10 Most Shocking Game Of Thrones Moments

4. The Mountain And The Viper

Game Of Thrones Shocking 2
HBO

Few characters who arrived late in the day have had the impact of Prince Oberyn Martell. The Red Viper made an instant impression when he arrived at the outset of Season 4, and the charm of Pedro Pascal ensured he was already a clear fan-favourite by the time he was promising to be Tyrion's champion.

While he had a literal Mountain to climb in order to win, it genuinely seemed like they were going to give him this one. His lightfooded, twirling fighting style gave him the upperhand over the sheer size and strength of Gregor Clegane, and he'd all but struck the decisive blow.

Taking too long to showboat, however, Clegane reached up, dragged him down, and started squeezing. And squeezing. And then... pop.

We were all used to heroes dying by this point, but defeat here was snatched from the jaws of defeat. And for it to happen in *that* fashion blew all our minds, no pun intended.

Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.