Summary
In terms of franchises in the 21st century,Game of Thronesundoubtedly made a big splash upon arrival on HBO, filling the fantasy void left byThe Lord of the Rings. The lands of Westeros, notorious for their relentless sex, violence, and politicking, showcased and revolutionized TV when airing, offering a fresh fantasy feeling mixed with typical HBO tropes.
Among the show’s unparalleled strengths, its wealth of fascinating characters and the dynamics between individuals have made for humorous but compelling entertainment. From comedic duos to heartfelt and loving relationships,Game of Thronesfeatures duos that have lit up the small screen, adding value to an enriched world.
9Thoros Of Myr & Beric Dondarrion
Devote Lord Of Light Followers That Travel The Lands Of Westeros
The Brotherhood Without Banners is a mysterious and radical group lurking across parts of Westeros, led by their red priest, Thoros of Myr, and his ally, Beric Dondarrion. Roaming the Riverlands when first appearing to aid Arya and her friends, the often drunken Thoros has revived a dead Beric several times through the powers of the Lord of Light, even resurrecting his dear friend when The Hound defeats Beric in a trial by combat.
As the leaders of the Brotherhood, Thoros and Beric follow the path set by their lord, becoming heavily involved in Jon Snow’s expedition beyond the Wall, where the flaming swordsman and Thorosmake a great last standagainst the undead.
8Davos Seaworth & Shireen Baratheon
An Isolated Child Comforted By Her Father’s Right-Hand Man
One of Westeros' few kind and innocent individuals, Princess Shireen Baratheon, is often isolated as Stannis Baratheon’s greyscale-affected daughter. However, while she is marginalized and dismissed by parts of her family, Davos Seaworth emerges as an actual father figure to the Princess. Often locked away in Dragonstone, Davos frequently visits Shireen, with the princess even trying to help Davos learn to read, showing interest in one of the only individuals who chooses to interact with her.
Shireen’s sweet attitude and Davos' affection truly delivered a heartfelt relationship. Unfortunately, it ended in horror withShireen’s horrific death at the hands of Melisandreand her parents. Davos completely losing it further highlighted his love for a girl he viewed as his own.
7Arya Stark & Tywin Lannister
The Most Powerful Man In Westeros Shows Another Side In The Presence Of His Cupbearer
Two esteemed characters from rival houses came together most unusually, withthe high and mighty Tywin Lannisterunknowingly taking Arya Stark under his wing as his cupbearer in Harrenhal. As Tywin’s servant, Arya finds herself within close proximity to her family’s greatest enemy, with the youngster being eager to take advantage of the opportunity. However, Tywin’s questioning and interest in Arya halt her progress; Tywin comes to find Arya pleasant and competent, reminding him of his daughter, Cersei Lannister.
In their scenes, Arya and Tywin show another side of their complex personas in their fruitful interactions. This particularly humanizes Tywin, a commanding man who has wreaked much damage throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
6Littlefinger & Varys
Political Warfare Engaged By Two Of King’s Landing’s Greatest Schemers
Among Westeros' top political players, Lord Varys and Petyr Baelish rank as some of themost clever and conniving individualsin the lion’s den of King’s Landing politicking. As members of the small council, the pair are privy to all the significant developments emerging across the Seven Kingdoms, providing information when necessary. While Littlefinger plots and schemes for his own benefit in the long run, Varys is headstrong on finding the correct ruler for Westeros, no matter the cost, with the pair utilizing spies and all the resources available to attain their goals.
In some ofGOT’s most riveting and engrossing scenes, Varys and Littlefinger’s verbal sparring provides a glimpse into the psyche of two intelligent but enshrouded characters that help push and pull the events of Westeros from the shadows.
5Jon Snow & Samwell Tarly
Night’s Watch Recruits Who Grow Side By Side
On Jon’s miraculous journey that leads him to become King of the North, his beginnings see the bastard of Winterfell head to join his Uncle Benjen Stark in the Night’s Watch, where he and Samwell Tarly become early targets among its hierarchy. Bonding over their troubled upbringings, Jon and Sam look out for each other amidst the turbulence that constantly threatens the Night’s Watch from both within and afar.
While Sam utilizes his vast knowledge,Jon differs, thriving in combatand through his courageous leadership. However, both do their part in the fight against the White Walkers, combining their strengths to do the best for humanity, with the best friends sticking through thick and thin.
4Jaime Lannister & Bronn
The One-Handed Lord’s Sellsword Becomes His Second In Command
Although Jaime Lannister is not the first Lannister to be acquainted with Ser Bronn of the Blackwater, the sellsword and the Kingslayer immediately hit it off after Tyrion’s referral, with Bronn reteaching Jaime to fight with his sword after the loss of his hand. Bronn’s brash and unadulterated behavior is the opposite of Jaime’s serious and regal personality. However, Bronn becomes a valued ally of Jaime, becoming his second incommand of the Lannister army, despite his constant teasing of the one-handed general.
With Bronn’s appetite for luxury and wealth, Jaime makes sure to keep him well-paid throughout their fascinating travels. However, Bronn will always side with the biggest purse, making his relationship with Jaime somewhat superficial.
3Brienne Of Tarth & Jaime Lannister
From Captives To Lovers
Brienne of Tarth, Catelyn Stark’s sworn protector, is initially entrusted with the arduous task of taking Jaime to King’s Landing in exchange for the Stark daughters, Arya and Sansa Stark. Along their torrid travels, which include being captives that saw Jaime lose his hand, Brienne andthe Kingslayer find common ground, sharing a traumatic journey that sees them begrudgingly bond, finding trust and honor in one another. Brienne and Jaime would later continue their relationship in King’s Landing, where Jaime provides armor and equipment to aid Brienne in rescuing the Stark girls.
Even in their subsequent meetings at Riverrun and Winterfell, Jaime and Brienne each vouch for each other in dire situations, showing care and eventual romantic feelings that pleased audiences. The duo have some of the most heartwarming and poignant scenes in all ofGOT.
2Tyrion Lannister & Bronn
A Cutthroat Befriends A Rich And Intelligent Lannister
PerhapsGOT’s most comedic duo, Tyrion and Bronn, have been a highly entertaining tandem. They have collaborated in politics and warfare, enjoying each other’s company despite Bronn’s thirst for Tyrion’s gold. Initially becoming Tyrion’s companion when the sellsword saves him in the Vale from impending doom, Bronn climbs from obscurity, and the duo rises high in King’s Landing with Tyrion’s role as Hand of the King. Among their drunken charades,the duo led the defense of King’s Landingagainst Stannis, using their wit and Bronn’s skill as an archer to sink many enemy ships with wildfire.
Although their friendship has come a long way, Bronn is not afraid to oppose Tyrion, frequently ending up on different sides, with Bronn fighting for the Lannisters while Tyrion marshals Daenerys' forces. Ultimately, Tyrion and Bronn reunite on King Bran Stark’s small council, continuing their amusing dynamic.
1Arya Stark & The Hound
An Unlikely Duo Offers A Hilarious Dynamic
While a former Baratheon and Lannister guard and a lady of House Stark would seem to be the furthest thing from each other, The Hound and Arya became an unlikely tandem that provided some ofGame of Thronesgreatest moments. Upon capturing Arya after being a captive of the Brotherhood Without Banners, while heading to the Twins to sell the Stark girl, The Hound’s crude attitude comes to rub off on Arya, with her youthful exuberance leading the pair on eventful adventures together across the Riverlands and beyond.
Despite their sudden parting, with Brienne defeating Sandor Clegane in combat, the pair’s fateful reunion at Winterfell continued where Arya and The Hound left off, with Clegane even saving Arya when in King’s Landing. The Hound even acts as a parental figure to Ayra at times, highlighting his profound growth throughout the series.
