You Win Or You Die: Ranking the 99 Game of Thrones Deaths

Image credit: HBO/Helen Sloan

Shae

Shae’s betrayal of Tyrion is perhaps one of Game of Thrones’ biggest plot twists. Until she testifies against him while he’s on trial for Joffrey’s murder, it seems as though she genuinely loves him. She refuses to leave him, despite all odds, until he forcibly sends her away for her safety. Not to mention, she protects Sansa at all costs as well. Based on what we know of her character, Shae’s relationship with Tyrion wasn’t likely a farce the whole time.

More likely, Shae was looking out for her own survival when she took the stand. As far as her liaison with Tywin, she certainly had no choice in that matter. She was a whore, after all, and it’s the only way of life she ever knew. Perhaps she took these actions to punish Tyrion for ending their relationship and banishing her. Either way, at some point her feelings for him were genuine.

By the time Tyrion finds her in his father’s bed, he’s so unraveled by the trial that there’s nothing else for it but to strangle her. He feels betrayed by Shae and his family alike, he’s on the run for his life as an innocent man, and there’s a buildup of hatred within him that he can no longer contain. Finding the woman he loves in Tywin’s chambers, hearing her refer to him as she once referred to Tyrion, is the icing on top of one hell of a week.

Some people get a massage or have a beer after a long day. Game of Thrones tends to go in a different direction.