Game of Thrones: How these 5 ironic deaths in the GRRM classic left viewers in shock

In the HBO show Game of Thrones, character deaths weren't just a way to shuffle the cast members but were well planned to be a narrative device. Every character's death has immediately impacted Westeros' politics and the narrative, which already revolves around betrayals and revenge.

Game of Thrones has indeed challenged the expectations of the viewers by introducing death as a powerful storytelling tool. This has helped deepen the character arcs, like when Arya Stark witnesses her father's death as a child; her entire journey becomes about taking that revenge. This is not it; the show comes with many such plot-twisting, shocking deaths. Read on.

Here are the 5 ironic deaths in Game of Thrones that have left viewers in shock

5 ironic deaths in Game of Thrones (Image Via HBO)

Ned Stark

The most honorable Warden of the North, Eddard "Ned" Stark, who instantly became a fan favorite character of Game of Thrones, died an equally brutal death. He was shown to have an uncompromising morality and stood up against the violent King Joffrey Baratheon. This nobility is what made him vulnerable, and the same King executed him.

Ned’s beheading by King Joffrey’s impulsive order came as a shock to the viewers. He is shown publicly humiliating Sansa Stark and ordering the execution of Ned Stark. He first promised Sansa that if Ned confessed that he had betrayed the king publicly, he would have mercy on him. But when Ned does that under emotional pressure, Joffrey orders his execution, betraying Sansa.

Joffrey Baratheon

In season 4, episode 2, Game of Thrones featured Joffrey Baratheon's death, which was shocking for the viewers but also a reason to celebrate. Being the result of the incestuous relationship of Cersei and Jammie Lannister, he was an illegitimate child.

In the season, he remarried Margaery Tyrell and hosted a lavish feast to celebrate both the union and Robb Stark's murder. This time, the show chooses to deliver poetic justice by killing Joffrey, who dies choking after being silently poisoned by none other than his wife-to-be.

Jon Snow

Jon Snow dies in season 5 episode 10 when his arc includes one of the most shocking twists. Jon Snow dies only to survive it. Season 5 finale ends up unveiling that Jon Snow suffers death after being murdered by his own men, whom he was protecting all this time.

He was someone who understood the threat of White Walkers and wanted to reunite groups against the common enemy. Jon Snow faced fierce resistance from his own people, the Watchmen, who viewed the Wildlings as their enemies. Eventually, he was branded as a traitor among his own men. He is falsely called and then, amidst the crowd, is stabbed brutally, marking the climax of the season.

Daenerys Targaryen

In Game of Thrones season 8 episode 6, Daenerys Targaryen was abruptly executed, but her death is steeped in heavy irony and mirrors the downfall of her father, the Mad King Aerys II.

Daenerys' journey began by vowing to break the wheel of tyranny and free the oppressed. Through the seasons, her victories were accumulated and losses mounted, and she slid into the same violent tactics she once condemned. She became a tyrant whom Jon Snow decided to end.

Walder Frey

The Red Wedding came to an end in season 6 and delivered an iconic moment. House Frey was convinced that his alliance with the late Tywin Lannister had secured his legacy, and under this cloud, he failed to see one threat that was emerging under his nose. Arya had sneaked into the castle and came directly to Walder.

Arya Stark, masked under the guise of a servant's daughter, serves Frey his food. When Frey asks about his sons, she answers that they are here, pointing towards Frey's plate. This confuses Walder, and that is when Arya removes her mask and slits his throat.