Game of Thrones has a formidable number of beloved (or hated) female characters who have proved their worth and power throughout the series. The women of Westeros are tough, smart and manipulative when it counts, and they have showed through personal growth and brave decisions that any of them could find a place on the throne.
The women of Game of Thrones have plenty of shining moments to celebrate as the focus of Season 8 shifts to the battle for the Iron Throne. Here are some of the best moments from the show's leading ladies. Spoilers ahead through Season 8, Episode 3.
Arya Stark
Arya Stark has had a handful of incredible moments, like when she killed Walder Frey and eliminated the remaining members of his house. In the Battle of Winterfell, she managed to top herself by single-handedly killing the Night King. When Arya brought the ice leader down, she killed his entire army. Now, the people of Westeros can focus on choosing who should sit on the Iron Throne.
Sansa Stark
Sansa has shown one of the most dramatic evolutions over the course of the show. She began her role on the series as a naive teen and grew into a powerful, intelligent leader who has endured abuse, betrayal and war. She turned the tide by bringing the Knights of the Vale to the Battle of the Bastards. In a move worthy of Monday Night Football–level cheering, the young woman, who had yet to really contribute in a battle, proved her strength and authority.
Cersei Lannister
Cersei Lannister is a character viewers either love or hate, but whatever your feelings about the on-again-off-again Queen, she's shown undeniable strength. From defying her negative image after her infamous walk of shame, her intense love for her children, Cersei's perseverance has made her one of the series' most iconic characters. Her standout moment came when, instead of attending her own trial, Cersei blew up the Sept of Baelor, killing everyone inside, including Margaery Tyrell, her son's wife and current queen.
Daenerys Targaryen
Through all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, Daenerys has proven to be a unique and powerful leader. She dedicated her life to freeing slaves and "breaking the wheel" of oppressive rule. The moment that sticks out among is when she burned the Dothraki kahls, who intended to enslave and rape her. Not only did she kill those who tried to hurt her with wild vengeance, but she once again emerged from the fire unscathed to a new army of people who chose to follow her.
Brienne of Tarth
Brienne is known for many things, but the greatest may be her honor. The loyal knight dedicated her life to protecting the Stark children, and she does so with great care. Brienne's most memorable moment came when she beat the Hound in single combat. The Season 4 moment is remembered by Game of Thrones fans as one of the best in the series for good reason. Not only did Brienne display her skills, but foremost she displayed her loyalty.
Lyanna Mormont
This young leader was a resolute defender of the people of the North. Though she was the future of her family, Lyanna refused to sit out of a fight. Though she ultimately met her death in the Battle of Winterfell, she took down the White Walker giant who crushed her, using her last moments to shove a shard of dragonglass into its eye, bringing down one of the most significant threats on the battlefield.
Margaery Tyrell
Margaery's most memorable actions rest in smaller moments. She was able to corral both of her husbands as best she could. Margaery married into the Lannister family but spent her days in King's Landing trying her best to undermine them for her own success. Though she ultimately met her end at the hand of Cersei, Margaery died trying to save an entire group of people from their unavoidable death, because she knew Cersei's motives that well.
Melisandre
One of the only hands of dark magic in Westeros, Melisandre has been a key player in many of the show's battles. From birthing a murder-fueled demon to bringing Jon Snow back to life, her decisions have shaped several critical Game of Thrones plot points. While her magic didn't end the Battle of Winterfell, she was able to guide Arya to her ultimate destiny and give the living a fighting chance at Winterfell. When the battle ended, Melisandre seemingly fulfilled her purpose and lived out her own prophecy of dying in Westeros.
