For a show that’s set during a time where women weren’t taken too seriously and were pushed around like they were nothing more than a pretty decoration, Game of Thrones has acted as a platform for some pretty epic female characters to shine upon.
From Daenerys basically being sold to the highest bidder (aka dude with the biggest army) by her brother to Cersei being ignored and berated by Robert Baratheon. We saw Arya training to be a knight in secret and Sansa being married off to basically anyone and everyone in the shortest period of time. I think it’s safe to say that women haven’t had the best time during this show but if anything is to be said – it’s that they’re strong.
I think that just makes us appreciate them that much more – seeing as they’re all basically on top now. The ladies of Winterfell have returned home, Arya and Brienne know how to throw swords, Daenerys is so close to getting what she wants and perhaps Cersei has just too much power…
They’re loud, they’re proud and these are the badass women of Game of Thrones.
Cersei Lannister
“I choose violence”
From Queen by marriage to Queen mother and now top dog since she, basically, shoved her baby boy Tommen out of a window, Cersei has been playing the game of thrones longer and better than anyone. It may even seem like it’s Cersei’s world and everyone else is just living in it… Cersei may be the one character we love to hate but she’s proved time and time again that she’s one tough mother who won’t take anything from anyone.
Sansa Stark
“When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives”
Sansa started as that annoying little girl that you kind of wished didn’t get any screen time. During her “I love Joffrey” days, there was a moment where it looked like we were going to have a mini Cersei on our hands. Her characterisation took a major turn from the moment Ned was sentenced to die. She went from that annoying little kid to a serious player of the game. With her new attitude and some great acting skills, Sansa was in it with survival on her mind. From one psychopath (Joffrey) to the next (Ramsey), Sansa probably had it worse off than anyone else in the series. Watching her play Little Finger’s game better than he ever knew how was oh, so satisfying.
Daenerys Targaryen
“I have been sold like a broodmare. I’ve been chained and betrayed, raped and defiled. Do you know what kept me standing through all those years in exile? Faith. Not in any gods, not in myths and legends, in myself. In Daenerys Targaryen”
I mean, that quote says it all! She convinced the Dothraki to worship her, inspired the slaves to follow her and now has Jon Snow and the North listening to her every word, this Mother of Dragons is one tough contender. From the girl who was sold by her brother to a Khalessi, Daenerys is one lady you don’t want to have on your bad side.
Arya Stark
“Leave one wolf alive and the sheep are never safe. When people ask you what happened here, tell them the North remembers. Tell them winter came for House Frey”
Arya’s always just been that Stark girl with a long list of enemies. The show set her up to be anything but the norm from the get-go. From her lessons with the dancing master Syrio Forel and escaping the Lannister’s by pretending to be a boy with the Brotherhood Without Banners, Arya is the furthest thing from a typical Lady of Winterfell. Arya’s playing a game of her own, using the Faceless Men to her advantage and taking down one person at a time from her ever-present list. She’s always held up her own but that sweet, sweet revenge on The Frey’s is still too good to not admire.
Brienne of Tarth
“All my life men like you’ve sneered at me, and all my life I’ve been knocking men like you into the dust.”
Brienne was introduced to the audience as kings guard to Renly Baratheon – a role that is stereotypically held by men. Appearance wise, she’s considered unattractive in Westeros; she’s tall, muscular and flat-chested – traits that are considered to be masculine. She’s mocked and not taken seriously as a knight, but her actions show otherwise. Remember, this is the gal that took down The Hound. Brienne is loyal and fully-committed to putting her life on the line for those she has an oath with.
Yara Greyjoy
“And she is your rightful ruler. Those of you that have sailed under her, and there are many of you here, you know what she is! She is a reaver! She is a warrior! She is Ironborn! We will find no better leader! This is our queen!“―Theon Greyjoy declaring Yara as the rightful Queen of the Iron Islands.
Life’s just a bit different in the Iron Islands. Yara is one character that kind of snuck up on us in Game of Thrones. Sister to Theon, who we’ve known from the beginning of the series, Yara is confident in her ability to lead her people. She was raised by her father as a surrogate son and was encouraged to become a reaver in her own right. Though some of the Ironborns still don’t think women should fight or command a battle, Yara is a warrior who commands her own longship.
Honourable mentions go to some past and living legends of Game of Thrones:
- Lyanna Mormont: “I may be small. I may be a girl, but I won’t be knitting by the fire while I have men fight for me.”
- Lady Olenna Tyrell: “I want her to know it was me” – most satisfying moment of the series or what? Jamie’s face = priceless.
- Margaery Tyrell: Margaery was playing the game to a tee but, unfortunately, was outsmarted by Cersei herself. From Renly, to Joffrey, to Tommen, she was determined to get to that top spot.
- Missandei: She went from being just Daenarys translator and friend, to most trusted confidante on Danys council.
Do you think one of these leading ladies will make it out on top? Let us know your Game of Thrones predictions in the comments.