When adapting a sprawling, intricate book series like A Song of Ice and Fire into a TV show, it’s no surprise that some characters had to undergo significant changes. In Game of Thrones, many fan-favorite characters were reimagined, simplified, or had their storylines altered to fit the show’s demands.

These changes have sparked plenty of discussion among fans, especially when the show’s version of a character sharply diverged from George R.R. Martin’s original creation. Whether it’s the loss of certain character traits or entire plot arcs being cut, these differences reflect the creative challenges and decisions involved in bringing such a complex world to life on screen.

Related: 10 Real Historical Events That Inspired ‘Game of Thrones’

10 Sansa Stark

Sansa Stark’s journey in Game of Thrones is one of the most compelling, yet her character arc in the show significantly diverges from her portrayal in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. In the books, Sansa remains in the Vale under the tutelage of Petyr Baelish, learning the intricacies of court politics and manipulation. Her evolution is subtle and gradual, reflecting her growing understanding of the dangerous world she inhabits.

Sansa, operating under the alias Alayne Stone, becomes more adept at playing the game of thrones, carefully observing and learning from Littlefinger while still struggling with her identity and her past. This slower, more complex transformation allows readers to see Sansa as a multifaceted character, developing her strength and cunning over time.

In the TV adaptation, however, Sansa’s development is more accelerated and sometimes feels less nuanced. The showrunners condensed several of her storylines, notably merging her character with Jeyne Poole’s traumatic experiences with Ramsay Bolton—a plotline that does not occur in the books.

This change, while highlighting Sansa’s resilience and ultimate rise to power, also drew criticism for its handling of her agency and internal struggles. Despite these alterations, Sansa’s arc in the show still resonates with many fans, particularly in how she emerges as the Lady of Winterfell. This role showcases her growth into a strong, independent leader.^[1]

9 Tyrion Lannister

In the books, Tyrion Lannister is one of the most complex and multifaceted characters. He is a deeply intelligent, often cynical, and occasionally ruthless individual who, despite his sharp wit, struggles with self-loathing and a sense of being unloved by his family. In print, his physical appearance is much more striking and severe than what is depicted in the TV series.

In the novels, Tyrion is described as having mismatched eyes—one green and one black—and much more grotesque. He is a dwarf with a disproportionately large head, a prominent brow, and a mouth full of crooked teeth. After the Battle of the Blackwater, Tyrion suffers a serious injury that leaves him even more disfigured; his nose is almost entirely cut off, leaving him with a hideously scarred face.

In the HBO adaptation, however, Tyrion’s appearance is significantly toned down. Portrayed by Peter Dinklage, Tyrion is a handsome man with only minor facial scars after the battle, and his injury is reduced to a single visible scar across his cheek. Furthermore, after killing his father, Tywin Lannister, in the books, Tyrion’s character takes a darker turn. His journey across Essos is marked by bitterness, self-destruction, and a thirst for vengeance against those who wronged him.

This darker portrayal gives Tyrion more depth, showing a man grappling with the consequences of his actions and the bleakness of his reality. In contrast, the television show softened many of these darker aspects, focusing more on Tyrion’s cleverness and humor. While the show did capture Tyrion’s sharp tongue and strategic mind, it often reduced his character to comic relief, especially in the later seasons. His political blunders and questionable decisions in the final season also disappointed many fans who felt the show had strayed too far from the nuanced, morally ambiguous character in the books.^[2]

8 Euron Greyjoy

Euron Greyjoy on the screen is a far cry from the menacing, enigmatic figure depicted in Martin’s novels. In the books, Euron is a much more complex and terrifying character. Known as “Crow’s Eye” because of the eyepatch he wears in the books, he is a ruthless pirate and sorcerer who dabbles in dark magic, uses a variety of mystical artifacts, and exudes a mysterious, almost otherworldly aura.

His presence in the Iron Islands is marked by fear and awe as he returns from exile with a fleet of ships, a crew of fanatical followers, and a mysterious horn called Dragonbinder, which he claims can control dragons. Euron’s ambitions are grand, aiming not just for the Iron Throne but also to wield unimaginable power through arcane means. In print, he has a more elaborate backstory, including his travels to the ruins of Valyria and his claim of having a dragon egg.

In contrast, the show’s portrayal of Euron is much less nuanced and significantly less menacing. Rather than the dark, calculating sorcerer of the books, show-Euron comes across as a brash, over-the-top pirate with a penchant for violence and shock value. His character is reduced to being a swaggering, almost comical villain, more focused on personal gratification than on the grand, ominous schemes that define him in the novels.

Key elements of his character, such as his use of dark magic and the Dragonbinder horn, are entirely absent from the show. This simplified portrayal left many fans disappointed, as Euron in the TV series lacks the intricate, chilling presence that made him so compelling in the books.^[3]

7 Brienne of Tarth

Brienne of Tarth, one of the most beloved characters in Game of Thrones, is portrayed as a noble and skilled warrior who defies gender norms with her strength and honor. However, her storyline in the TV show significantly differs from her journey in the novels. In the books, Brienne’s character has a much more extensive and complex narrative.

After Jaime Lannister gives her his sword, Oathkeeper, she embarks on a lengthy and dangerous quest to find Sansa Stark. This journey leads her through various trials that test her loyalty, resolve, and sense of identity. It is filled with deep introspection and moral dilemmas, showcasing her internal struggle as well as her external battles.

In contrast, the show condenses much of Brienne’s storyline, focusing primarily on her relationship with Jaime, which the show depicts as more overtly romantic. Their relationship is complex and filled with mutual respect and unspoken feelings, but in the books, they part ways with unresolved tension.

While her knighting by Jaime in the final season of the show is a powerful moment, this knighting doesn’t occur in the books. Furthermore, the TV adaptation omits significant interactions she has with other characters, like her complex encounter with Lady Stoneheart, the resurrected Catelyn Stark, who commands her to kill Jaime.^[4]

6 Stannis Baratheon

Stannis Baratheon, a pivotal character in Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, is portrayed quite differently in the books compared to the show. In the books, Stannis is a rigid, duty-bound leader often perceived as cold and unyielding. However, his actions are driven by a strong sense of justice and responsibility, even when they conflict with his personal desires.

His unwavering commitment to what he sees as the rightful claim to the Iron Throne makes him a more complex and sympathetic character in the books. His use of Melisandre and her dark magic is also shown with more internal conflict, as he often questions the morality of his decisions and the true nature of her powers. The relationship between them is shown as deeply influential in the show, sometimes implying he is more swayed by her than in the books.

In contrast, the television series simplifies Stannis’s character, often reducing him to a stern, unlikable figure whose moral dilemmas are less explored. One of the most significant and controversial differences is his decision to sacrifice his daughter Shireen to the flames, a plot point that is hinted at but not executed in the books. This act, portrayed as a desperate measure to win the war, was seen by many viewers as a betrayal of his character’s complexity and the nuanced internal conflicts that define him in the novels.^[5]

5 Jeyne Westerling/Talisa Maegyr

In Martin’s books, Jeyne Westerling is the woman Robb Stark marries after a moment of vulnerability following the death of his brothers. Jeyne hails from a noble but minor Westerlands house that secretly serves the Lannisters, adding layers of political intrigue to her character and marriage to Robb.

Her relationship with Robb is largely driven by honor, as he marries her after sleeping with her, and she remains loyal to him despite the political complications. In the books, Jeyne’s story is tragic but understated—she does not attend the Red Wedding, and her fate remains uncertain as she is left behind at Riverrun under the watchful eye of the Lannisters.

In the HBO series, Jeyne Westerling’s character is replaced by Talisa Maegyr, a healer from Volantis who meets Robb on the battlefield. Talisa is a completely original creation for the show, embodying a more romantic and idealistic love story than the politically driven marriage in the books. The change from Jeyne to Talisa significantly alters the tone and depth of Robb’s storyline. Talisa is portrayed as more independent and strong-willed, contrasting with the more traditional and dutiful Jeyne.

This shift also simplifies the complex political machinations of the Westerling family and reduces the tension between Robb’s sense of duty and his personal desires. Talisa’s presence at the Red Wedding and her subsequent brutal death—along with her unborn child—intensifies the emotional impact of the scene, but it also diverges significantly from Martin’s narrative, leaving book fans with a very different interpretation of Robb’s downfall.^[6]

4 Doran Martell

Doran Martell is a master strategist in the novels, playing the long game with incredible patience and foresight. As the Prince of Dorne, he carefully plots to avenge his sister Elia’s brutal murder during Robert’s Rebellion. His character is deeply introspective, burdened by his responsibilities and the need to protect his people while seeking justice for his family. Doran’s plans are intricate, involving secret alliances and long-term schemes that gradually unfold throughout the books, showcasing his political acumen and deep sense of duty.

In contrast, the show reduces Doran Martell’s complexity, transforming him into a more passive and less influential figure. His screen time is limited, and his schemes are either glossed over or omitted entirely. He also has a complex political relationship with his daughter Arianne, a prominent character in the books but completely omitted from the show. In the show, Doran’s sudden death, orchestrated by Ellaria Sand and the Sand Snakes, deviates from the book’s narrative, where he is part of a larger political plot, and his death has significant consequences for the Martell family.^[7]

3 Asha Greyjoy/Yara Greyjoy

Asha Greyjoy, known as Yara in the television series, is a character who underwent notable changes in her transition from the books to the screen. In the novels, Asha is portrayed as a fierce and cunning leader who is deeply committed to her family and people. She commands respect among the Ironborn not just because of her lineage but also due to her proven abilities as a warrior and strategist.

Asha is also a key player in the Greyjoy succession struggle, using her intelligence and charisma to rally support for her claim to the Seastone Chair. Her character is rich with depth, balancing loyalty to her family with her desire for independence and power. In the show, while Yara retains much of Asha’s strength and leadership qualities, her character is somewhat simplified.

The television adaptation omits some of her more complex relationships and political maneuverings. For instance, in the books, Asha has a significant role in the Kingsmoot, where the Ironborn choose their new leader, and she presents a strong case for her rule, challenging traditional gender norms. In contrast, the show focuses more on her relationship with her brother Theon and her involvement in Daenerys Targaryen’s campaign. The show also depicts her as bisexual, with scenes showing her with both men and women. In the book, Asha is depicted as heterosexual with several male lovers.^[8]

2 Ser Barristan Selmy

Ser Barristan Selmy is a highly respected and legendary knight in the books, known for his unwavering honor and loyalty. After being dismissed from the Kingsguard by Joffrey Baratheon, Barristan seeks out Daenerys Targaryen in Essos and becomes one of her most trusted advisors.

In the novels, Barristan guides Daenerys through Meereen’s political landscape, offering wisdom in leadership and battle. He’s a formidable warrior and principled man, grappling with the moral complexities of serving a queen aiming to reclaim her throne. Barristan’s journey is rich and multifaceted, influencing key events in Daenerys’s court.

In contrast, the television adaptation cuts Barristan Selmy’s story short, killing him off unexpectedly in the fifth season. His death during a battle with the Sons of the Harpy shocked many fans, as it diverged significantly from his ongoing and important role in the books. This early demise deprived the show of a character who, in the source material, provides a crucial connection to the history and lore of Westeros.

Barristan’s impact on Daenerys’s decisions in Meereen is significant in the books, making his sudden exit in the show seem like a missed chance to explore his character’s depth. Killing him off early drew criticism from book readers who valued Martin’s careful crafting of Barristan’s narrative.^[9]

1 Lady Stoneheart

Lady Stoneheart, the resurrected and vengeful version of Catelyn Stark, is one of the most significant characters from the book and was completely omitted from the Game of Thrones TV adaptation. In the books, after Catelyn’s brutal murder at the Red Wedding, she is brought back to life by Beric Dondarrion, who sacrifices his own life to restore hers. However, she returns as a dark and twisted version of herself, consumed by a desire for revenge against those who betrayed her family.

Her appearance is described as ghastly, with her wounds from the Red Wedding still visible. Leading the Brotherhood Without Banners, Lady Stoneheart embarks on a ruthless campaign, hanging Freys, Lannisters, and anyone she believes had a hand in the massacre of her family. Her presence adds a layer of relentless vengeance and the supernatural to the story, making her one of the most feared and tragic figures in the books.

In contrast, the showrunners chose to exclude Lady Stoneheart entirely from the TV series, a decision that disappointed many fans of the books. This omission meant that viewers never saw the darker turn Catelyn’s character takes, nor the impact her vengeful actions have on the wider narrative.

The absence of Lady Stoneheart also significantly altered the arcs of several other characters, including Brienne of Tarth and Jaime Lannister, who have key interactions with her in the books. Without Lady Stoneheart, the show’s exploration of themes like resurrection, justice, and the haunting consequences of betrayal felt less complex and less tied to the Stark family’s sense of enduring tragedy.^[10]

Game of Thrones is clearly inspired by the jostling of power that has happened in the British Isles for thousands of years—with a few more dragons peppered in. In reality, British history is littered with tales of murder and betrayal that make the Red Wedding look like . . . well, a normal wedding.

Here, we detail 10 of the most fascinating and gruesome historical British massacres that have taken place in the name of conquest or just sheer bloodlust.

10 The Harrying Of The North

William the Conqueror successfully invaded Britain in 1066 and spent most of the rest of his life attempting to consolidate his power in one way or another. Three years after his initial invasion, his most notorious attempt came in the form of the Harrying of the North.

English rebels in the North had been employing guerrilla tactics—attacking when William’s Norman forces were off guard and then retreating. William found it incredibly hard to engage his enemy or get them to agree to any fixed battle in order for both sides to settle their differences swiftly. Therefore, William decided to fight dirty.

At the end of 1069, he launched a campaign of total annihilation in the North—burning down entire villages and slaughtering the inhabitants. He didn’t stop there. All food supplies in the North of England between the Humber and the River Tees were destroyed to guarantee any survivors would starve to death during the winter. It’s believed that over 100,000 people died.

The massacre was chronicled 50 years later by Benedictine monk Orderic Vitalis:

Never did William commit so much cruelty; to his lasting disgrace, he yielded to his worst impulse and set no bounds to his fury, condemning the innocent and the guilty to a common fate. [ . . . ] I assert, moreover, that such barbarous homicide could not pass unpunished.^[1]

9 The Massacre Of Glencoe

In 1692, 15 years before the Act of Union between England and Scotland, James VII was in exile in France as William of Orange looked to consolidate his power within the British Isles.

The clans of Scotland were bound to an oath they had made to James, and as such, William felt the need to clarify his newly acquired authority. He gave them a deadline of January 1, 1692, to declare their allegiance to him or face “the utmost extremity of the law.”^[2]

So loyal were the clans that they waited for word from James, still clinging to the idea that he might return and regain power. It took James until December 12, 1691, to admit to himself that it was impossible, and then he released the clans from their oath. It took a further 16 days for the message to reach the Highlands, leaving the clans only a few days to meet William’s deadline.

The MacDonalds of Glencoe struggled to meet the date. Their leader, Alastair MacIain, set off to sign a declaration of loyalty on December 31. Due to the amount of red tape and travel, his signing couldn’t be completed until days after the deadline. This pleased John Dalrymple, Scottish secretary of state, who had a particular dislike for Highlanders. He rejected the late signing and ordered the eradication of the MacDonald clan.

Commander Robert Campbell of Glenylon arrived at Glencoe 12 days before the massacre took place. The soldiers accompanying him had not yet been given their orders. They were friendly with the MacDonalds and requested shelter. The MacDonalds let the soldiers stay in their own houses.

During the night of February 13, Glencoe was caught in a blizzard. While the MacDonalds slept, their guests’ orders were finally laid bare. Thirty-eight were murdered, including MacIain. Of those who managed to escape, 40 more died of exposure in the hills.

8 The Massacre Of The Jews At York

On March 16, 1190, an estimated 150 Jewish people lost their lives. It was arguably the worst day in the history of York.

There was a strong undercurrent of anti-Semitism throughout Great Britain in the Middle Ages. In this case, the people of York were successfully riled up by four men in particular. They were William Percy, Marmeduke Darell, Philip de Fauconberg, and Richard Malebisse. The men’s motives were born out of financial incompetence and greed.

They had borrowed a large amount from Jewish moneylenders based in York and saw the increasing unrest in the city as an excellent opportunity to wipe their debts clean. Under the cloak of carnage, they were able to access all records of their financial failings and destroy them.^[3]

So successfully incensed was the general public that every Jewish person of York became a target and thus was forced to take refuge in the city’s castle. Even there, they were not safe. The crowd remained at fever pitch, unwilling to disperse. Many Jewish people inside the castle’s walls recognized this as an impossible situation and decided to take their own lives rather than eventually face the primal mob.

In the castle’s keep, patriarchs of Jewish families killed their wives and children before setting fire to their surroundings to kill themselves.

7 The Wihtwara Pagan Massacre

In 686, Caedwalla, the king of Wessex, conquered what was then known as Wihtwara and is now known as the Isle of Wight. It’s a strategically useful island off the south coast of England.

The island had changed owners quite a lot. Each time, the occupying power pushed its own beliefs on the existing inhabitants. However, once the dust had settled and the captors had moved onto bigger mainland projects, the people of Wihtwara would routinely revert to good old-fashioned paganism. It was a belief system that was abhorrent to Caedwalla, who professed the importance of Christianity.

To lay lasting claim to Wihtwara and to begin its proper Christianization, King Caedwalla gave every pagan islander a choice. He or she could either sincerely convert to Christianity or be killed. Caedwalla must have doubted many of the islanders’ sincerity because most people are believed to have been killed.^[4]

Records are kind of sketchy on what the actual death toll was. Only one survivor is recorded—the king of Wihtwara’s sister, who was married to King Egbert of Kent.

6 The Betrayal Of Clannabuidhe

No entry on this list has acted as a greater inspiration for Game of Thrones and, in particular, the Red Wedding than the Betrayal of Clannabuidhe in 1574.

Sir Brian MacPhelim O’Neill, leader of the O’Neill clan of Clanaboy in what is modern-day Northern Ireland, had been well-liked by the English. He was knighted in 1568 in recognition of his service to the Crown. However, in the six years following his knighting, O’Neill fell progressively out of favor with the English.

The English were suspected of plans to garrison major buildings in Clanaboy, which strongly contributed to the dissolution of the alliance and O’Neill’s preemptive destruction of those structures to make the plans impossible.^[5]

It was in the name of peace that he invited the earl of Sussex to a feast at his castle at Castlereagh, and indeed, everything was amicable until the feast’s end. At that point, O’Neill and his close family were seized as English forces slaughtered between 200 and 500 unarmed, unsuspecting guests. O’Neill, his wife, and his brother were then taken to Dublin Castle, where they were hanged, drawn, and quartered.

5 St. Brice’s Day Massacre

St. Brice’s Day occurs on November 13 and has become synonymous with the massacre that took place on it in 1002.

Fed up with persistent Danish raids in the preceding years by Danish King Sweyn I, the English King AEthelred the Unready decided to take extreme measures. Fearing further Danish attacks and to prevent an uprising, AEthelred decided to kill every Dane already living within his territory.

The exact number of deaths is unknown, but it’s believed that many people died. Most likely, the campaign of extermination only took place in areas of England that were not in the Danelaw. Naturally, those places were protected by Danish law and had been for over 100 years. Any attempts at slaughter in the Danelaw would have been met with significant resistance.

We do specifically know that there were a lot of deaths in Oxford. AEthelred wrote of an incident at a local church:

All the Danes who had sprung up in this island, sprouting like cockle among the wheat, were to be destroyed by a most just extermination . . . those Danes who dwelt in [Oxford], striving to escape death, entered this sanctuary of Christ, having broken by force the doors and bolts, and resolved to make refuge . . . but when all the people in pursuit strove, forced by necessity, to drive them out, and could not, they set fire to the planks and burned, as it seems, this church.^[6]

In 2008, during an excavation at St. John’s College, Oxford, the charred remains of at least 35 men were found. Further tests found that they were Vikings.

4 The Storming Of Bolton

The Storming of Bolton (aka the Bolton Massacre) most likely resulted in the greatest loss of life of any massacre during the nine-year English Civil War. It occurred on May 28, 1644, when the Roundhead (Parliamentarian) town of Bolton was attacked in the night by the Cavaliers (Royalists), under the command of Prince Rupert.

His army consisted of 2,000 cavalry and 6,000 infantry. In the dark during a heavy rainstorm, Rupert’s forces adopted a slice-first-ask-questions-later policy that resulted in the deaths of around 1,600 people. This included civilians as well as off-guard soldiers.

As is often the case, the numbers are disputable. The death estimate comes from Roundhead sources. It could have propagandistic roots, with the Roundheads inflating the number of unarmed casualties to heighten perceptions of Cavalier barbarism. Only 78 Boltonians’ deaths are noted in the town’s parish register.^[7]

3 The Peterloo Massacre

In the years leading up to the Peterloo Massacre on August 16, 1819, there had been a tremendous amount of unrest in the entire Lancashire area. The textile industry was largely concentrated in the northern areas of England and was badly affected by a national economic depression.

Factory owners had cut the wages of their workers by as much as two-thirds. Also, the Corn Laws had been introduced in 1815, which enforced tariffs on grain. When these measures were combined with pay cuts, factory workers could no longer afford food. This affected around one million working-class people in the Lancashire area, yet they were represented by only two Members of Parliament.^[8]

Politicians such as Henry Hunt became incredibly popular with the working class during this period by championing parliamentary reform and the repeal of the Corn Laws. The massing of 60,000–80,000 people on August 16, 1819, was centered on hearing Hunt and others speak about such issues as well as sending a message that change was needed to the greater powers that be.

It’s been documented that the gathering was fairly calm. People brought their entire families and had picnics during the day. However, when Henry Hunt began to give his speech, the chairman of the local magistrates ordered his cavalry to arrest Hunt.

The cavalry was separated from Hunt by the crowd and decided to simply use their sabers to hack away all who stood in their way. It took 10 minutes for the crowd to flee, and 11–18 people suffered injuries that resulted in death. The number of nonfatal injuries has been estimated to be as high as 700.

As a direct result of this incident, a newspaper called the Manchester Observer was formed to report the truth about the Peterloo Massacre. Two years later, this morphed into The Manchester Guardian, which is now simply known as The Guardian.

2 The Massacre Of Berwick

When Margaret, Maid of Norway and recognized Queen of Scots, died in 1290, no clear heir was apparent. As a result, many people claimed that the throne was rightfully theirs. This prolonged period of uncertainty meant that the Guardians of Scotland, then serving as de facto heads of state, asked King Edward I to help arbitrate the dispute. Ultimately, he chose John Balliol to become the king of Scotland.

Edward thus expected a level of loyalty from Balliol that was not received. Edward ordered Scotland to send troops to help fight in England’s war against France. Not only did Balliol refuse, but in direct response, he formed the Auld Alliance between Scotland and France in 1295.

King Edward retaliated by sacking the economic stronghold of Berwick, which lies on the border between Scotland and England. The greatest atrocities happened in the days after the sacking, as documented in the 15th-century chronicle The Scotichronicon.

It states, “When the town had been taken . . . Edward spared no one, whatever the age or sex, and for two days, streams of blood flowed from the bodies of the slain, for in his tyrannous rage, he ordered 7,500 souls of both sexes to be massacred.”^[9]

Edward’s troops continued marching north through Scotland, decisively winning the Battle of Dunbar and forcing John Balliol to abdicate soon after.

1 The Menai Massacre

The Menai Massacre took place during the Roman conquest of Anglesey in either AD 60 or 61. Anglesey is the largest island in Wales and was the home of many druids, the spiritual leaders of the native people.

It also was a place of refuge for many tribesmen who fled Roman rule. Thus, the Romans came to see Anglesey as a particularly troublesome place and the site of a possible uprising. As such, the decision was made to massacre the island’s inhabitants.

By the time that Roman General Suetonius Paulinus and his legions reached the Menai Straits, the inhabitants of Anglesey realized that there was no escape. Roman historian Tacitus detailed what happened next:

On the shore stood a dense array of armed warriors, while between the ranks dashed women . . . with hair disheveled, waving brands. All around, the druids, urged by their hands to Heaven and pouring forth dreadful imprecations, scared our soldiers by the unfamiliar sight. [ . . . ] Then urged by their general’s appeals and mutual encouragements not to quail before a troop of frenzied women, they bore the standards onward, smote down all resistance, and wrapped the fore in the flames of his own brands.^[10]

The actual number of casualties is unknown. All traces of the druids were obliterated. However, it is clear that not everyone on the island was killed as the Romans established a garrison in Anglesey in which the native tribes were indentured.

David is a freelance writer and Creative Writing MA student. You can read more of his articles at CultureRoast.com. Follow him on Twitter and Like him on Facebook.

With The House of the Dragon on the horizon, many are looking fondly back at the immersive experience that was Game of Thrones (ignoring the last season, of course). Apart from amazing effects, epic battles, and incredible dialogue, the show captured the world’s fascination with an epic plotline and twists few saw coming.

As they say, though, truth is stranger than fiction. Many of these “wow” moments in the series were nods to actual events in history. Here are 10 of them! But if you’re one of the three people who hasn’t seen Game of Thrones, beware—there are spoilers ahead.

Related: Top 10 Real-Life Counterparts To Game Of Thrones Characters

10 The War of Five Kings / The War of the Roses

The underlying conflict in Game of Thrones is largely based on the historical War of the Roses, named the War of Five Kings in the series. In the historical war, raging between 1455 and 1485, several houses battled for control of the English throne, with houses Lancaster and York (Lannister and Stark) being the main contenders.

The hated Joffrey Lannister is very similar to the ruthless and bloodthirsty Edward of Lancaster, who, like Joffrey, was allegedly the illegitimate son of King Henry the VI. Like Robert Baratheon, King Henry’s death was the catalyst for the War of the Roses. Believing the heir to be illegitimate, Richard, Duke of York, believed he had a better claim.

Margaret of Anjou, King Henry’s wife and Edward’s mother, mirrors Cersei in her adulterous affairs, ruthless ambition, and central role to play. Like Cersei’s imprisonment of Ned Stark, Margaret of Anjou was largely responsible for spurring the two houses toward war with her undisguised preparations to attack the York house.

Richard York, just like Robb Stark, initially was winning the battles but, sadly, would eventually lose the war. The War of the Roses came to a close with Henry Tudor marrying Elizabeth of York, uniting the York and Lancasters. Having the Lannisters and Starks marry to end the war clearly wasn’t what happened in the series, but we’re going to avoid talking about the show’s ending…^[1]

9 Jon Snow’s / Julius Caesar’s Assasinations

You likely let out an audible gasp when Jon Snow, handsome and charismatic leader of the Night’s Watch, was murdered by his own men. I sure did. After all, the show had a record of killing off its most beloved characters, and I had already had my heart broken by the deaths of Robb Stark, Khal Drogo, and poor honorable Ned. We know now, of course, that Jon wouldn’t stay dead for long, but boy, was that a miserable wait.

Jon’s death at the hands of his commanders is very akin to the infamous Ides of March, in which Caesar was similarly stabbed to death by members of the Roman Senate. You see, Caesar had worked his way up to become the ruler of Rome and intended to remain in power. Much to the horror of the nominated—not elected—Senate, Caesar was planning on naming himself Emperor of Rome, something the civilization had not yet seen. Despite the many advances Caesar provided for Rome and the peace under his rule, the Senate hated his arrogance and resented the thought of an Empire.

Caesar was ambushed by the Senate and stabbed 23 times to his death, one of his murderers being his adopted son, Brutus (represented by Ollie in GoT). In Shakespeare’s rendition of the event, Caesar’s last words were “Et tu, Brute?” (“You too, Brutus?”), and are hauntingly similar to Jon gasping Ollie’s name before the boy landed the fatal blow.

Unfortunately for the Senate, the people of Rome were horrified by the act and turned on them. With no clear ruler, Caesar’s death created a power vacuum, plunging the empire into years of civil war and making a whole mess of things. In the end, Emperor Augustus came to power, and Rome became an Empire, making killing Caesar both entirely pointless and ultimately a very poor choice. Oops.^[2]

8 The Red Wedding / The Black Dinner

Few scenes were more horrifying than the Red Wedding, in which the beloved Starks were massacred in the halls of the deplorable Walder Frey, ending their war to avenge their liege lord. There’s plenty of death, despair, and twists in Game of Thrones, but the notion of being murdered while being wined and dined by a supposed ally is a different breed of despicable.

Plus—as Talisa was pregnant and had decided on a name—they essentially killed Eddard Stark twice. That’s just so wrong.

Anyway, inspiration for this infamous scene had its roots in history, as confirmed by the writer himself. George R.R. Martin confirmed that the “Red Wedding” was inspired by the Black Dinner, an event in medieval Scotland.

Sixteen-year-old William, Earl of Douglas, and younger brother David were invited to join ten-year-old King James II for dinner. James and William were friends, but unfortunately for the latter, the Black Douglas clan was seen as a threat to the new king’s rule. From the start, the dinner was a trap orchestrated by the Scottish Chancellor, Sir William Crichton.

Once seated, the two Douglas boys were presented with a plate bearing the head of a black bull—a symbol of the death of the Black Douglas. Even in history, it seems, people really had a good time with gestures of symbolism, and George R.R. Martin compared the severed bull’s head to Robb and his direwolf being beheaded.

Following being served this disgusting symbol, the two boys were arrested, given a mock trial, and beheaded.

Another event that partially inspired the Red Wedding was the Glencoe Massacre of 1692, in which the opposite event happened. Captain Robert Campbell sought the hospitality of the MacDonald clan, then murdered his hosts. In both instances, the sacred rules of hospitality were violated, lending to the horror that took place in Walder Frey’s hall.^[3]

7 The Wall / Hadrian’s Wall

One of the most impressive and recognizable visual wonders of the show—other than the dragons, of course—was the dreaded “wall” of ice that separated the 7 Kingdoms from the “Wildlings.” This is a direct nod to Hadrian’s wall, an impressive 117-kilometer (73-mile) wall stretching from coast to coast across the modern-day United Kingdom.

Built by Emperor Hadrian (duh), the wall was constructed to protect the Roman province of Britannia from the unconquered Caledonia. Just like the Wildings of the North, the providences of Caledonia were roamed by clans considered to be lawless and savage, and their raids of Roman villages were common. There was great contempt between the Romans and their tribal neighbors, and the wall was seen as a deterrent to keep them at bay. Thankfully, the Romans didn’t have the army of the dead knocking at their door too.^[4]

6 The Dothraki / Mongol Empire

When little Daenerys Targarian is married off to Khal Drogo, we get a glimpse into the rough, violent lifestyle of the nomadic warlord. In Dothraki culture, strength is valued over all, and across the land, they instilled fear as some of the deadliest warriors in the world.

This was much the same as the Mongol empire, which ruled much of Asia and Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries. Like the Dothraki, the Mongols were excellent warriors that defeated their enemies on horseback and were constantly on the move. Mongol children were trained in archery and horseback riding from a young age, a trait the Dothraki copied—learning to ride and fight starting at the age of four.

The Mongol Empire was founded by the fearsome Genghis Khan, a prolific warrior and fornicator who, to this day, is responsible for about 0.5 percent of the world’s male population. He is the direct inspiration for Khal Drogo, who was revered as the fiercest Khal among them all.^[5]

5 The Battle of Blackwater Bay / The Siege of Constantinople

One of the many epic events of the show was the Battle of Blackwater Bay, in which fans were likely torn between wanting Stannis to really stick it to the hated Lannisters and simultaneously rooting for crowd favorite and only redeemable Lannister, Tyrion. In the show, our favorite dwarf outsmarts the larger Baratheon forces with Wildfire, a devastating concoction that burns stone, steel, wood, and flesh alike.

The inspiration for this little trick likely came from the second seizure of Constantinople. During this battle, the advancing Arab army was soundly defeated by a substance known as “Greek Fire,” which, like Wildfire, was able to continue burning on water. Just as Stannis’s naval force was obliterated, so was the attacking Arab fleet during the siege, their vessels soundly destroyed by the blaze before reaching the city walls.^[6]

To this day, the exact composition of Greek fire is unknown.

4 Ramsay Bolton / King Ashurbanipal

One of the more satisfying moments of the series was watching the cruel and unpredictable Joffrey Baratheon meet his well-deserved, violent end. Had we only known what cruelty lay in our next villain, however, we may have gladly endured Joffrey instead.

Ramsay Bolton took his house’s sigil—the flayed man—quite literally, dolling out the method at a whim. His sadistic joy in the torture was stomach-churning, making it even worse to know that his character takes inspiration from a real person.

The Assyrians were feared not only for their prowess in battle but also for their lust for torture. King Ashurbanipal of the Assyrians was no different, harnessing torture as a means of psychological warfare. Apart from impalement and crucifixion, Ashurbanipal also enjoyed the public display of flaying to flex his power. Beginning at the buttocks, thighs, or lower legs, the unfortunate victim had their skin slowly peeled away. If that weren’t sick enough, King Ashurbanipal had a habit of hanging the peeled skin around the walls of his city in a grotesque reminder of what would happen to those who disobeyed. Gross.^[7]

3 Joffrey’s / Attila the Hun’s Deaths

While we’re on the subject of Joffrey’s death, his demise definitely mirrors that of the infamous Attila the Hun.

Like Joffrey, Attila would meet his demise on his very wedding night. In celebrating his union with his new wife, the beautiful Ildico, Atilla got, well, drunk. As anyone should on their wedding night, right?

Sadly, his joy was short-lived. He was found dead the next morning under suspicious circumstances, bleeding from the nose and mouth. Accounts differ on whether he suffered internal bleeding due to his level of alcohol consumption or whether the inebriated groom choked to death after suffering a nosebleed. Either way, it paints a picture hauntingly akin to Joffrey’s sufferable last moments.^[8]

2 Jamie Lannister’s / Götz von Berlichingen’s Prosthetic Hands

Jamie Lannister is a controversial character. On the one hand, we were rooting for the charming, suave Lannister to make a turnaround and become the honorable man Brienne of Tarth saw in him. Who doesn’t love a good character arc?

On the other hand, he did push a child out of a window.

Either way, Jamie losing his sword hand was a shocking turn of events in which you couldn’t help but feel bad for the guy. Losing a hand to the average Joe is bad enough, but the Kingslayer lost a lot of himself with it—”I was that hand,” as he put it. Upon returning to King’s Landing, Jamie receives a gold prosthetic which, other than being very Lannister, had to be heavy and pretty impractical, right?

It turns out his prosthetic hand has origins in history. German knight Gotz von Berlichingen lost his own right hand at the age of 23 due to enemy cannon fire. Accounts differ, with one saying the blast hit his sword, which then hacked off his arm, while another claims the cannon took the arm clean off. Either way, Berlichingen left the battle one hand lighter.

Like Jamie, this was Berlichingen’s fighting hand, and he was also presented with a prosthetic. Unlike Jamie’s hand, however, Berlichingen’s replacement was made of iron and sported joints that allowed him to continue to use that hand to fight. Using his left hand to tighten the joints of his iron one, he was able to close the iron joints around a sword. “Götz of the Iron Hand,” as he would become known, continued to fight until the age of 64, after which he retired.^[9]

1 The Lord of Light / Zoroastrianism

“For the night is dark and full of terrors.” Another great example of internal conflict when it comes to loving or despising characters is the Red Woman and her “Lord of Light.” By the end of the show—which, yes, was infuriatingly badly executed—it becomes clear that Melisandre had a role to play after all. That said, her eagerness to burn people alive, including the innocent princess Shereen, solidified her place as ultimately evil.

The Lord of Light (known as R’hllor) is a nod to what is arguably the oldest monotheistic faith, Zoroastrianism. Followers of this faith honored one god and held fire as a sacred symbol, as it represented light, warmth, and purifying powers. Melisandre and other followers of R’hllor speak of fire as “burning away the sins” and death by fire to be the “purest death.”^[10]