HBO's Game of Thrones ended on a bittersweet note, leaving fans feeling like many beloved characters were taken too soon and too cruelly. However, unlike the show, George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series is far from over. Five of the planned seven books have been published so far, and many of the events we saw on screen either play out differently in the books or haven't happened yet.
Among the casualties of the adaptation are characters who are still alive and playing important roles in the books. Yes, we know that Daenerys Targaryen and Catelyn Stark (as Lady Heartless) are still alive in the books, but today we're going to talk about other, less obvious heroes.
1. Ser Meryn Trant
Death Episode: The Gift (Season 5, Episode 7)
Ser Meryn Trant is one of the most hated characters on Game of Thrones. A member of the Kingsguard, he is known for his cruelty, love of violence, and vile tendencies. In the show, he is killed by Arya Stark, who is avenging the murder of her fencing master, Syrio Forel.
However, in the books, Meryn Trant is still alive. His death in the show was added for dramatic effect, but in the original story, he continues to serve the Kingsguard, remaining one of the most odious figures at court.
2. Talisa Stark
Death Episode: The Rains of Castamere (Season 3, Episode 9)
Talisa Stark, played by Oona Chaplin, was created specifically for the show, replacing Jenny Westerling from the books. In the show, Talisa is a nurse from the Free City of Volantis who Robb Stark falls in love with. Their love-based marriage is one of the reasons for the Red Wedding, where Talisa is one of the first to die.
In the books, Jenny Westerling does not attend the Red Wedding, as Robb considers her participation too risky. She survives, grieving the loss of her husband, but her fate is less tragic than that of her on-screen counterpart.
3. Jojen Reed
Jojen Reed is a mysterious boy from Greywater who helps Bran Stark get to the Three-Eyed Raven. In the show, he dies during a White Walker attack while protecting Bran and his sister Meera.
In the books, Jojen survives and continues to accompany Bran in his training. His death in the show was a dramatic decision, but in the original story, he remains an important ally to Bran.
4. Mance Rayder
Mance Rayder, the leader of the wildlings, is killed in the show by Jon Snow, who shoots him out of pity to spare him a painful death at the stake.
In the books, it's more complicated. It's not Mance who dies at the stake, but the Lord of Bones (Rattleshirt), whose appearance is changed by an illusion cast by Melisandre. Mance himself survives, hiding as Rattleshirt, and continues to play an important role in the preparations for the Long Night.
5-6. Grenn and Pipe
Death Episode: The Watchers on the Wall (Season 4, Episode 9)
Grenn and Pipe are Jon Snow's loyal friends who die during the Battle of Castle Black while fighting a giant. Their deaths are one of the most tragic moments in the series.
In the books, both characters survive and continue to serve in the Night's Watch. Their deaths in the series added drama, but in the original story, they remain alive and well.
7. Ser Barristan Selmy
Death Episode: Sons of the Harpy (Season 5, Episode 4)
Ser Barristan Selmy, a legendary knight and former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, dies in the series during an attack by the Sons of the Harpy. His death caused an uproar among fans, as it seemed unjustified and too sudden.
In the books, Ser Barristan is still alive. He plays an important role in Meereen, participating in battles and witnessing Daenerys' first flight on a dragon. His death in the books, if it happens, will certainly be more epic and meaningful.
