Gwendoline Christie, better known as Brienne of Tarth, has become a Game of Thrones fan favorite. Brienne made her first appearance in the second season. There was speculation about casting and whether HBO could find an actress that was “larger and stronger than most men,” as the famous George R.R. Martin’s book series describes her.
HBO ultimately gave the role to British native, Christie. It is almost impossible to think about any other actress portraying this character any better. Her height of 6’3″, coupled with her tomboyish looks, help bring Brienne of Tarth to life on the screen.
Over the course of the show, Brienne has become popular. There is something about her character that earns respect from the legions of Game of Thrones fans. But, what is so special about her? Why are fans so in love with Brienne?
What is special about Brienne of Tarth?
Brienne of Tarth might be a fictional character, but she is one tough broad. She is one of the only women on Game of Thrones that is there for more than her looks. If the Seven Kingdoms were a real place, she would be the leader of their women’s rights movement.
She is also the only female in the books, and the series, to fight in the army alongside the men. She is also the first women to be knighted, as seen in Season 8 Episode 3. To sum it up, Brienne pretty much kicks butt and fans love it.
Brienne of Tarth is loyal
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With a cast full of unusual characters, most of which are vying for the throne, Brienne is the only one that can’t be bought or bribed. She does not want to rule or take the kingdom for herself. She wants to keep her promise to Catelyn Stark. She swore to protect and serve the Stark heirs, and she is not afraid to die for it.
Throughout the show’s run, we have seen several attempts to sway Brienne away from her mission, but nothing works. Of course, it helps that the Stark family has a place for her. She was meant to fight and defend. She wears armor, not a dress. She can be herself, and there is something very compelling and relatable about that.
Brienne of Tarth is powerful
According to the original books, Brienne of Tarth is big, strong, and manly. This character is definitely strong enough to fight, but she is also strong-willed and determined. Nothing seems to stop her from getting what she wants. This earns her respect from both male and female Game of Thrones fans alike.
In this post-me too world, women want to see strong female leads. They have this and then some with Brienne, who shatters gender norms and breaks the glass ceiling within the show’s story arch: Men respect her ability to wield a sword and fight in battle. She is not taking any light duty or letting the guys fight on her behalf.
Brienne of Tarth is outspoken
It’s no secret that Brienne has a potty mouth. But more than just here choice words is her honesty: She tells it like it is. She never falters, making her one of the most honest, loyal, and determined characters in Westeros. As if she does not have enough fanfare surrounding her, now we see romance on the horizon. We can’t wait to see what unfolds in her love life. Will we see Brienne with a special someone soon?
Brienne of Tarth has fans swooning over her romantic life
Somewhere around season six, Game of Thrones fans started talking about Brienne and Tormund Giantsbane. Shippers began calling them “Torienne” and “Tarthbane.” So far we haven’t seen her in a relationship, but that might change now that the show is coming to an end. The interactions between Tormund relentlessly flirting with her, and Brienne ignoring him, are hilarious.
We have seen some of the chemistry between Brienne and Jaime Lannister in the past as well. This possible love connection left fans wanting more. These two seem to have mutual respect for one another. Jaime recently knighted her and made her dreams come true. As she knelt at his feet, fans felt it was a romantic gesture. This all happened after she came to his defense in front of Daenerys, vouching for his character.
“Brienne’s a very naturally shy person, and she stands in front of that room, and she puts herself on the line,” said Christie about her character to Insider. “It’s almost like a declaration of love.”
Who knows what the show’s producers have in mind for the final episodes. We might see a love triangle, or find that she wants none of it. She is, after all, very different from the other female stars. We’re just glad she’s a part of the series.
