Game Of Thrones: 7 Minor Changes That Irritated Book Readers

4. Sansa Kneels For Tyrion Instead Of Standing With Pride

This change made zero difference to the plot, but changed everything in regards to character development. When Tyrion and Sansa are forced to marry each other in Season 3 (or Storm of Swords if it pleases you), the show makes it clear that neither is particularly happy about it, but both just get on with it and do their duty ... everywhere except in the bedroom at least. In Westeros marriages aren't sealed with rings, but with cloaks. Bride and groom both adorn each other in their House colors, thus welcoming each other into their families. A nice concept, although for obvious reasons Tyrion may have difficulties with that part. Anyway, in the show Joffrey escorts Sansa down the aisle, and then to remind us all of what a terrible human being he is, takes away Tyrion's stool. When the pivotal moment comes Tyrion cannot reach Sansa's shoulders and Joffrey, Cersei and other members of court begin laughing. Humiliated, Tyrion whispers to Sansa if she would mind kneeling, and she obliges. Once they are officially man and wife, it only gets more awkward from there. In the books the scene is the same except for one thing - Sansa does not kneel. The chapter is told from her perspective and while she is miserable and scared, she finally draws the line at being asked to kneel. Though she doesn't say a word, we are given access to her thoughts (yes, there are thoughts inside her head!) and she decides that despite all the torture and manipulation and deceased family members, she is still going to stand with her head held high on her wedding day. Granted it's not the wedding or husband she envisioned, but she refuses to get married on her knees. It's a small moment, but an important one for Sansa's character as she proves that even before Littlefinger rescues her and takes her to the Vale, she can still think for herself and show some form of backbone. It was for the best though that she knelt in the show. Without hearing her thoughts, TV viewers would have had no idea why she was refusing to kneel. It might have looked like she was being a bitch to Tyrion ... when his family and half the capital were already laughing at him. And since Sansa already gets so much undeserved hate from fans, it really wouldn't have done her any favours. It's unfortunate that one of the only times Sansa stands up for herself, is at the expense of the only person in Kings Landing to show her any genuine kindness (who also happens to be the most popular character on the show). So yes, it had to go. In case you're wondering, Tyrion managed to reach her shoulders when Ser Dontos knelt down and acted as Tyrion's stool. You read that right!