Game of Thrones: Most heartbreaking deaths up until season 8
Season 1
When compared to the later seasons of the series, the first season of Game of Thrones seems positively tame in regards to killing off characters. Only later in the season do we see any major characters die, though admittedly, those characters left holes in viewers’ hearts for the remainder of the series.
Ned Stark
The most obvious first season death that broke fans’ hearts is Ned Stark’s. Not only did Ned’s death propel the rest of the Stark family into seasons of misfortune, but it altered viewers’ expectations for the show. Until “Baelor,” most believed Ned to be the series’ main character; Joffrey quickly disabused them of that notion when he called for Ned’s head. Ned is the last character who deserved to be executed as a traitor, and his beheading was a hard pill to swallow—especially with both of his daughters watching.
Khal Drogo
When the first season began, most fans wouldn’t have been too sorry to see Khal Drogo depart from the series. Although Drogo wasn’t necessarily a hated character at first, he also wasn’t one who most viewers immediately sympathized with. Of course, in typical Game of Thrones fashion, the showrunners did eventually get Daenerys and fans to warm up to him—only to have him killed by Mirri Maz Duur a few episodes later. Although Drogo’s death ultimately pushed Daenerys forward, it wasn’t easy watching her lose him. Twice.
Syrio Forel
Unlike Khal Drogo, Syrio Forel was an immediate fan favorite from the first season of Game of Thrones. Arya’s “dancing master” charmed viewers from the start, and it was with heavy hearts that they watched him sacrifice himself, buying Arya time to get away from the Kingsguard. It’s a relief that he took so many of the Lannister soldiers down with him, but fans would much rather still have Syrio around. At least we didn’t actually have to watch him die…
Mycah
Mycah doesn’t play a particularly large role in the series, but Arya’s friend does deserve a place on the list of most heartbreaking deaths. The butcher’s boy is just one person who lost his life due to Joffrey’s cruelty, but he’ll be remembered.