This spring Game of Thrones will begin its final season almost eight years to the day after it premiered on HBO. A lot has changed over the seven seasons we’ve spent in the Realm, but one thing has remained the same: people die. A lot. But of course, some characters have defied all the odds to survive.
After so many trials (by combat) and tribulations, would they recognize the people they once were? Would we? To find out we’re comparing how they looked in their first appearance on the show to the last time we saw them (including in the new season eight character photos).
We’re starting with the 11 people who appeared in the very first episode, “Winter Is Coming,” and are still important players in the game. (Note: the first episode includes footage from the original failed pilot that has never been released, which is where the very different looks for Tyrion, The Hound, and Theon come from.)
Arya Stark
Bran Stark
Cersei Lannister
Daenerys Targaryen
The Hound
Jaime Lannister
Jon Snow
Jorah Mormont
Sansa Stark
Theon Greyjoy
Tyrion Lannister
This next rung of characters features some of our other favorites who have also been around since the near-beginning. Included among the pack is the Spider, who must have a Picture of Dorian Gray situation going on.
Varys
(Season one, episode three, vs. season eight)
Bronn
(Season one, episode four vs. season seven, episode seven)
Samwell Tarly
(Season one, episode four vs. season eight)
Hot Pie
(Season one, episode ten vs. season seven, episode two)
Gendry
(Season one, episode ten vs. season seven, episode six)
And finally, we have a few important figures who came into the picture early on in season two and have stuck it out since then.
Davos Seaworth
(Season two, episode one vs. season eight)
Melisandre
(Season two, episode one vs. season seven, episode three)
Brienne of Tarth
(Season two, episode three vs. season eight)
For all the death on the show, the biggest fatality over seven seasons and eight years has been blonde hair. Not a great omen for House Lannister.
Images: HBO