Game of Thrones is renowned for its abundance of memorable quotes. Some are humorous, such as Renly questioning if Stannis is a ham due to his birth amidst “salt and smoke.” Others carry an ominous tone, like Melisandre’s perpetual warning that “the night is dark and full of terrors.” Additionally, there are cheeky lines like Tyrion’s assertion that he “drink(s) and know(s) things.”
However, among these various quotes, there are those that have transcended the show and become iconic, ingrained in the broader television lexicon. These unforgettable lines encapsulate the essence of Game of Thrones, serving as clever representations of its central themes and firmly establishing themselves as indispensable components of contemporary pop culture.
1. When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.
Within Game of Thrones, there is one line that epitomizes the very essence of the show, and that is Cersei’s impactful statement to Ned Stark regarding the nature of Westeros. In a moment where Ned, guided by his sense of honor, naively reveals his true intentions, Cersei cunningly retaliates in the only way she knows how.
The game being played in Westeros is ruthless, unforgiving, brutal, and ceaseless. Lives are extinguished without remorse, and the game cares little for the suffering it leaves in its wake. In this realm, there are no losers, only lifeless bodies left to decay beneath the scorching sun. It is fitting that Cersei delivers this line, and Ned is the one to hear it, as they embody the opposing sides of this violent and devastating game.
This quote encapsulates the core essence of Game of Thrones, portraying the cutthroat and merciless nature of the power struggles within the realm. It serves as a reminder of the high stakes, moral compromises, and tragic consequences that define the characters’ journeys as they navigate this treacherous game for ultimate dominance.
2. Not today.
In Game of Thrones, the question “What do we say to the God of Death?” receives the powerful response of “Not today.” This wisdom is imparted to Arya by her first swordmaster, Syrio Forel, the First Sword of Braavos. Arya embraces this lesson throughout her journey, holding onto it as motivation for her quest for vengeance and as a guiding principle during her intense training in the House of Black and White.
The quote experiences a much-anticipated resurgence during the Long Night, where Melisandre employs it to remind Arya of her instinct to kill. “Not today” is a succinct yet incredibly impactful line that encapsulates Arya’s character development. Moreover, it aligns perfectly with the central themes of Game of Thrones, solidifying its status as one of the show’s most significant and memorable quotes.
3. Any man who must say ‘I am the king’ is no true king.
Tywin Lannister is undeniably one of Game of Thrones’ most cunning characters. With an imposing presence and an aura of intimidation, Tywin commands authority and instills fear in those around him. His straightforward and ruthless nature makes him a master manipulator and a formidable player in the intricate power games of Westeros.
In a memorable encounter with his inept nephew, Joffrey, Tywin skillfully diminishes Joffrey’s capabilities as a leader, leaving him enraged and rendered speechless. The quote is sharp and cutting, effectively bringing Joffrey to his metaphorical knees. It serves as a poignant reflection of the show’s underlying themes of worthiness, particularly concerning the legitimacy of the various claimants vying for the Iron Throne.
4. Yes, all men must die. But we are not men.
“Valar morghulis,” which translates to “All men must die” in High Valyrian, stands as one of Game of Thrones’ most renowned quotes, repeatedly uttered by various characters throughout the series. This phrase holds a customary significance in Essos and is often followed by the expression “Valar dohaeris,” meaning “All men must serve.”
When Missandei speaks “valar morghulis” to Daenerys, the Mother of Dragons responds with a clever retort. While “valar morghulis” is not intended to be taken literally, Daenerys employs it metaphorically to convey that she and her allies are not ordinary individuals. Her confident and authoritative statement solidifies her as one of the show’s most formidable figures, further deepening Missandei’s belief in her and underscoring Daenerys’ strength.
5. Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not.
Tyrion Lannister has established himself as one of television’s most beloved characters, largely due to his sharp wit and hard-earned wisdom, showcased through his memorable quotes, particularly in the earlier seasons. In their initial encounter, Tyrion addresses Jon as a “bastard,” causing Jon to feel uneasy. However, Tyrion advises Jon not to deny his status but rather embrace it as armor, preventing the world from exploiting his vulnerabilities.
This quote possesses a captivating and instantly iconic quality, resonating with many viewers who can empathize with the notion of using personal struggles as sources of strength. As one of the show’s most mistreated characters, Tyrion offers invaluable advice to those who find themselves in similar positions. This particular quote serves as a prime example of Tyrion’s ability to empathize with fellow outcasts, imparting his wisdom and leaving a lasting impression on Jon and the audience alike.
6. Power resides where men believe it resides.
Among the players in Game of Thrones, Varys stands out as the most enigmatic and intriguing. Known as “The Spider,” he masterminds numerous pivotal events from the shadows, outmaneuvering and outlasting his adversaries. Varys’ remarkable influence stems from his profound comprehension of the true nature of power, which he shares with Tyrion. He describes power as “a shadow on the wall,” emphasizing how even a seemingly insignificant individual can cast a substantial and far-reaching influence.
Varys’ quote serves as an apt depiction of the essence of Game of Thrones. The characters in the show relentlessly vie for an abstract and elusive concept, resorting to ruthless acts of violence in their quest to seize ultimate power. However, Varys alone comprehends that power, much like everything else in Westeros, is an ever-shifting and capricious force, passing from one hand to another without regard for loyalties, legacies, or divine entitlements.
7. A man needs books like a sword needs a whetstone.
Tyrion’s journey in Game of Thrones was marked by adversity, as he continually faced tragedy and misfortune. However, his unwavering intelligence and love for reading proved to be his saving grace.
When Jon inquires about his reading habits, Tyrion imparts a profound nugget of wisdom. In a world where many characters rely solely on their physical strength or perceived power to survive, Tyrion recognizes the significance of knowledge. He reveals that his father, as depicted in the books, once said, “Some battles are won with swords and spears, others with quills and ravens.”
This quote highlights Tyrion’s unique understanding that victories are not solely achieved through martial prowess but can also be attained through intellect and strategic thinking. In a realm where the clash of swords dominates, Tyrion’s appreciation for the power of knowledge sets him apart, ultimately contributing to his resilience and ability to navigate the treacherous world of Westeros.
8. Chaos is not a pit. Chaos is a ladder.
Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish emerged as a perplexing yet beloved character on television. His devious and manipulative nature was responsible for a significant portion of the conflicts in the show, playing a key role in fueling the animosity between the Lannisters and Starks that ultimately ignited the War of the Five Kings. Some fans even speculated that Littlefinger had a hand in instigating Robert’s Rebellion.
It is fitting that Littlefinger was the architect of such turmoil, as his motto perfectly encapsulated his modus operandi: “chaos is a ladder.” This quote not only exemplifies Littlefinger’s approach but also provides a succinct explanation of the workings of Westeros itself. Each major conflict births a new era, with shifting power dynamics and different families asserting control. Littlefinger possessed the knowledge and skill to exploit this chaos to his advantage—until his eventual downfall.
In essence, the quote “chaos is a ladder” serves as a concise and accurate depiction of Littlefinger’s character and the ever-changing landscape of Westeros, where upheaval and opportunity are closely intertwined.
9. I’m not going to stop the wheel. I’m going to break the wheel.
In Season 5 of Game of Thrones, Daenerys encounters Tyrion Lannister, and through their discussions and observation of each other’s actions, she comes to appreciate his counsel. Tyrion provides a detailed explanation of why she won’t be able to win the support of the noble houses of Westeros. In response, Daenerys declares her intention to disrupt and overturn the existing status quo, rather than maintaining it. This conviction strengthens the belief in her cause, both for Tyrion and the audience.
This quote accompanies a pivotal moment for Daenerys, solidifying her portrayal as the ultimate savior who would bring radical change to the Seven Kingdoms. It captures the essence of her character and the show’s underlying theme of challenging the established order. While the ultimate outcome may have deviated from this promise, Daenerys’ metaphor of the wheel remains a powerful and apt representation of the show’s overarching ideology.
10. Winter is coming.
Winter is coming” stands as one of the most impactful phrases in Game of Thrones. It holds multiple significances throughout the series: it serves as the title of the Pilot episode, represents the revered House Stark, and embodies the overarching pledge of the show itself, foreshadowing a looming threat from the North that would compel disparate factions to unite against a common enemy.
While the full realization of the promise behind “Winter is coming” may have fallen short in some aspects, the phrase retains its iconic status within the context of the show. It encapsulates the identity of House Stark and evokes a sense of vague yet foreboding danger associated with the White Walkers. Despite any discrepancies in its execution, “Winter is coming” remains a memorable and symbolic element of Game of Thrones, encompassing the House Stark legacy and alluding to the looming peril that shaped the narrative and united disparate characters in their shared struggle.
Source: Collider