The conclusion of Game of Thrones in 2019 still seems to haunt its fans like a bad dream, reminding them that the events of the eighth season didn’t unfold at all as many had hoped. And while the final season of the show was an overarching disappointment, fans of the epic saga should at least thank its author, George R.R. Martin, for the moments that became the hallmark of the series—whether they were brilliant or, true to form, shockingly brutal.
This collection highlights five key plot points that could have been something entirely different with just a stroke of the author’s pen—but, fortunately, were not.
A Love Triangle No One Saw Coming
From the very first episodes, the show makes it clear what kind of relationships bind its characters, and any fan of Game of Thrones always saw it as obvious that Arya Stark and Jon Snow, despite their lack of blood relation, regarded each other as true siblings. However, George R.R. Martin initially had a very different plan: the author wanted to create yet another complicated love story, this time between Arya and Jon, which would later, bizarrely enough, include Tyrion Lannister.
More Suffering for Sansa
A rare moment when George R.R. Martin actually showed mercy to one of his characters. His initial plans involved even more torment for one of the fans’ favorites, Sansa Stark. Like in the show, she was to marry Joffrey Baratheon, but unlike the final version, Sansa was portrayed as much more submissive and even ended up having a child with Joffrey—a storyline that any fan of Game of Thrones would find nightmarish.
Tyrion Lannister Might Not Have Been a Fan Favorite
Cersei and Jaime Lannister’s brother, who openly condemned their actions without fear of consequences, quickly earned the love and support of the audience. However, he could have easily ended up as one of the worst characters in the franchise. According to George R.R. Martin, Tyrion was originally conceived as a far more ruthless political player—one who wouldn’t hesitate to burn Winterfell, kill his nephew Joffrey, and ultimately side with the Starks.
Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s Love Story Wouldn’t Have Been So Touching
True fans of Game of Thrones can likely still recall the tragic moment of Khal Drogo’s death. However, he could have met a much harsher fate. According to George R.R. Martin, the original idea was for Daenerys to kill her husband herself as revenge for her brother Viserys, who, in his quest to restore the Targaryen dynasty (but mostly for his own benefit), married her off against her will.
Jaime Lannister Was Set for a Promotion
Jaime Lannister is arguably one of the most compelling characters in the Game of Thrones universe, where villains rarely become heroes. Jaime tried, and it seems George R.R. Martin wanted to “reward” him by making him the King of Westeros. However, his path to the throne would still involve the same methods—killing anyone in line ahead of him.
Perhaps some of Martin’s early ideas will still come to life in the final chapters of the franchise. To learn more about what the author has said about finishing Game of Thrones, read here.
