Though Game of Thrones is mostly known for its big battles and shocking death scenes, that doesn't mean the show didn't also focus on the occasional romance. There were some relationships that fans had been cheering for the entire series, like Arya and Gendry, but then there were others that were a little more unexpected.
In the midst of all the war and treachery, these oddball pairings evolved. Sometimes these romances felt unnecessary, some of them received fans' support despite their surprising nature, and some just promised disaster from the very beginning. Whether they ended happily ever after or in typically bloody fashion, these were not the obvious couples that everyone saw coming.
Brienne And Tormund
Despite the fact that this didn't evolve into an actual romance, the possible pairing of Brienne of Tarth and Tormund Giantsbane thrilled fans. The first hint of it came when Tormund laid eyes on Brienne as she arrived at Castle Black. It was clear from the look on his face that he had never seen a woman like that before.
The show never put too much emphasis on their pairing, and they barely ever spoke to each other. But Tormund's unsubtle looks and Brienne's uncomfortable reactions made it a hilarious flirtation.
Ellaria And Yara
Neither Ellaria Sand nor Yara Greyjoy were very prominent characters, but they found themselves fighting alongside one another when they joined Daenerys Targaryen's campaign for the Iron Throne. This led to them sharing a boat where they quickly took a liking to each other.
Despite the fact that both of these women had previously shown they are very open about who they love at any given time, their sudden passion for each other comes out of nowhere. Even more bizarre, they start kissing in front of Yara's brother, Theon. Unfortunately, the romance is cut short when Euron attacks their ship.
Bronn And Tyene
The storyline involving Jaime Lannister and Bronn on a covert mission in Dorne is one of the most hated in all the series. Along with feeling like an incredible waste of time, it features some of the worst writing in the show, especially with the odd connection between Bronn and Tyene.
The two first meet when Bronn and Jaime attempt to rescue Myrcella Baratheon. While they seem to be enemies, Tyene flirts with Bronn, who suddenly becomes uncharacteristically nervous and tongue-tied. The dialogue they share is pretty cringe-worthy and the show wisely decided not to pursue this pairing any further.
Daenerys And Drogo
While some see Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo as a tragic couple who were meant for each other, they seem to be forgetting how this relationship began. At the beginning of the series, Daenerys was a timid young woman forced into this marriage and abused by Drogo.
Over time, Daenerys begins to take control in the relationship and they very unexpectedly begin falling in love with each other. By the time Drogo dies, she views him as the love of her life, which is unexpected considering how terrible he treated her before.
Cersei And Euron
Daenerys arrives in Westeros with a fairly sizeable army, yet Cersei has a few unexpected allies on her side as well. Euron Greyjoy shows up in King's Landing with a massive fleet of ships which he promises to Cersei if she'll marry him.
In the past, Cersei has not taken too kindly to being told who to marry, but she surprisingly considers his proposal. It is clear Cersei is just using Euron and he is not exactly doing it out of love. But they do at least create a fraud of a romance for a short time.
Margaery And Tommen
Margaery Tyrell's dream of becoming queen seems to come true when she marries Joffrey Baratheon. The dreams seem to be dashed just as quickly when Joffrey is poisoned at their wedding. However, Margaery is not one to let go of such a position.
Quite quickly, Margaery sets her sights on Tommen Baratheon, Joffrey's younger and more innocent brother who will now become king. To see everyone move on from Joffrey's death so quickly and have Margaery marry her widow's brother just proved how much these marriages were about politics.
Tyrion And Shae
In the first season of the show, Tyrion Lannister did not seem like the kind of person who was looking to settle down with someone. He tended to prefer the company he finds in brothels which is why it's no surprise he hires Shae for her services before battle.
What is surprising is how quickly Tyrion seems to find a connection to Shae. He invites her to King's Landing against his father's wishes and, despite beginning as a professional arrangement, they fall in love with each other. Of course, things end in tragedy.
Jaime And Brienne
When Catelyn Stark releases Jaime Lannister from captivity, she sends Brienne with him to safely escort him to King's Landing. Their relationship begins as reluctant traveling companions but quickly evolves into so much more.
As Jaime reveals things to Brienne he hadn't told anyone else, it becomes clear that she is influencing him for the better. Likewise, the more Brienne discovers the real Jaime Lannister, the more she likes him. Their mutual respect grows into romance as they finally consummate their relationship following the Battle of Winterfell.
Jon And Daenerys
Given the fact that they are probably the two most important characters in the show, perhaps some people did imagine Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen becoming a couple. But they are worlds away for so long, it's hard to even imagine when they would meet.
Once that meeting does happen, their connection is obvious. However, with the revelation that Jon is a Targaryen and the heir to the Iron Throne, their relationship becomes pretty awkward.
Jaime And Cersei
The first episode of Game of Thrones has a lot of work to do introducing the various characters, locations, and storylines. However, it saves the biggest reveal for the end as young Bran Stark accidentally finds Cersei Lannister and Jaime Lannister having sex.
Though fans eventually got used to the idea of these Lannister siblings having a twisted relationship, it is certainly not something that fans saw coming and proved to be an early game-changer for the story.