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

Life And Death:

Qhorin was one of the most experienced and well respected rangers of the Night’s Watch, renowned as a fierce warrior on both sides of the Wall. He became known as The Halfhand after losing most of the fingers on his right hand during a fight against the wildlings, though he remained a formidable opponent all the same.

In season 2, Qhorin heads to the Fist of the First Men to join Lord Commander Mormont’s troops in the search for missing First Ranger Benjen Stark. After spotting wildling lookouts in the Skirling Pass, Halfhand leads a small party – including then-steward Jon Snow – to take them out, though when Jon is unable to execute a wilding woman both he and Qhorin end up captured. Halfhand taunts Jon into killing him so that the younger man can gain the trust of the wildlings and enter their ranks as a spy.

Why He Was Important:

Jon’s decision to let the wildlings resettle south of the Wall to escape the White Walkers may have gotten him killed by his sworn brothers, though in return those he saved rallied to his side after his resurrection by Melisandre. His new friend and comrade Tormund Giantsbane looks set to play an important part in the post-Night’s Watch Jon Snow storyline we’ve all been waiting for, as do the army of Free Folk that Snow will apparently have at his back.

In the end, Qhorin’s sacrifice could directly affect not only the fate of the Night's Watch, but of Winterfell and (if Jon is indeed now free of his vows, and his suspected royal parentage turns out to be true) the fate of the Iron Throne, too.

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