Warning: SPOILERS from Game of Thrones' season 7 finale

-

Game of Thrones season 7 has finally drawn to a close with an epic final episode, "The Dragon and the Wolf," that saw Jon Snow's royal heritage finally revealed and him and Daenerys taking their longing looks into the bedroom, but we've lost quite a few characters to get here. As there were only seven episodes this season, the kill tally hasn't been especially high - especially when you exclude all the nameless soldiers who perished in various the battles between the Lannisters' army and Daenerys Targeryen's.

However, season 7 still saw some major players bite the dust, so here's a reminder of just who bid farewell to the Seven Kingdoms.

The Freys

Lord Walder Frey raises a glass in Game of Thrones season six

Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) finally got her revenge on the House Frey by using her mask to pose as Walder Frey (David Bradley), whom she killed at the end of season 6, and trick the remainder of his family (at least, those involved in the Red Wedding) into drinking poisoned wine. It was a brilliant opener to episode 1, "Dragonstone," and reminded viewers of just how cunning and ruthless Arya had become since training with the Jaqen (Tom Wlaschiha) at the House of Black and White in Braavos.

By wiping out the House, Arya gets justice for the brutal murder of her mother Catelyn (Michelle Fairley), brother Robb (Richard Madden) and pregnant sister-in-law Talisa (Oona Chaplin) whose lives were taken in the very same hall. It also removed one of the main supporters of the Lannisters and Cersei's rule, which unknowing helps the likes of Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) in her bid to reclaim the Iron Throne.

The Sand Snakes

The-Sand-Snakes-House-Martell-in-Game-of-Thrones

Dorne's formidable killers were no match for Euron Greyjoy's surprise attack on the Iron Fleet, and in the ensuing fight Nymeria (Jessica Henwick) and Obara (Keisha Castle-Hughes) were left for dead on one of the burning ships. Their deaths occurred in episode 2, "Stormborn," while their half-sister Tyene Sand (Rosabelle Sellers) lost her life in episode 3, "The Queen's Justice," after she and her mother Ellaria Sand (Indira Varma) were captured by Euron (Pilou Asbaek) and taken back to King's Landing as a gift to Cersei (Lena Headey). The Lannister queen wanted to exact her own revenge on Ellaria by kissing Tyene with the "Long Farewell" poison just like she had done to kill Myrcella (Nell Tiger Free). Tyene's death is all but confirmed but with Ellaria left in the cell to watch her daughter die - and eventually die from starvation and rot away herself - though there's technically still time for the Dorne queen to be rescued.

Lady Olenna Tyrell

Diana Rigg as Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones

No one has died with as much dignity or arrogance as the Queen of Thorns (Diana Rigg) who actually seemed pretty bored by the whole thing. She waited patiently for the arrival of Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who had shown compassion to the head of the House Tyrell by requesting that she be killed peacefully by poison. Jaime lived to regret that decision when Olenna revealed that she was the one who murdered Joffrey (Jack Gleeson), not his brother Tyrion (Peter Dinklage), and mocked him and his sister/lover just after taking the poison that would end her life. Lady Olenna died as she lived: reducing everyone around her to pitiful fools. She will be missed.

Lord Randyll Tarly and Dickon Tarly

Lord Randyll and son Dickon are burned alive after refusing to bend the knee to Daenerys

Lord Randyll Tarly (James Faulkner) and his son Dickon Tarly (Tom Hopper) came to a fiery end in episode 5, "Eastwatch," after refusing to bend the knee to Daenerys. Having decimated the Lannister and Tarly armies with the help of her Dothraki horde and Drogon in episode 4, "The Spoils of War," the Targeryen queen had rounded up the survivors and offered them the choice of death or joining her army. Ever the proud lord, Randyll refused to support a foreign queen and his son, foolishly, followed suit. While Tyrion advised Daenerys against burning them to a crisp, she did it anyway, to make sure people knew of her strength and no nonsense conduct in war.

In the wake of Lord Tarly and his heir's death, Samwell Tarly (John Bradley) may be able to return home and become head of his House. If you remember, Sam was forced to join the Night's Watch by his cruel father for not living up to his expectations. Last time they saw each other was when Sam and Gilly (Hannah Murray) were on their way to the Citadel and stopped by Horn Hill. Randyll and Dickon were cruel as ever to Sam but his mother and sister were far more accepting. Now that Randyll and Dickon are dead, Lady Tarly (Samantha Spiro) welcome her prodigal son and his wildling love back with open arms.

Paul Kaye as Thoros in Game of Thrones

Thoros of Myr

Jon Snow (Kit Harington) really was leading a Suicide Squad in "Eastwatch," as by episode 6, "Beyond the Wall," not only did the unnamed Red Shirts of the Brotherhood Without Banners die, but also one of their main leaders - Thoros (Paul Kaye). The legendary swordsman was savaged by a Bear, turned by a White Walker, and while he didn't die straight away from his wounds, he perished while the squad were trapped on a rock in the middle of a frozen lake, surrounded by the Night King's army. His death means that Beric Dondarrion (Richard Dormer) is on his last life as it was Thoros who used magic to bring him back from the dead six times, and, Arya no longer has to worry about striking him off her kill list.

Viserion

Viserion death

Cersei may have hoped that her Hand's dragon killing machine would help in her defence against Daenerys' children, but "The Spoils of War" proved how ineffective that weapon was. Sadly, the same can not be said for the Night King's ice spears, which killed Viserion after Dany had led her dragons to the defence of Jon and his squad. It seems the chemicals in the spear caused a reaction in Viserion that made him succumb to his own flames from the inside. He soon returned, however, as the Night King (Richard Brake) brought him back to life as a Wight dragon. Viserion will no doubt be a terrifying adversary for not just his brothers and mother, but the entire Seven Kingdoms.

Benjen Stark?

Benjen saves Jon but seemingly meets his demise in episode 6

The brother of Ned Stark (portrayed by Joseph Mawle) always pops up just when his relatives need him and this time he managed to get Jon onto his horse and away from the Wights in the nick of time. He's a confusing character, as he shares the pallid, rotting skin of the Wights but has retained all of his memories and personality, as well as his family alliances. After getting Jon out on horseback and away from the ensuing threat, it looked as though Benjen was about to finally meet his maker when he was mobbed by the Wights. However, since he's been presumed dead before it's best not to write him off just yet.

Littlefinger

Farewell, Petyr Baelish

Petyr Baelish (Aiden Gillen) finally got his comeuppance after years of deceit, treachery and conspiracy that has led to the deaths of so many characters, not to mention the torment of many more. Thinking he had laid a cunning plan to pit sister against sister, he learnt the hard way that you don't mess with the Starks. Seeing him beg for his life in front of Sansa (Sophie Turner), the Vale soldiers and the Northern bannerman was definitely a treat - even more so when Arya slit his throat with his own dagger. You won't be missed, Petyr.

The Wall

The Wall has been destroyed

Bran the builder will not be happy to see his handiwork reduced to rubble by an undead Viserion. Now the army of the dead have easy access to Westeros and we can expect in season 8 to open with their attack on Winterfell. Here's hoping Danaerys and Jon's armies will be enough.

Next: Game Of Thrones: Euron And Cersei's Real Plan Explained