The recent success of the premiere of House of the Dragon is a timely reminder of just how much Game of Thrones was able to accomplish during its long run. Part of what made the latter so exciting was the extent to which it focused on the actions of both individuals and nations, as well as the ways in which the former often impacted the latter.
However, while the series was full of some notably good characters, even these were capable of doing things that rubbed viewers the wrong way, as the users of Reddit have laid out in very compelling and convincing details.
Lyanna Started Robert’s Rebellion
There are, of course, many notable and brave members of House Stark and of the most beloved is Lyanna, whose devotion to Rhaegar was a source of tragedy for both her and those in her life. In fact, her decision to run away with the Targaryen prince was what led to Robert’s Rebellion and the downfall of her lover’s entire dynasty.
User GGezpzMuppy condemns her in no uncertain terms, contrasting her brother Ned’s devotion, saying that she “didn't really care much in return. She rather have steamy sex with her man whilst her family is fighting a war and dying for her.”
Ned’s Arrogance Destroyed Everything
Though Ned Stark might be one of the best characters in Game of Thrones, it has to be said that his actions often brought about far more harm than good. In fact, there are many who see his fundamental arrogance–what he understands to be his nobility and honor–to have been one of the most destructive forces in the Seven Kingdoms, bringing about the chaos that engulfs the realm from season 2 on.
Redditor JCaet eloquently states, "Ned's Stark's ultimate stupidity is his terrible arrogance, he believes he can freely sustain his "honorable" zealotry, and that costs him his life and everything his family had. Doing the right thing shouldn't involve endangering your family.”
Stannis Killed His Family For Power
Stannis' iron will and his rigid scenes of honor meant he was very different from his brothers Robert and Renly. However, though he was “good” in the sense that he did what he thought was right (rather than seeking power for its own sake), he was undone by his willingness to sacrifice his own daughter on the altar of his destiny.
User Sd51223 is particularly critical of his suicidal charge against Winterfell, even though it, “was probably the only thing he could do because who's going to respect a supposedly honorable person who killed his only child.”
Tormund Participated In The Attack On Mole's Town
Though Game of Thrones is often a very serious show, there are moments of levity, particularly surrounding the lovable wildling Tormund. His friendship with Jon Snow is one of the most important in the series, and he seems like a genuinely good man. However, like many other wildlings, he is also capable of great brutality.
User BourbonSl*t reminds fans: “he raided Mole's Town and murdered all of these unarmed people. His hate for Westerosi was strong then. He's a bad** who has saved Jon multiple times and he's redeemed himself by allying with the Northern houses to fight against the WW's, but let's not forget what he did.” In the world of Game of Thrones, even well-loved characters are capable of doing terrible things.
Robert Did Everything Wrong
Westeros has seen its fair share of evil kings, and while Robert might not be among them, he still ranks as one of the worst rulers. Having gained the throne, he subsequently squandered all of his power and goodwill by handing actual ruling over to his small council.
What’s more, as one Reddit user notes, he’s quite capable of brutality, "Just because he's chummy with Ned, he comes off as likable. But he's really a horrible person, barring everything else, murdering small children for a crown makes you a bad person.” In the cynical view of the series, Robert is in his own way almost as bad as the Targaryens who preceded him.
Theon Did A Lot Of Wrong Before His Redemption
Like all good fantasy shows, Game of Thrones does a fantastic job of teasing out the moral complexity of even its villains. Take, for example, Theon, who ultimately emerges as a morally conflicted character who is, sometimes despite his best efforts, a good person.
Though he ultimately redeems himself in the battle against the White Walkers, some Reddit users have been reluctant to forget his earlier actions, writing: “The dude roasted two children alive to gain control of Winterfell, yet he's still a character much of the GoT community seems to be rooting for.” His popularity among the fans, despite his ruthlessness, is one of the many contradictions that Game of Thrones evokes.
Catelyn Roamed The Southlands Creating More Problems
In many ways, Catelyn Stark is one of the series’ best female characters, and before her death, she had an extraordinary amount of agency. However, while she was undoubtedly a hero, she was also capable of causing no small amount of chaos, often with consequences that could have been foreseen had she bothered to do so.
User Randomator, in particular, draws attention to this: “I don't hate her but I think Catelyn deserves a lot of blame for some of the worst things that have happened in the story. Arresting Tyrion Lannister was essentially the first open act of war.” As is often the case with this series, even small actions can often radiate outward, like a small stone causing an avalanche.
Jorah Was A Slaver And Informant
Game of Thrones is one of those series that excels at creating compelling antiheroes, one of the most notable of whom is Jorah Mormont. With his selfless devotion to Daenerys, he became one of her most stalwart companions and advisers. While this endeared him to many members of the fandom, some still point out his other glaring moral failings.
Redditor Levi_Lawliet is particularly critical: “That guy sold people into slavery just so his gold digger wife wouldn't leave him. And after Ned sent him into well deserved exile, he agreed to spy on two Targaryen kids, knowing full well this will likely mean their death, just so that he can return to Westeros. He only stopped informing on Daenerys, when he fell in love with her.” Even the series’ most beloved characters are far more complex than they appear at first.
Tyrion Solved A Lot Of Problems With Murder
Tyrion was without a doubt one of the smartest characters in the series, capable of solving some of the thorniest problems in the realm. However, despite his undeniable charisma, he was also someone who could be quite ruthless, capable of inflicting pain on others when necessary.
As TheGent316 puts it: “He's only so loved because he's designed to be loved. He can do no wrong and he's somehow become a saint over the course of the series. He murdered his father and his lover and apparently suffers no guilt or ptsd or anything. In fact it seems he somehow managed to become an even better person after this incident.” It’s to the series’ credit that it made audiences love him so much despite his obvious flaws.
Jaime Was Just Mostly Terrible Outside Of His Failed Redemption Arc
Jaime was, in his own way, one of the most beloved characters on the show. Though he was an antihero and did some terrible things, he seemed to have his own honor code. However, even though he started to change as the seasons went on, this didn’t quite do enough to erase some of his other, less palatable actions.
User CrusaderKingsNut says: “Jaime tried to murder a kid, f***ed his sister, killed his cousin, tried to murder Nedd Stark, was a horrible father [...] and killed countless Northmen.” Taken in this context, the series’ decision to position him as a “good guy” seems more than a little disingenuous.