Game of Thrones, which aired from 2011 to 2019, became a cultural juggernaut, lauded for its intricate storytelling, blend of realism and fantasy, and high production values. Based on Martin’s ongoing series, the television adaptation diverged from its source material, partly due to Martin’s slow progress on the books. As a result, the showrunners made several creative choices, including omitting key characters from the plot.
8. Coldhands: The Mysterious Guardian
In George R.R. Martin’s epic series, Coldhands stands out as an enigmatic figure whose real identity remains shrouded in mystery. Believed to be a former Night’s Watch brother due to his all-black attire and camaraderie with Samwell Tarly, Coldhands is a helper of the good, aiding Bran Stark under the guidance of the Three-Eyed Raven. Unlike the bright blue-eyed wights, his eyes are black, his face concealed, and his namesake cold, black hands suggest a long-passed life. The television adaptation teased fans with a character resembling Coldhands, identified as Benjen Stark, although Martin has debunked the popular theory that Coldhands is Benjen due to timeline discrepancies.
7. Edric Storm: The Royal Bastard
Edric Storm is a significant omission from the show, being one of King Robert Baratheon’s acknowledged bastards. Known for his striking resemblance to a young Robert, Edric’s blood plays a crucial role in the magical rituals of Melisandre in the novels. Unlike his television counterpart, Gendry, Edric’s fate diverges as he is spirited away to safety in Lys, leaving his future role in the saga an intriguing unknown.
6. The Tyrell Siblings: The Forgotten Heirs
The Tyrell family in the novels includes Willas and Garlan Tyrell, two significant characters absent from the television series. Willas, the intelligent and kind-hearted heir to Highgarden, alongside his brother Garlan, a skilled swordsman with no aspirations for glory, represent the resilience and depth of House Tyrell. Their existence suggests that the Tyrells’ influence in the ongoing conflict might be far from over in the books.
5. Jon Connington: The Exiled Hand
Jon Connington, once the Hand of the Mad King Aerys and head of House Connington, plays a pivotal role in the Targaryen restoration efforts. Living in exile under the alias Griff, Connington’s life takes a dramatic turn when he contracts greyscale. His dedication to Prince Rhaegar’s legacy and protection of a potentially game-changing character underlines the complexity and depth missing from his story’s adaptation.
4. Arianne Martell: The Dornish Heiress
Arianne Martell is the striking and ambitious daughter of Prince Doran Martell, poised to become the future ruler of Dorne. Her bold plan to crown Myrcella Baratheon as Queen reflects the political machinations and depth of the Dornish in the novels, a narrative largely simplified and altered in the show. Arianne’s intricate plotting and alliances make her a central figure in Dorne’s future and a missed opportunity in the adaptation.
3. Victarion Greyjoy: The Ironborn Reaver
Victarion Greyjoy, a formidable warrior and commander of the Iron Fleet, represents the ruthless ambition and martial prowess of the Iron Islands. Omitted from the series, Victarion’s character combines martial might with magical elements, adding a layer of supernatural intrigue to the Greyjoy storyline. His quest to claim Daenerys Targaryen for himself, against his brother Euron’s wishes, sets the stage for a thrilling conflict unseen in the show.
2. Lady Stoneheart: The Vengeful Spirit
The resurrection of Catelyn Stark as Lady Stoneheart is one of the most notable divergences between the books and the show. Leading a merciless campaign against those responsible for the Red Wedding, her transformation into a vengeful spirit underscores themes of loss and retribution absent from the television adaptation. Lady Stoneheart’s exclusion from the series disappointed many fans, as her character adds a haunting layer to the narrative.
1. Aegon Targaryen: The Hidden Targaryen
Aegon Targaryen, presumed dead, emerges as a pivotal figure in the novels with a legitimate claim to the Iron Throne. Protected by Jon Connington, Aegon’s survival and ambitions introduce complex questions about legitimacy, power, and destiny that significantly alter the political landscape. The show’s decision to merge or omit this character simplifies the succession crisis and the intricate tapestry of allegiances and betrayals that define Martin’s series.
These characters from A Song of Ice and Fire bring depth, intrigue, and complexity to the saga, offering narratives full of potential and paths untaken in the adaptation. Their stories enrich the tapestry of Westeros, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the remaining books for closure and the untold stories of these compelling figures.
