HBO's Game of Thrones based on the literary works of George R.R. Martin first hit screens 10 years ago. Since the premiere on April 17, 2011, fans of the series and novels have been treated to eight seasons, and more than one spin-off series in the works at HBO. The show has been met with praise and hatred from fans and critics alike over the years, but one can not deny that deserves all the accolades it has won over the years.
Never before had viewers been treated to a TV fantasy epic of its scale, and scope. The show came to its close last year, so let's explore some key things that happened in the show's premiere, "Winter is Coming" which you may have forgotten.
The Premiere's First Scene Introduced The White Walkers
Right at the very start of it all, the first scene in Game of Thrones sees a group of the Night's Watch soldiers coming across a grisly graveyard of Wildlings beyond The Wall. Before they know it, they come under attack by a supernatural force.
It's this supernatural force, The White Walkers which would form one of the story's main threats, and the showrunners set the tone of the things at stake right at the very beginning of this eight-season TV show.
Sean Bean Is The First Listed Actor In The Opening Credits
That's correct, Sean Bean whose character, Eddard Stark, is killed off in episode nine of season one, is the first name that appears in the cast list of the opening credits of Game of Thrones.
Many viewers who had not read the novels while watching season one, had come to love Ned Stark and many considered him to be somewhat of the main protagonist. It's this which made it so impactful when the character was killed off to those who had not read the books at the time.
Pentos Across The Narrow Sea
Game of Thrones does much in its writing to establish the importance of Westeros and its Seven Kingdoms during the first season, however, from the first episode viewers and the characters are seen in exotic places that are clearly different from places we see in the seven kingdoms.
The first city viewers are transported to which is not part of the Seven Kingdoms, is Pentos, beyond the Narrow Sea. It's here that audiences were first introduced to Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen, Magister Illyrio Mopatis, and Khal Drogo.
Daenerys Could Always Withstand The Heat
In the very first episode, we're introduced to Daenerys Stormborn, The Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons. However, back then, she was still a young girl, whose brother was trying to sell her off as a Dothraki bride.
In a scene that sees her stepping into a scalding-hot bath, one of the handmaidens exclaims, "it's too hot!" However, Dany, before truly knowing her heritage, has the fire in her blood, so naturally, a hot bath doesn't bother her.
Jon Arryn Knew About Jaime and Cersei's Affair
As far back as episode one, when audiences were first introduced to Jaime and Cersei Lannister, during a scene in which the two antagonists are watching as Jon Arryn's corpse is prepared for burial, it's revealed that the dead Hand of the King knew about their incestuous relationship.
It's confirmed when Jaime assures his sister, that if Arryn had indeed spoken to anyone about, they would already be dead.
Jaime Is Offered The Role Of Hand Of The King
Jaime Lannister, Kingslayer and member of the Kingsguard, during the scene mentioned above, was actually first offered the role of Hand of the King after Arryn's death but refuses the position outrightly.
He believes the role to be too much work, and Cersei calls him out this by accusing him of taking nothing seriously.
Ned Stark Wields Ice For The First Time In The Show
For hardcore fans, this will be easy to remember. Eddard Stark first uses a Valyrian steel greatsword in a scene where he, as Warden of The North, to execute a member of the Night's Watch who ran from a bloodbath beyond the walls when White Walkers attack his ranging party.
Foreshadowing Through The Use Of Symbolism
During the pilot, Ned Stark, his sons, and his ward, come across a dead stag and a dead mother direwolf. As the show progresses we learn more about the various houses of power in the seven kingdoms.
The Stag is the sigil of the House Baratheon and the dire wolf is the sigil of the House Stark. Many who had not read the novels would have not seen this foreshadowing of events to come during the first season.
Jon Snow And Tyrion's Friendship
In what would become one of Game of Thrones' most beloved friendships during later seasons, Tyrion Lannister and Jon Snow share their first conversation when Tyrion approaches Jon, pointing out that he's too sensitive about his illegitimacy.
He sincerely tells Jon that he should wear it like armor so that no one can hurt him with it. When Jon angrily asks Tyrion what he knows about it, Tyrion replies that "all dwarfs are bastards in their father's eyes."
Winter is Coming
One of the most quotable lines of all time when it comes to TV, "Winter is Coming" was mentioned by Ned Stark in episode one, a mere eleven minutes into the sixty-minute episode. Winter then took seven seasons to arrive and lasted less than one season.