8 Dead Game Of Thrones Characters You Forgot Existed (And Why They're Important)

8. Rodrik Cassel

Life And Death:

Long-time Master-at-Arms at Winterfell, Ser Rodrik Cassel was a good friend to Northern lords Jon Umber and Eddard Stark, whom he fought alongside during Robert’s Rebellion. Following Ned Stark’s execution and the proclamation of Robb Stark as the new King in the North by his bannermen, Rodrik was tasked with returning to Winterfell with Bran and Rickon, where Robb believed they would be safe.

After Theon Greyjoy betrayed Robb and sacked an undefended Winterfell in season 2, however, Rodrik is brutally beheaded after failing to bow down to the Ironborn. Theon botches the execution, with three swings of his sword and a kick needed to remove Cassel’s head.

Why He Was Important:

It was Rodrik Cassel that identified the blade used by Bran's would-be assassin as Valyrian steel, which in turn lead the vengeful Catelyn Stark to Tyrion Lannister. Ser Rodrik then arrested Tyrion on Lady Stark's orders, inadvertently setting in motion a chain reaction that contributed to Ned's execution and, eventually, the War of the Five Kings.

Rodrik was also an important character in that he trained the men of Winterfell in combat for generations. Not only did he tutor his eventual killer Theon, but he showed both Robb Stark and Jon Snow how to use a blade, and how to use it well. The eagle-eyed among you will have noticed a young Cassel training childhood versions of Eddard and Benjen Stark in Bran’s first season 6 flashback, meaning his influence on House Stark and the Game of Thrones universe cannot be understated.