WARNING: Very mild spoilers for Game of Thrones season 8, episode 4.
What did Daenerys say to the body of Jorah Mormont at the start of Game of Thrones season 8, episode 4? Jorah, fondly known to fans as Ser Friendzone, died at the climax of the Battle of Winterfell, protecting Dany - who’d lost her dragon, Drogon - from wights, gallantly protecting her from their blades before Arya brought down the entire army by killing the Night King.
The first Game of Thrones episode after “The Long Night” opened on Jorah’s corpse on a funeral pyre outside the walls of Winterfell, prepped to be cremated along with other victims of the battle including Dolorous Edd and Theon Greyjoy. Before the fires were lit, however, Dany leant down by Jorah’s head and whispered something into his unlistening ear.
Although Game of Thrones didn’t show what Dany was saying, we can make a couple of fair guesses. The first would be that she was thanking him for his sacrifice; he ensured her survival to the point of Arya’s victory, and there is nothing greater to be said… or is there? Jorah’s love for Daenerys has been at the forefront of his arc since very early on in the show, and this moment - while belated - could be Dany admitting her love for him - while not romantic, certainly strong.
Later in Game of Thrones season 8, episode 4, Daenerys talks to Jon Snow about the loss of Jorah, reiterating that she never loved him in the way he did. However, that lack of reciprocated feelings doesn’t predicate a lack of love altogether.
Jorah’s relationship with Dany is one of the longest-standing across the entire run of Game of Thrones. He was originally a spy sent by Robert Baratheon to spy on, and later organize the murder of, the Dragon Princess, but grew such affection for the girl that he turned sides, returning to Dany’s side again and again even as the truth and grayscale got in the way. This moment is the end of that, and powerful regardless.
Whatever Dany says to Jorah, we’re unlikely to get any confirmation from Game of Thrones given how episode 4 moves well beyond the Battle of Winterfell and Jorah’s death. Those whispered words really were just for the Knight’s ears only.
Next: Who Died In Game of Thrones Season 8, Episode 4?
Game of Thrones continues Sundays at 9pm on HBO.
