Sandor Clegane, better known as The Hound, is one of the most memorable characters in Game of Thrones. His persona combines brutality and vulnerability, toughness and hidden kindness. In the series, his fate is sealed with a final battle against Gregor Clegane, but in George R.R. Martin’s books, his story may have taken an entirely different turn.
What Happened to The Hound in Game of Thrones?
In the HBO series, The Hound is left grievously wounded after his fight with Brienne of Tarth. He is saved by a Septon named Ray, who helps him recover and find peace.
However, soon after, the peaceful community that took him in is attacked by deserters from the Brotherhood Without Banners. The massacre pushes The Hound back into violence — he seeks revenge and then joins the Brotherhood. He later travels north, fights against the White Walkers, and eventually arrives in King’s Landing.
During the final battle for the capital, Sandor confronts his brother Gregor Clegane, who has become an undead monstrosity. The two engage in a brutal fight that ends with them plunging into a pit of fire. The Hound dies, finally fulfilling his life’s goal — revenge against the brother who disfigured him as a child.
But What Happened to The Hound in the Books?
In the novels, Sandor Clegane’s fate is far more ambiguous. He does travel with Arya Stark and suffers mortal wounds in battle. However, instead of fighting Brienne, he is injured in a brawl at an inn against two of his brother’s men. He begs Arya to end his suffering, but she leaves him behind to die. Soon, rumors spread across Westeros that The Hound is still alive and has even become the leader of a bandit group. However, it turns out that someone else was using his name.
So Where Is Sandor Clegane?
Brienne, while searching for Sansa Stark, meets a monk known as the Elder Brother, who tells her that he found The Hound dying and buried him. But there’s a strange detail.
On the Quiet Isle, where the monks live, Brienne sees a mysterious gravedigger — a massive man with his face concealed. He looks like a former warrior but now performs simple labor. Furthermore, Sandor’s horse, Stranger, known for his wild temperament, is seen calmly staying at the monastery. This horse never obeyed anyone except The Hound, yet here, he is completely docile.
These clues have led many fans to believe that The Hound never actually died but instead chose a peaceful life among the monks. He has 'died' in a metaphorical sense — abandoning his past and finding a new purpose.
Which Version of The Hound’s Fate Is Better?
The show gave The Hound a dramatic and emotional end, allowing him to die in battle with his brother. However, the book version gives him a second chance — a way to leave behind his violent past and find peace. With George R.R. Martin’s books still unfinished, there is still a chance that The Hound’s true fate will be revealed differently.
