Warning: this post contains spoilers for the latest episode of Game of Thrones. Read on at your own peril. You have been warned.

This week’s episode, The Long Night, featured the long awaited battle between the living and the dead; and my God did it deliver. Check out my write up here. Although this list is not as long as I expected it to be, this post is dedicated to the fallen.

Edd

“And now his watch has ended.”

In a show as full of treachery and betrayal as Game of Thrones; Pip, Grenn, Edd Sam and Jon were the epitome of friendship and brotherhood. Now only two remain, as this week we saw the death of Eddison Tollet, killed whilst saving Sam.

I may be overthinking this a little but, for me, Edd’s death was not just the death of an old friend but, as Lord Commander, I feel that it is also symbolic of the death of the Night’s Watch as a whole. After all, the Free Folk fight with the ‘southern Lords’, half of the Wall has been destroyed and the ultimate threat has been defeated.

Lyanna Mormont

Throughout her fairly limited time on screen, young Lyanna Mormont proved to be a fierce and just ruler, wise beyond her years and an absolute fan favourite. Again, there is an element of symbolism in her death, with the smallest character defeating one of the largest; and even though the sounds of her bones crunching will haunt my dreams for a long time, her death at the hands of a reanimated giant was an honourable and fitting tribute to the bravery and tenacity of her character.

Beric Dondarrion

Having died and been brought back nineteen times, we knew that Dondarrion would have an important part to play. We also knew that following on from Thoros of Myr’s demise last season, Dondarrion’s next death would be his last. Rather ironically, this week Beric proved to be pretty difficult to kill, forming a literal blockade between Arya and the dead, he suffered from several stab wounds, only succumbing to his injuries once Arya was safe.

Bet she’s glad she took him off her kill list now.

Theon Greyjoy

This is one I called back in the first episode of season 8, Winterfell, but it was sad to see all the same. Even after using up all of his arrows, Theon proved to be pretty deadly with a spear too, with the pile of bodies as testament to his determination to protect Bran. This rounds off his story arc perfectly; and doing so at Winterfell, alongside his Iron-born men, is a fantastic representation of the reconciliation of his internal struggle. What really tops it all off, is that the last words he hears is Bran saying, “Thank you. You’re a good man”. I do not think they could’ve devised a more fitting and emotional end to his storyline.

Melisandre

Melisandre’s involvement in this week’s episode had a massive impact and went a long way to absolving her of her sins. Although, I do not think that I will ever fully forgive her for her involvement in Princess Shireen’s death and I am pretty sure that Ser Davos feels the same way; did anyone think it looked as though he was all set to execute her at the end? The beautiful thing about her death is that she died on her own terms, in her own rather haunting and beautiful way; comforted by the knowledge that her part had been played.

Jorah Mormont

After a somewhat questionable start, Ser Jorah has proven both his loyalty and his prowess in battle, time and time again, and thankfully he had a death worthy of his journey. For as long as I can remember, the sign of a good death is how comparable it is to Boromir’s in Lord of the Rings. I think it might be fair to say that I have found a new benchmark.

After hearing the cries of the dragons from, God knows, how far away, he knew that Dany was in trouble and immediately ran to her side, where he belongs. It was clear that there was no way Jorah was going to stop fighting until Dany was safe, no matter how many times he was stabbed, and the way they left his last words just unsaid, had more of an impact than actual words ever could.

It is also important to note that following the death of Ser Jorah and little Lady Lyanna, House Mormont has now been wiped out.

The Night King

Let’s be honest, we knew there were going to be a fair few deaths in this week’s episode but the demise of the Night King was perhaps the most surprising. I think it is safe to assume that most people believed the end of the show would be the battle between the living and the dead, and if we’re honest, we thought the dead would come out on top. Now that I am over the shock, I like that the final few episodes will go back to its roots and focus on the fight for the Iron Throne.

Seen it? Let me know your favourite moment, I’d love to hear your thoughts.