Game Of Thrones: 10 Most Satisfying Moments

Sam and Gilly may not seem to have a lot in common initially, but they've both suffered under oppressive fathers for years - Gilly's is an evil rapist running a harem of daughter-wives, while Sam's is a miserable nobleman who drives his own son away with death threats. While they've both developed other strengths to compensate - Gilly is incredibly self-sufficient, while Sam is a scholar - they're also easily cowed.

They run off together, with Gilly largely taking care of Sam (in addition to her infant son). When the two think they've found safety, a White Walker surprises them. Sam draws his sword uncertainly, but the demon shatters it with a touch and swats the soldier away. It advances on Gilly and her son, but Sam gets to his feet, pulls out a dagger made of dragonglass, and stabs it in the back. The White Walker's weakness discovered, it screams, then collapses into a pile of broken ice.

With his refusal to stand aside as an innocent woman and child for whom he cares face death itself, Game of Thrones' most helpless warrior proves he's every bit as brave and he is good. That bravery, Sam shows the audience, has nothing to do with strength or skill. It's completely founded in character. Sam risks his life without a thought, proving that he's worthy of Gilly's care and love.