7 Most Unforgettable Game of Thrones Relationships

If there’s one thing Game of Thrones did with unforgettable flair, it was crafting relationships as epic and tumultuous as its wars for the Iron Throne. While betrayal, manipulation, and political intrigue defined Westeros, love—in all its ferocity, complexity, and heartbreak—wove through the most memorable character arcs. These seven relationships stood tall, whether because they rewrote power dynamics, revealed incredible depth of loyalty, or simply brought a little humanity into a ruthless world. Let’s relive the most unforgettable relationships from Game of Thrones, exploring what made them both badass and essential to the saga.

1. Robb Stark & Talisa Maegyr: Love Against the Odds

When it comes to doomed romance and rebellion against tradition, few stories hit as hard as Robb Stark and Talisa Maegyr. Robb, the King in the North, defied duty and broke off his politically arranged engagement to wed for love—a rare act of passion in Westeros.

• Origins: Their connection began when Robb, wounded in battle, met the compassionate and intelligent Talisa on the battlefield.
• Risking Everything: Robb’s impulsive decision to marry Talisa for love rather than honor his betrothal to House Frey set off a catastrophic chain of events. The union was not only a declaration of independence, but also a powerful rejection of the cold calculation that ruled so many alliances.
• The Tragedy: Their love story ended brutally at the infamous Red Wedding, cementing their relationship as both beautiful and tragic.

Robb and Talisa’s romance remains impactful because it was founded on mutual respect and attraction in a world rife with forced marriages. The risks they took for each other—and the dire consequences—still echo through fans’ memories.

2. Oberyn Martell & Ellaria Sand: Sensual Defiance

Perhaps no couple embodied audacious sensuality and political rebellion like Oberyn Martell and Ellaria Sand. Their bond was grounded in passion, openness, and an open rejection of Westerosi norms.

• Unconventional Love: Oberyn and Ellaria’s relationship didn’t conform to the rigid constraints of traditional Westerosi marriages. Their polyamorous, unashamed approach to sexuality was rare in the Seven Kingdoms.
• Motivated by Vengeance: Their connection deepened through shared pain and a mutual vow of vengeance—particularly after the murder of Oberyn’s sister Elia.
• An Aftermath Fueled by Grief: When Oberyn died in a brutal trial by combat, Ellaria’s transformation was fierce. Her sorrow translated into an uncompromising quest for revenge against the Lannisters, proving the depth—and power—of her devotion.

Oberyn and Ellaria were memorable for their joy, confidence, and the way their love fueled both their morality and their wilder acts of retribution.

3. Samwell Tarly & Gilly: Kindness in a Cruel World

Few couples in Westeros captured the spirit of kindness and loyalty quite like Samwell Tarly and Gilly. Their relationship began at the very fringes of civilization, starkly contrasting the cutthroat nature of most others in the series.

• Unexpected Rescue: Sam defies his own cowardice to rescue Gilly and her infant son from the terrifying Craster’s Keep, literally and figuratively pulling her out of darkness.
• Connection and Growth: Over time, Sam encourages Gilly’s education and gives her solace; in turn, Gilly fuels Sam’s confidence and sense of purpose.
• Survivors Against All Odds: Through dire threats—White Walkers, dangerous crossings, and rejection by their respective societies—Sam and Gilly prove that steadfastness and nurture can thrive as a form of heroism.

Sam and Gilly’s bond was a testament to hope, showing that compassion can survive even in the most ruthless environments.

4. Grey Worm & Missandei: A Quiet Revolution

The romance between Grey Worm, leader of the Unsullied, and Missandei, Daenerys’ trusted advisor, was both revolutionary and healing. Both were survivors of unimaginable trauma—yet together, they found a sense of peace and possibility.

• Breaking Chains: Once enslaved, both characters found empowerment through Daenerys’ leadership, but it was their connection to each other that truly set them free emotionally.
• Vulnerability and Strength: Grey Worm’s vulnerability with Missandei revealed new facets of his character and allowed him to reclaim his identity beyond being a weapon or a number.
• Tragic Yet Beautiful: Their love was an act of rebellion: a celebration of personal choice and emotional courage. The pain of Missandei’s capture and execution, and Grey Worm’s subsequent anguish, gave this relationship a haunting resonance.

Their tenderness was a whispered revolution in a show marked by brutality—a testament to the transformative power of trust.

5. Jaime Lannister & Brienne of Tarth: From Enemies to Kindred Spirits

What began as antagonism evolved into one of the most complex and beloved partnerships in Game of Thrones: Jaime Lannister and Brienne of Tarth.

• Unlikely Alliance: Originally paired together when Brienne was ordered to transport Jaime as her prisoner, the duo endured trial and humiliation, sharing their deepest vulnerabilities along the way.
• Growth and Redemption: Brienne’s unwavering honor inspired Jaime to reflect on his own values, moving him away from his reputation as the Kingslayer. In turn, Jaime’s respect for Brienne shattered her years of self-doubt.
• Bittersweet Fulfillment: Their eventual romantic encounter was as awkward as it was touching—culminating in Jaime making Brienne’s dreams come true by knighting her, yet ultimately returning to Cersei, breaking Brienne’s heart and many fans’ in the process.

The tension, respect, and ultimately mutual affection between Jaime and Brienne made their bond profoundly memorable—a tale of redemption and self-discovery as much as romance.

6. Jon Snow & Ygritte: Lovers Across Enemy Lines

No love story captured the collision of worlds in Westeros like that of Jon Snow and Ygritte. Ranger of the Night’s Watch, and wildling freedom fighter, theirs was a bond forged literally in the farthest, coldest reaches of the realm.

• Symbolic of Divided Loyalties: Jon’s infiltration of the wildlings brings him into Ygritte’s world, where both affection and mistrust grow. Ygritte’s iconic phrase, “You know nothing, Jon Snow,” became shorthand for their fiery dynamic.
• Fierce and Genuine: Ygritte’s boldness and independence push Jon to question his vows, and their connection blooms in the bleakest of circumstances—across snowy battlements, in icy caves, in the heart of conflict.
• Heartbreak and Legacy: Their love ends tragically during a battle at Castle Black, but Jon’s heartbreak and Ygritte’s death haunt him, shaping his choices and compassion throughout his arc.

Against a backdrop of war and betrayal, Jon and Ygritte’s relationship gave the story some of its most memorable moments—raw, thrilling, and enduring.

7. Daenerys Targaryen & Khal Drogo: Fire, Blood, and Rising Power

The union between Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo started under grim circumstances—an arranged marriage aimed at reclaiming the Iron Throne—but became one of mutual respect, ambition, and transformation.

• An Unlikely Beginning: Daenerys, only a teenager and sold by her brother, finds herself the wife of the ruthless Dothraki warlord. Initially, their relationship is marked by trauma and cultural divide.
• Transformation: Over time, Drogo softens toward Dany, and she grows fiercer and more assertive. Their partnership becomes a crucible—shaping Daenerys into the force she would become.
• Legacy: Drogo’s death is a catalyst for Daenerys’ rise, and the love and loss she feels for him shapes her identity as the Mother of Dragons.

Their relationship exemplified rebirth, pain, and the intertwined paths of love and destiny—qualities that define so much of Game of Thrones.

What Makes a Relationship Badass in Game of Thrones?

Game of Thrones offered few true happy endings, but it proved that love could be radical—even life-changing—within the fabric of its ruthless world. Some qualities that made these relationships unforgettable include:

• Defiance: Acting against expectation—whether breaking off an engagement (Robb & Talisa), daring to cross cultures (Jon & Ygritte), or even loving outside one’s order (Grey Worm & Missandei).
• Loyalty: Time and again, these couples showed unwavering devotion, risking everything for each other.
• Growth: The characters’ willingness to evolve, become vulnerable, and shed old identities because of love or respect was crucial.
• Enduring Impact: Each relationship left ripples—big and small—shaping wars, alliances, personal destinies, and the very fate of Westeros.

Comparison Table: The Seven Unforgettable GoT Relationships

Honorable Mentions: Other Noteworthy Bonds

• Jon Snow & Daenerys Targaryen: Power, ambition, and tragic destiny. Their whirlwind romance shaped the final chapters of Westeros and ended with betrayal and heartbreak.
• Brienne of Tarth & Tormund Giantsbane: Though not truly reciprocated, Tormund’s infatuation with Brienne brought levity and unexpected charm to the latter seasons.
• Sansa Stark & Tyrion Lannister: Forced into marriage, they nonetheless built a foundation of mutual respect and quiet solidarity.
• Tyrion Lannister & Shae: Their relationship revealed the heartbreak and tragic betrayal that plagues those who try to love within dangerous power games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why are so many relationships in Game of Thrones tragic?

A: The world of Westeros is defined by political conflict, betrayal, and the harsh realities of survival, which often make happy endings rare. Love, while powerful, rarely overcomes the betrayal, violence, and ambition rampant in the realm.

Q: Which Game of Thrones relationship had the happiest ending?

A: Of the major couples, Samwell Tarly and Gilly are among the few who survive and ultimately find happiness, creating a family and finding peace beyond the conflicts that define Westeros.

Q: How do relationships influence the major events in Game of Thrones?

A: Relationships often redirect the course of war, inspire acts of heroism or betrayal, and inform critical character decisions. For example, Robb’s marriage to Talisa leads to the Red Wedding, while Brienne’s relationship with Jaime influences his path to redemption.

Q: Were any couples based on real-life inspiration or history?

A: While Game of Thrones draws inspiration from historical events and familial power struggles such as the War of the Roses, specific relationships are largely the product of George R.R. Martin’s creative storytelling, influenced by both fantasy and realism.

Q: Why do fans continue to celebrate these seven relationships?

A: These couples stood out because they put everything—sometimes their lives—on the line for love, broke conventions, or inspired transformation. Audiences were drawn to the authenticity, passion, and high stakes in these romances, making them unforgettable anchors in the series.