10 Most Shocking Game Of Thrones Moments

3. For The Watch

Game Of Thrones Shocking 2
HBO

In a post-Ned Stark world, Game of Thrones had three main protagonists: Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen. These three, above all other characters, were safe.

Or so it seemed. Jon, following in the footsteps of his 'father' by choosing to do what was right and honourable despite the potential consequences, rescued the wildlings - going against the protestations of his Night's Watch brothers.

The tensions escalated throughout Season 5, in particular was the daring mission to Hardhome that risked the lives of numerous brothers. It all built to the Season 5 finale.

Jon, lured out under the pretence of news about his Uncle Benjen, is branded a traitor, and then faced with a mutinous band of brothers. Led by Alliser Thorne, they queue up to take turns literally sticking the knife into him.

As blade after blade plunges into his chest, there's still a part of you thinking it can't really be happening, or that he'll somehow survive. It's Jon Snow, after all.

Then Olly delivers the final blow, and we're left gobsmacked as our hero lays dying in a pool of his own blood. Of course, he came back a year later, but there's no denying the shock of his moment.

Oh, and also: f**k Olly!

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.