing the Night King
Game of Thrones: Arya kills the Night King (Image: HBO/SKY)
There was much discussion in the lead up to the Battle of Winterfell in episode three over who would kill Night King.
Many thought it might be Jon or Dany with their dragons but the actual scene was much better than anticipated.
Just as the battle seemed to be hopeless and the Night King made his way to Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright), Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) jumped from a tree and pounced on him.
Initially caught just before she reached him, Arya dropped her dragonglass dagger into her other hand before stabbing him in the heart.
The moment killed him and the rest of the army of the dead and ended the battle in a fantastic shot as they all fell to the ground across the battlefield.
READ MORE: Game of Thrones prequel: Brandon the Builder to appear in new series?
4. Jon Killing Dany
Game of Thrones: Jon kills Dany in emotional scene (Image: HBO/SKY)
Viewers watched as Jon struggled to deal with the knowledge that he was the true heir to the Iron Throne as well as dealing with Dany’s reaction to it.
When she transformed fully into the evil Dragon Queen and spared no mercy to the residents of King’s Landing, Jon knew his decision must be made.
In one of the most brutal moments for his character so far, viewers watched as he kills one of the few women he has ever loved and sacrificed his future as leader.
During the scene, Jon embraces Dany, seemingly agreeing to remain and rule with her before he stabs her after telling her: “You are my queen, now and always.”
While it was no doubt a controversial decision to alter Dany’s characterisation in such a major way, the emotion of the scene and its setting in the Red Keep covered in ashes was stunning to watch.
READ MORE: Game of Thrones: What was Gwendoline Christie’s reaction to sex scene?
5. Sansa Stark becoming Queen of the North
Game of Thrones: Sansa Stark becomes Queen of the North (Image: HBO/SKY)
There were a lot of complaints about the way the show dealt with the fates of the Starks.
Viewers were unimpressed with Jon being banished beyond the Wall as well as Bran becoming the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.
But one moment of joint acclaim was the coronation scene of Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) as the Queen of the North in the final few moments of the finale.
Sansa really came into her own this season after suffering such hardship and quickly became a fan-favourite to rule the Seven Kingdoms.
While she was only given the responsibility of one, it was still exciting to finally see her take true power in this way.
Game of Thrones season 8 is now available to buy on Amazon Prime.
