game of thrones and its prequel series Dragon House are the successful adaptations of George RR Martin’s creative storytelling and vast lore. Both produced many iconic characters, from brave and heroic to dark and evil, but most made an impact to some degree regardless.
Countless characters in both game of thrones and Dragon House had impressive beginnings, with immediate displays of strength or personality. Yet it was the entrances and arrivals of already established characters that provided more impactful and shocking moments. These can range from a character showing up out of nowhere to save the day, or just making a statement of a grand entrance.
10/10 Tywin Lannister confirmed the successful defense of King’s Landing
Game of Thrones Season 2, Episode 9 “Blackwater”
The Battle of Blackwater was the focus of Episode 9 of game of thrones‘Second Season. He saw Stannis Baratheon’s ambitious play take on King’s Landing end in disaster and defeat, as Tyrion led the defending team to victory, with the help of a wildfire. Yet songs and applause failed to recognize him as the winner, as Tywin Lannister arrived late to steal his son’s thunder.
Tywin Lannister’s emphatic entry was secured with the iconic words “We won”. His arrival also showed their new alliance with the Tyrells, representing a formidable force to get things done. This also marked the end of Tyrion’s time as the Hand of the King, with his father assuming the role.
9/10 Robert Baratheon’s arrival at Winterfell started it all
Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1 “Winter Is Coming”
King Robert Baratheon and the rest of his household arrived at Winterfell early in game of thrones, in what would become an iconic and memorable scene. The epic music represented the grandeur surrounding a royal arrival, with the Starks and all in attendance, bending the knee to their king.
King Robert’s dramatic entrance was then replicated when Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen arrived in Winterfell, to begin the final season, albeit with various personnel and dynamic changes. A rule arriving to tense and uncertain reception makes for a dramatic opener to any episode, with very little dialogue needed to make an instant impact.
8/10 Alicent Hightower made a statement at Rhaenyra’s wedding
House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 5 “We Light the Way”
Before Viserys makes his grand entrance into the Great Hall of Dragon House Episode 8, Alicent Hightower had already made one of her own in episode 5 “We Light the Way”. After feeling betrayed by Rhaenyra’s lies and alone since her father left King’s Landing, Alicent chose to make a statement at Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon’s wedding.
Alicent arrived late to the event, instantly catching everyone’s attention when she noticed she was wearing a token green dress. As noted by Larys Strong, this could be seen as a symbol of war and was one of the first steps taken to separate the family into Greens and Blacks.
7/10 Rhaenys made a shocking arrival and exit at Aegon II’s coronation
House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 9 “The Green Council”
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen stole the show in ‘The Green Council’ Dragon Houseninth episode. Rhaenys began the episode as a prisoner, as the Hightowers plotted to crown Aegon as their new king, immediately after Viserys’ death.
However, with the help of Erryk Cargyll ensuring her escape, Rhaenys managed to make it to the Dragonpit in time for Aegon II’s coronation. As soon as Aegon was crowned and started looking happy for the first time in the series, Rhaenys burst through the ground atop her dragon Meleys. In what was a shocking statement to the Greens, Rhaenys killed countless civilians, before fleeing to warn Rhaenyra.
6/10 Daenerys and Drogon have arrived to save Jon and the group from the living dead
Game of Thrones season 7, episode 6 “Beyond the Wall”
Daenerys and Drogon had a number of impactful scenes and entrances throughout game of thrones. The sight of a dragon causing mischief and mayhem was a great sight every time, accentuated by the general lack of other fantastical beasts in the show.
Drogon’s arrival to save Daenerys from the Sons of the Harpy was an exciting moment, but Daenerys and Drogon rushing to save Jon and company from the White Walkers in Season 7 won. It was Daenerys’ first time seeing the undead, with the horror clearly written on her face as she landed with Drogon, providing the others with a quick escape plan.
5/10 Robert Baratheon’s worst fears came true when the Dothraki ambushed the Lannister army
Game of Thrones season 7, episode 4 “The Spoils of War”
The war between Cersei Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen has been a long time coming game of thrones, but when it finally happened, there were several memorable and iconic scenes. One such moment came with Daenerys’ angry retaliation, after losing her allies in Dorne, the Tyrells and some of the Greyjoys. Daenerys led her horde of Dothraki and Drogon to ambush the Lannister army on their way back to King’s Landing.
The sight of Dothraki charging over the open fields of Westeros was long in coming, as it fulfilled Robert Baratheon’s worst fears. While it was a spectacle in itself, Daenerys then came on top of Drogon to make a slaughter of it.
4/10 Stannis made an emphatic entrance to defeat Mance Rayder
Game of Thrones season 4, episode 10 “The Children”
Stannis Baratheon was one of the unluckiest characters in game of thrones. According to Ned Stark’s last words, Stannis was the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, but he suffered constant defeats and the destruction of his own family in the name of glory.
However, despite all the negatives, Stannis arrived as a hero when his large army arrived north of the wall to rescue Jon Snow, while he was once again Mance Rayder’s prisoner. The enlarged shots of Stannis’ cavalry maintaining their formation as they charged through the forest created a truly epic entrance.
3/10 Littlefinger brought the Knights of the Vale to rescue Jon from Ramsay Bolton’s forces
Game of Thrones season 6, episode 9 “Battle of the Bastards”
The “battle of the bastards” is still considered one of the game of thrones‘ greatest episodes of all time. It was certainly a brutal battle with a cinematic brilliance that made the most of the combat and the emotional turmoil. When Jon Snow and his forces seemed overwhelmed and trapped by Ramsay Bolton, Sansa Stark and Littlefinger arrived with the Knights of the Vale, just in time.
While Sansa and Baelish didn’t fight, the shot of them watching their charging cavalry turn the tide, created some intense and thrilling visuals. Not only did this save Jon Snow, but it also allowed him to pursue Ramsay for one last showdown.
2/10 Viserys made a final public defense of his daughter Rhaenyra
House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 8 “Lord of the Tides”
King Viserys Targaryen was known as a peaceful king but weak in Dragon House, but he often didn’t get the credit he deserved for his subtle points of wisdom. Viserys was gradually weakened by a mysterious illness, making it worse with each passing episode.
However, Dragon HouseThe eighth episode of Viserys was at its worst. He could barely get out of bed, but did so emphatically anyway. King Viserys announced himself by making his way through the Great Hall to the Iron Throne, so he could resume talks regarding Driftmark’s succession. The music and drama of his entrance was both heroic and tragic, but certainly struck a chord with most viewers of this scene. It was a powerful move and moment for Viserys, as he showed his support for his daughter Rhaenyra one last time.
1/10 Arya Stark came out of nowhere to defeat the Night King
Game of Thrones season 8, episode 3 “The Long Night”
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Everyone has their own opinion about the last season of game of thrones, but regardless of the verdict, there was no denying that there was plenty of action and drama. In fact, Arya Stark shocked the world when she was the one who ended the Night King.
As the Night King approached Bran with murderous intent, after dispatching Theon Greyjoy, Arya flew out of nowhere to attack the mysterious undead being. Arya took him by surprise and she ended the Battle of Winterfell with a swing of her Valyrian steel dagger. From the reckless jump out of the foggy environment to the final result, this moment had a serious impact.
