The Battle of Winterfell in Episode 3 of Game of Thrones was a predictably bloody affair. While some thought the body count would be higher, we did have to say goodbye to many of our favorite characters. Supporting characters like Edd, Beric Dondarrion, and Lyanna Mormont died, along with some central characters like Theon Greyjoy, Melisandre, and Jorah Mormont.
A common theme of the death in the episode was characters saving other characters. As more characters come together and reunite we will likely see more of these acts of sacrifice. Whether it is out of love, duty or redemption, many fans are expecting characters to lay down their lives to save others. Here are some of the best theories of who will die saving who in Game of Thrones.
Tormund Dies For Brienne
One of the great unrequited loves on the show is Tormund Giantsbane and Brienne of Tarth. The wildling madman fell head over heels for the “big woman” as soon as he saw her arrive at Castle Black. Yet as forward as he has been about his love, Brienne has given none of that affection back to him.
Fans expecting the two to get together are sure to be disappointed. A more likely end for these two is that Tormund will die protecting the woman he loves. While he’s survived countless battles up until this point, he’d likely be happy dying this way.
Grey Worm Dies For Missandei
Grey Worm and Missandei have been supporting players in the story for years, but their relationship together has continued to grow into one of the longest romances in the show. Of course, romances on Game of Thrones rarely end well. Add to that, they both made plans to leave Westeros once Daenerys takes the Iron Throne, many assume they are doomed.
The likely outcome would be that Grey Worm dies in battle, protecting Missandei. He promised to travel to her home of Naath to protect them, so it seems fitting he would keep that promise in a way.
Bronn Dies For Tyrion
We haven’t seen much of Bronn yet in this final season, but his one scene suggested an intriguing end for the character. As Qyburn visits Bronn, he tells him Cersei will pay him handsomely to kill Tyrion and Jaime for betraying her. While he doesn’t shoot down the offer, few people think he’ll go through with it in the end.
Bronn has always been shown to be a man motivated only by gold. However, his last stand could show gold can’t buy everything and he will give his life to save his friend Tyrion from Cersei.
Nymeria Dies For Arya
Many people had forgotten about Arya’s direwolf, Nymeria. In Season 1, Arya sent her away to prevent her being killed by Cersei. She finally reappeared last season leading a massive pack of wolves. Though Arya only had a short reunion with her former pet, many think the direwolf will return in this final season.
One of the best theories is that Nymeria will lead her pack of wolves into battle to protect the Stark children. If that is the case, it would make sense that she would die saving Arya one last time.
The Hound Dies For Arya
The relationship between The Hound and Arya has been a complicated one, to say the least. He killed her friend, Mycah, and held her captive and tried to ransom her, while she tried to kill him several times and left him for dead. However, they now seem to acknowledge they care for one another and The Hound sees himself as her protector.
This role of protector could be what kills The Hound in the end. Many think that he will face off with his brother before the series ends, but it could be he dies protecting Arya from The Mountain. This could set Arya up to avenge The Hound and strike another name from her list.
Brienne Dies For Sansa
Brienne is one of Westeros’ most skilled fighters, so you would be hard-pressed to find someone who can kill her. However, if she is meant to die, fans think it will be fighting for Sansa.
Brienne is all about duty and honor, which is why she has taken her role as protector of Catelyn Stark’s daughters so seriously. While Brienne admits Arya needs no protection, it would make perfect sense for her to continue to keep her promise by dying in order to save Sansa. It is a death she would be proud of.
Tyrion Dies For Sansa
Many fans have speculated that Tyrion will eventually betray Daenerys. While it was assumed he might do it for his own family, some now think he’ll now do it for Sansa.
While their marriage was a sham, Sansa and Tyrion do have a connection. They respect each other and, as he saw in the crypts of Winterfell, that bond is still strong. With Daenerys becoming increasingly unhinged, she could threaten Sansa for control of the North leading to Tyrion sacrificing himself for his former wife.
Jaime Dies For Brienne
Though they started off quite combative, Jaime Lannister and Brienne have grown quite close over the course of the show. They have saved each other, helped one another and fought side by side. For Jaime, his relationship with Brienne is the complete opposite of his relationship with Cersei. Cersei represents all the bad he’s done in life while Brienne represents his potential for good.
In the end, Jaime will have to choose between these two sides one and for all. It could be that he chooses Brienne by giving his life for her.
Rhaegal Dies For Jon
It remains to be seen what impact the truth about Jon’s parentage will have on the rest of the series. But one thing is for sure, it has severely damaged his relationship with Daenerys. If she becomes the Mad Queen as some think she will, it could put them against each other.
While it’s unclear how injured Rhaegal was at the end of the Battle of Winterfell, we could see the dragon taking Jon’s side in the fight. He has shown a bond to Jon and he is named after Jon’s father. Rhaegal dying to protect Jon could prove to Daenerys Jon is a true Targaryen while also providing the tragedy f her killing one of her “children”.
Jaime Dies For Bran
The character arc of Jaime Lannister is one of the most fascinating in television history. While he is now seen as one of the show’s main heroes, he did a lot of terrible things to get to where he is, including pushing Bran Stark out of a window.
We saw Jaime and Bran finally reunite this season, but it still feels like more must be done for Jaime to finally get his redemption. To have Jaime die saving Bran so he can continue his work as the Three-Eyed Raven would bring the story full-circle and act as a fitting end for Jaime.
