‘Game of Thrones’ has raised the bar for shocking deaths, with characters we see as integral to the story killed off in brutal, surprising ways. Expect even more blood and mayhem when season eight debuts in 2019 — until then, here’s a look back at some brutal goodbyes to beloved characters — that viewers (at least the ones who haven’t read the books) totally didn’t see coming.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD FOR ANYONE WHO’S NOT UP TO SPEED…
1 of 31
Littlefinger finally gets what he deserves and Arya scratches out another name on her growing list of people she's killed.
Unaware that he was attending his own trial, Lord Petyr Baelish was mercilessly executed by Arya Stark after the remaining Stark children (with the help of Bran) reveal his long list of betrayals against House Stark and, let's not forget, House Arryn.
2 of 31
One of THE MOST SHOCKING moments from season 7 was Viserion's demise.
Not only did Daenerys lose one of her children but the Night King gains a large (flying) asset to his undead army.
So we guess this technically isn't "goodbye" for Viserion, though it might be "good night" for some other beloved characters.
3 of 31
Following the battle at the frozen lake, it looked like Jon Snow was not going to make it back. Trailed by wights, it's not until partially undead Uncle Benjen showed up and offered Jon his horse that there was a glimmer of hope.
Distracting the wights, Benjen seemingly sacrificed his life for Jon's. However, he's eluded death once before -- maybe he could do it again?
4 of 31
Daenerys proved she was not messing around in season 7 when she chose to burn Randyll and Dickon Tarly alive (or rather, commanded Drogon to do so) after they refused to bend the knee.
The death of Randyll and Dickon leaves our favourite Samwell and his sister Talla as the oldest surviving members of House Tarly. How will they take the news? Only time will tell.
5 of 31
Talk about a bittersweet goodbye.
In what Cersei thought was "just deserts" for smart-mouthed Lady Olenna revealed some important information, as the head of House Tyrell disclosed that she, in fact, killed Cersei and Jaime's son, Joffrey.
6 of 31
Season 7 was not kind to Ellaria Sand and her snakes, but Ellaria Sand and her daughters.
After Euron Greyjoy kills two of her daughters (Obara and Nymeria) attacking Yara's fleet, Ellaria and her last remaining daughter Tyene are captured by Cersei Lannister.
In a twist so cruel it could only be Cersei, the Queen (for now) poisoned Tyene with the same poison Ellaria killed Myrcella with -- "The Long Farewell" -- and left Ellaria to watch her daughter die a brutal death and then suffer a slow death of her own in the Red Keep.
7 of 31
8 of 31
9 of 31
10 of 31
11 of 31
12 of 31
13 of 31
14 of 31
15 of 31
16 of 31
17 of 31
18 of 31
19 of 31
20 of 31
21 of 31
22 of 31
23 of 31
24 of 31
25 of 31
26 of 31
27 of 31
28 of 31
29 of 31
30 of 31
31 of 31