Here you will find a A Storm of Swords summary (George R. R. Martin's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
The narrative progresses from where it left off in the preceding book, depicting the escalating War of Five Kings in Westeros, Daenerys's growing power in the East, and the looming menace of the Others - an almost invincible spectral army. The story unfolds through the eyes of 12 characters, with 10 of them being the primary narrators. These narratives occur concurrently, with the chapters alternating between their points of view. As the novel begins, Chett, a member of the Night's Watch, contemplates murdering his superiors and deserting his post. However, his plans are interrupted by a vast army attacking the Wall, instilling fear of the first successful invasion in generations. Meanwhile, Tyrion Lannister is recovering in King's Landing from serious injuries sustained in a large-scale battle. He struggles to gain his family's recognition, maintains a secret relationship with a disguised prostitute, Shae, and is reluctantly married to the young Sansa Stark for political reasons. In an unexpected twist, King Joffrey is poisoned at his own wedding, and Tyrion is wrongfully accused and sentenced to death. However, just before his execution, he is rescued by his brother Jaime, who reveals a bitter truth about Tyrion's past marriage. In a fit of rage, Tyrion murders his father and his unfaithful lover, Shae. Simultaneously, Sansa Stark is also implicated in Joffrey's murder. Despite this, she manages to escape with the help of a knight, only to be forced into a politically motivated betrothal with her sickly cousin at the behest of the cunning Petyr Baelish. Elsewhere, Arya Stark is captured by outlaws and later escapes, only to be kidnapped again. After witnessing the brutal assassination of her brother Robb, she abandons her captor and boards a ship to Braavos. Jon Snow, another Stark, feigns alliance with the wildlings, begins a relationship with Ygritte, defends the Wall from invasion, and is ultimately elected as the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Meanwhile, Bran Stark, on the run with his caretakers, displays a growing supernatural ability and finally crosses the Wall. Daenerys Targaryen, in the East, purchases, frees, and turns a slave army against their former masters on her quest to reclaim her crown. After a successful conquest of Meereen, she learns of treachery from her closest aides and decides to stay and rule the city as its queen.
Chett, a disgruntled member of the Night's Watch, plans to assassinate his superiors and abandon his post. Previously condemned to the Watch for murdering a woman who scorned him, Chett is now weary from the toil and harsh weather at the ancient stronghold, the Fist of the First Men. He senses an impending attack and has arranged to desert along with several others. His specific role in their scheme is to murder Samwell Tarly, the bumbling, rotund raven-keeper. However, three horn sounds, signifying an assault by the long-unseen spectral beings known as the Others, interrupt his plot. The Night’s Watch readies for combat, effectively thwarting Chett’s plan.
Jaime Lannister is trapped on a boat, set to be exchanged for Sansa and Arya Stark. Guards Brienne, an aspiring knight, and Ser Cleos, accompany him. Jaime, who is chained and can't escape, continuously mocks Brienne for her masculine appearance. They stumble upon a scene of peasants slaughtered and decide to bury them. However, they're interrupted by a warship led by Ser Robyn Ryger, who plans on returning Jaime to the Starks. Jaime and his guardians manage to evade capture.
Catelyn Stark, having freed Jaime on the promise that he'll return her daughters once he reaches King's Landing, finds herself deemed a traitor and confined to her home by her own family who hadn't approved the arrangement. While nursing her ailing father, his incessant muttering of the word “Tansy” leaves her bewildered. It emerges that her brother Edmure had schemed to re-capture Jaime, thus undermining her agreement. This leaves Catelyn anxious about the fate of her daughters.
After escaping Harrenhal, Arya, Gendry, and Hot Pie venture through exposed forestland, susceptible to surprise attacks and kidnapping. They engage in a disagreement over their route. Arya experiences a powerful dream in which she eliminates members of the Brave Companions, mercenaries probably pursuing them. The young Arya, at twelve, maintains a tally of individuals she wishes to execute for previous offences against her kin and comrades, and she savors this dream.
Tyrion, the dwarf, defended the Lannister house valiantly in the grand Blackwater conflict, sustaining serious injuries. His face now bears a horrific scar, with most of his physique also battered. As he recuperates, he feels watched in his own dwelling and frequently inquires about war updates. Confronting his apathetic father Tywin, Tyrion seeks acknowledgement for his bravery and tactical contributions. However, Tywin belittles Tyrion, scolding him for his fondness towards prostitutes and vaguely promising him a reward.
Having barely escaped death at the Blackwater Battle, Ser Davos finds himself marooned on a tiny isle, injured and at death's door. He had pledged his loyalty to Stannis Baratheon, a new king of the Seven Kingdoms. However, due to several strategic blunders, their naval force was decimated, leading to Davos's sons meeting gruesome deaths by drowning or burning in wildfire. Initially, Davos anticipates his own demise but is unexpectedly saved by a passing ship. Fortuitously, the ship's crew also pledge loyalty to King Stannis.
Previously, Sansa Stark was engaged to the brutal King Joffrey Baratheon. However, due to some strategic shifts, Joffrey is now due to marry Margaery Tyrell. Sansa is invited for a meal with Margaery and the Tyrell family, a situation that fills her with apprehension due to the presence of the fearsome Olenna Redwyne, known as the "Queen of Thorns." As they eat, Olenna instructs the jester to sing louder, allowing them to talk privately and without being eavesdropped. Sansa admits that Joffrey is a violent and heartless individual.
Jon Snow was told by Qhorin Halfhand, before his death, to gather information on the wildlings by pretending to switch sides. With Ygritte, a wildling captive, Jon arrives at the large wildling camp where he encounters Mance Rayder. Rayder, a former Night's Watch member, now lives with the wildlings or “Free Folk.” Jon's intentions are questioned by the wildlings. To explain his treachery, Jon uses his illegitimate status and claims he was mistreated by the Starks.
Aboard the Balerion, Daenerys, guided by her counselors Ser Jorah and Arstan Whitebeard, hopes to reach Astapor. Her goal is to muster a devoted army to retake the Seven Kingdoms, a land her ancestors were forced to abandon. Ser Jorah, who doesn't fully trust Whitebeard due to his polished manners and articulate speech, cautions Daenerys about possible spies and killers. Additionally, he privately suggests to Daenerys that they should acquire an army of Unsullied, reputed eunuch slave fighters. Unexpectedly, Ser Jorah kisses Daenerys, leaving her startled and puzzled.
Bran Stark, disguised and journeying with his companions Meera, Jojen, and Hodor, faces continuous peril due to his identity. Being a warg, Bran possesses the power to inhabit other creatures, notably his direwolf, Summer. He relishes in the freedom of movement through Summer's body, hunting and eating with a wolf pack. However, his reverie is cut short and he is coerced to consume their scanty supplies. Jojen, though, cautions Bran against indulging too much in his warg abilities, for he could lose his human essence. As they ponder over their next destination, Bran grieves over the loss of loved ones. He wishes to see a crow, expressing his desire “to fly.”
Davos reaches the harbor and encounters his ally Salladhor Saan, a buccaneer who fought alongside King Stannis in the Blackwater Battle. He openly attributes their defeat to the priestess Melisandre, who has significant influence over Stannis and sees him as the prophesied savior Azor Ahai. Salladhor initially cautions Davos about the danger of seeking revenge, but eventually cuts ties with him. Driven by the desire to eliminate Melisandre, Davos heads to the castle. However, instead of achieving his goal, he is caught and locked up in a dungeon.
Brienne, Ser Cleos, and Jaime reach the Inn of the Kneeling Man, seeking shelter and food. The inn has new, suspicious proprietors, the original ones being deceased. They discover that warfare will soon block the rivers with detritus. After lengthy bargaining, Brienne agrees to procure three horses at an inflated cost. Jaime constantly ridicules Brienne, calling her stupid and unattractive, yet she maintains her restraint due to her vow to Catelyn to protect him. They dismiss the innkeeper's suggested route, choosing the reverse path as they suspect deceit.
Tyrion, feeling isolated, seeks information from Varys, a eunuch who is the royal court spy chief. He implores Varys to facilitate a secret meeting with his lover, Shae, who currently works as a maid at the Lannister residence. Despite the risk, Varys sets up the meeting. Tyrion's plan was to persuade Shae to relocate for safety reasons, but they end up being intimate and Shae dismisses his concerns. Departing from their clandestine meeting, Tyrion feels uneasy. Later, when Symon Silver Tongue attempts to extort Tyrion over his affair with Shae, Tyrion proposes that Bronn, a mercenary, assassinate Symon and discard his corpse in a butcher's shop.
Jon takes in the sight of the massive army of the Free Folk. Forced to divulge details about the Wall and his comrades in the Night's Watch during his meeting with Mance Rayder, Jon begins to question the success of his strategy. The traditions of the Free Folk take him aback. When his intentions are doubted, Ygritte steps in stating they're in a sexual relationship. This appeases the wildlings, stirring Jon's discomfort. He previously pledged celibacy upon joining the Watch. Despite his oath, Ygritte manages to persuade him to sleep with her deepening Jon's inner turmoil.
Sansa is prepared with a new dress for King Joffrey's nuptials. She seizes an opportunity to caution Margaery about Joffrey's abusive and cruel nature. However, Margaery doesn't heed the warning. Sansa is resigned to the idea of wedding Margaery's disabled sibling, Ser Willas Tyrell, and convinces herself that it's a good match. The news shocks Ser Dontos Hollard, a knight, who opposes the idea, stating that the Tyrells are only interested in Sansa's inheritance. Regardless, Sansa is resolute about making the union successful.
Arya is heartbroken upon discovering Harwin's disloyalty to the Stark clan. He is now part of the Brotherhood Without Borders, a group of outlawed ex-knights who once served the Starks. They've lost their royal backing and are now fugitives. As they travel, Arya becomes aware that their destination isn't Riverrun to reunite with her family, but to Beric Dondarrion, their group's chief. She attempts to flee but gets captured and is made to carry on towards Beric's location.
Following the Others' decimation of the Fist of the First Men, Samwell and a few remaining survivors are compelled to seek refuge in the snowy wilderness. Weighed down by fatigue and despair, Samwell contemplates surrendering to his exhaustion, but is pushed on by his allies. This drive for survival is put to the test when they are ambushed by an Other, or a "wight". Despite his fear, Samwell summons the courage to use his obsidian knife against the wight. Previously, these undead creatures seemed unbeatable unless faced with fire. However, Samwell's obsidian knife proves lethal, annihilating the wight. Encouraged by this triumph, Samwell and his companions persist in their grueling journey towards Craster's Keep.
Tyrion becomes part of a family discussion to distribute war gains. Everyone gets land and wealth, except for Tyrion who is assigned as the new master of coin—a role he dislikes, fearing it signals his family's impending financial downfall. Concurrently, Tywin plans for his daughter, Cercei, to wed Willas Tyrell. Cercei is repulsed by this proposal, largely due to her secret relationship with her twin, Jaime. Tywin dismisses her protests. In a surprising turn, Tywin orders Tyrion to wed Sansa, which leaves Tyrion taken aback.
Rickard Karstark is presented to Robb and Catelyn along with his followers. Having lost two sons to Jaime Lannister, he sought vengeance by murdering two captive Lannister allies, who were mere children. He claims it was retaliation, but Robb accuses him of treachery, insisting on his execution. As allies fail to respond, a despondent Robb doubts if he can salvage his reign and ultimately beheads Karstark. Catelyn converses with Jeyne, emphasizing Robb's need for an heir.
Jaime and Brienne are ambushed on the road by bandits, resulting in Ser Cleos's death. After fighting off the attackers, the two engage in a disagreement that escalates into a sword fight. Brienne's combat skills leave Jaime shocked and they end up grappling on the ground. Their struggle is interrupted by a new wave of bandits, the Bloody Mummers, also known as the Brave Companions, led by Vargo Hoat. The situation worsens when, after an exchange of vulgarities, the Bloody Mummers sever Jaime's right hand.
The Brotherhood Without Borders journey through ravaged towns before reaching Acorn Hall, Lady Smallwood's abode, becoming their temporary shelter. Resisting at first, Arya eventually warms to Lady Smallwood's compassionate gestures, particularly a new wardrobe. They inquire about Lord Beric, a man whispered to have met his end multiple times in various manners, from a noose to a knife in the eye. Arya uncovers that her mother set Jaime free, though the reasons remain unclear to her.
Daenerys encounters the slave trader, Kraznys mo Nakloz. Through an interpreter, Kraznys details the brutal upbringing and training of the slave soldiers known as the Unsullied. They are chosen at five years old, put through harsh training, and only one out of three survive. The Unsullied are neutered and experience minimal pain. Daenerys shows her disgust towards slavery, and Whitebeard attempts to dissuade her from buying slaves. Even so, Daenerys realizes she requires an army, regardless of the moral implications. The discussion with Ser Jorah continues.
Bran undertakes a challenging journey towards the Wall with his group. The harsh landscape slows their progress. Meera narrates to Bran about the enigmatic Knight of the Laughing Tree, though Jojen mistakenly believes Bran already knows the tale. This knight shows up at a tournament, overcoming a set of cruel contestants. Rather than seeking ransom, he instructs the defeated knights to impart honorable behavior to their squires. Bran also has hopeful dreams about the mythical Isle of Faces, the dwelling of the magical Children of the Forest. He believes they might fulfill his desire to regain his ability to walk.
Melisandre pays a visit to Davos in his prison cell, outlining the celestial war between her deity, R’hllor, and his sinister counterpart, whose name is forbidden to utter. Later, a nobleman, Lord Alester Florent, is cast into the same dungeon for trying to reconcile with the Lannister clan. He engages Davos in a discussion about the latest happenings while Davos reaffirms his loyalty to Stannis. Despair overwhelms Alester, causing him to break down in tears.
On a clear night, Jon instructs his direwolf, Ghost, to return to the Wall. He soon has a conversation with Styr, a leading wildling warrior, in which he provides further details about the operations of the Wall, including the sentry rotation and their numbers. Upon reuniting with Ygritte, he discovers her in a cave. She narrates the tale of Gendel, a wildling who supposedly tunnelled beneath the Wall and vanished. Ygritte praises Jon's intimate skills.
Daenerys shocks everyone by proposing to buy all the Unsullied, the slave soldiers, from Kraznys mo Nakloz. After an extended bargaining process, she stuns everyone by offering to trade Drogon, one of her dragons, along with a significant amount of wealth. Missandei, the slave girl serving as a translator between Daenerys and Kraznys, reveals in private that she has three brothers among the Unsullied. The evening before the trade, Daenerys is visited by an ethereal female entity who delivers a puzzling message: “To go north, you must go south.” She disappears without further clarification. The following day, Daenerys completes the purchase of the Unsullied in the Plaza of Pride. However, post the transaction, she commands Drogon to set Kraznys on fire and instructs the Unsullied to rise against their past owners. The slaves stage an uprising, shouting, “Dracarys!” or “Freedom!”
Sansa, dressed in her wedding gown, is taken aback when Cersei discloses her betrothed is Tyrion, a news that disgusts her. The wedding occurs, but neither Tyrion nor Sansa show enthusiasm for it. The ball sees Joffrey and Margaery leading the dance, where Joffrey also dances with Sansa and threatens to force himself on her. After the festivities, Sansa and Tyrion retreat to their private quarters. Amidst plenty of alcohol and unease, Tyrion assures Sansa he will not force her into consummating their marriage unless she consents.
In Stoney Sept, Arya witnesses the grim realities of war and the demise of captives held in cages. She attempts to offer them water, but Anguy, a Brotherhood member, ends their lives using a crossbow. They reach a public house, serving also as a brothel, where Arya encounters Bella, a jovial prostitute. She contemplates fleeing but dismisses the idea. During the nighttime, another captive is introduced, identified as a Lannister. Upon recognizing Sandor Clegane, also known as the Hound, Arya is elated to discover he has been apprehended.
Jon observes the wildlings, led by a fighter called Jarl, trying to climb the Wall. It's a tough feat due to the Wall's towering height. As they approach the summit, a fracture appears in the wall. A large piece of the frozen structure breaks off, causing the death of the entire climbing group. Jon remembers a common phrase: “the Wall defends itself.” Ygritte becomes overwhelmed with grief. The wildlings are still without the Horn of Winter, a mythical item believed to possess the capability to destroy the Wall.
Brienne and Jaime, bound and captive, endure many days of threats and hardship. Brienne consistently encourages a despondent Jaime to keep living. They are eventually brought to the grand fortress of Harrenhal, where Lord Bolton takes custody of them. Jaime discovers that the Freys have betrayed the Starks. Lord Bolton shows dissatisfaction at Vargo Hoat's cruel handling of Brienne and Jaime. Despite disarming Brienne, they are, for the most part, accommodated well, with Jaime even receiving medical attention from Maester Qyburn.
Tyrion, now serving as the master of coin, grapples with the ruinous aftermath of the wars. His irritation heightens due to his responsibilities and his indifferent wife, Sansa. Tyrion chooses to confront Symon Silver Tongue’s potential blackmail about Shae. He proposes that Symon should depart for the Free Cities, but ends up misleading him by offering a chance to perform at Joffrey’s wedding. In reality, he instructs Bronn to assassinate Symon and hide his body. In a meeting with his father, Tywin, Tyrion witnesses the unveiling of two new swords for Joffrey and Jaime, crafted from the rare Valyrian steel. Tyrion is left perplexed about the source of the crafting material. As the swordmaker departs, he voices his disappointment over not receiving a sword. Tywin retorts by criticizing Tyrion for not fulfilling his marital duties and discloses that Willas Tyrell spurned a marriage proposal for Cersei. Their conversation is interrupted by Maester Pycelle, who brings news of the Wall's potential vulnerability. Tywin disregards the warning, stating it's a matter for the North to handle.
At Craster’s Keep, Samwell's companion Gilly delivers a baby while the Night's Watch men recover from their journey. Craster is a harsh individual with numerous wives, one of which is Gilly, although he provides the Watchmen with basic accommodation. Samwell, despite feeling undeserving, is hailed as a hero, named "Slayer" for defeating an Other. Commander Mormont presses Samwell for information about the event and emphasizes the necessity of obtaining more obsidian weapons. Later, a rebellion erupts when the Watchmen ask Craster for extra food, resulting in several deaths, including those of Craster and Mormont. With his dying breath, Mormont instructs Samwell to bring his newfound knowledge back to the Wall. Samwell also vows to protect Gilly and her newborn. They manage to flee the Keep together.
Arya and the Brotherhood convene with Thoros of Myr in a covert hideaway. They question their captive, Sandor, who refutes all accusations. An impromptu trial ensues. The Brotherhood alleges that Sandor is guilty of numerous brutal acts and slayings, but he remains indifferent. Beric Dondarrion, unable to discern Sandor's guilt or innocence, opts for a trial by combat. Sandor triumphs and slays Beric in an intense, fiery duel, seemingly vindicating himself. However, after the battle, Sandor admits to his transgressions but is already pardoned. Unexpectedly, Beric resurfaces, alive and wounded, revealing a history of multiple resurrections.
Catelyn's father has passed, and his body is sent away on a funeral vessel, meant to be ignited with a flaming arrow. Although the task of shooting the arrow is given to Catelyn's brother Edmure, his first attempt is unsuccessful. Shortly after, Lothar Frey turns up with a proposal to renegotiate an alliance between the Starks and Freys. In a private conversation, Robb tells Catelyn about Sansa's ill-fated union with Tyrion. Catelyn proposes surrendering to the Lannisters in exchange for mercy, but Robb flatly rejects it. When they reconnect with Lothar, he suggests marrying his 16-year-old daughter, Roslin, to Edmure. This proposition unsettles Edmure, as he's not prepared to wed a stranger, but ultimately, he accepts.
Davos is brought from his jail cell to a meeting with King Stannis and Melisandre in the Chamber of the Painted Table. Ser Axell, a knight serving Stannis, presents a strategy to invade Claw Isle as a show of power and retribution against traitors. Davos opposes the strategy which leads to Stannis sending Axell away. Stannis then questions Davos about his intentions towards Melisandre and insists that she did not interfere in the Battle of Blackwater. He elevates Davos to the position of Hand, a role Davos doubts his ability to fulfill. Melisandre concludes the gathering by predicting their adversaries through fire-reading.
Jaime and Brienne awkwardly share a bath, during which Jaime reveals the real reason he killed King Aerys - to prevent the king from setting the city and its inhabitants ablaze with wildfire. This unexpected information takes Brienne aback. Jaime faints while in the bath but recovers without any issues. Later, Jaime dines with Lord Bolton who conditions that Jaime won't blame him for his lost hand in return for sending him back to the Lannisters. Bolton also shatters Brienne's prisoner exchange plans by exposing Sansa and Tyrion's marriage.
A group of men from Dorne show up at King's Landing, and Tyrion tests his squire, Podrick's knowledge about various insignias and flags. Upon meeting the leaders, Tyrion is surprised to see Prince Oberyn instead of the expected Prince Doran. Oberyn displays clear hostility towards Tyrion, reminding him of their past encounters where Oberyn was let down by Tyrion's less than monstrous appearance. Oberyn insists on retribution for Gregor Clegane's offenses against Dorne. The interaction turns bitter, yet Tyrion doubts the Dornishmen's ability to overcome the Lannisters.
The Brotherhood Without Banners launches a successful night raid, wiping out a Brave Companions garrison. The remaining members face trials and most are sentenced to death. Arya is perplexed by Beric's survival from the combat trial. Initially, Beric insists he was merely injured, but his physical state clearly indicates he's been resurrected from death six times. Gendry expresses desire to become part of the Brotherhood, and is subsequently knighted by Beric. Feeling increasingly isolated from her allies, Arya parts ways with Gendry in a fit of anger.
Bran and his group reach a deserted town and discover a roadway going under a nearby lake. They notice an unknown rider and question if they're being followed. Hodor, whose vocabulary is limited to his name, repeatedly says "Hodor", ignoring Bran's efforts to silence him. Bran attempts to infiltrate Hodor's mind to mute him. They notice a camp with unidentifiable inhabitants. Bran uses his direwolf, Summer's perspective to observe them.
Jon finds himself among a group of wildlings traveling south of the Wall. He engages in a heated discussion with Ygritte at a towerhouse. Ygritte argues that the Free Folk have a superior lifestyle as they believe the world is for all, unlike the people of the Seven Kingdoms who possessively divide their lands. The wildlings stumble upon an old man, insisting Jon must execute him. Faced with hesitation, Jon is accused by the wildlings of betrayal with Ygritte. In response, Ygritte ends the old man's life. Seizing the chaotic moment, Jon attacks some wildlings and manages to break free, albeit with a leg wound that hampers his speed. He sets off towards the Wall, conflicted between dual loyalties.
Daenerys reaches Yunkai, a city she intends to seize with her enormous force. She holds meetings with three factions: Stormcrows' leaders, the commander of the Second Sons mercenary group, and a Yunkai'a envoy. She gives the mercenaries until dawn to switch sides, while the Yunkai'i are given a three-day ultimatum to release their slaves and surrender. Daenerys has also organized a nighttime surprise assault. However, the plan is preempted when Daario Naharis, a leader of the Stormcrows, comes to her camp, bearing the heads of his fellow leaders. He pledges his loyalty and the backing of his group to Daenerys. Consequently, the surprise assault ensues. While staying behind in the camp, Daenerys quizzes Whitebeard about Rhaegar, her deceased brother. Her forces triumph, and she makes her way into Yunkai where newly liberated slaves regard her as a motherly figure and cheer for her.
The Brotherhood Without Banners settle for the night. Thoros and Beric chat by the fireside while Arya listens secretly. An elderly dwarf woman joins them, sharing her dreams and forewarnings, hinting at something involving the Twins castle and a wedding. She encounters a young man named Ned who reveals that he is the "milk brother" of Jon Snow, nursed by the same woman, Wylla. Ned discloses his real identity as Edric Dayne, a lord, and tells the story of his Aunt Ashara Dayne's tragic love for Arya's father Eddard, which led to her suicide. Later on, Thoros shares a prophecy with Arya, foretelling the burning of Riverrun castle by the Lannisters. Arya attempts to run away, but gets captured by Sandor who whisks her away from the secure confines of the Brotherhood gathering.
Jaime, guided by Steelshanks Walton and a large troop, is on his way to the Lannister stronghold, feeling uneasy about his lost hand. After drinking dreamwine, he experiences a significant nightmare involving key figures from his life, including Brienne. Worried for Brienne, Jaime convinces Steelshanks to turn back to Harrenhal to save her. Upon their return, they find Vargo Hoat forcing Brienne to combat a bear with only a dull sword. Hoat's ear is disfigured from an attempted assault on Brienne, and she bit his ear in self-defense. Jaime jumps into the pit to help Brienne, and the bear is eventually killed by Steelshanks' men. Recognizing the futility of conflict, Hoat allows them to depart peacefully. Brienne questions Jaime's motives for coming back to rescue her, to which he confesses that he saw her in his dream.
Robb, alongside Edmure, Catelyn, and their 3,500 followers travel to the Twins for Edmure's wedding to Roslin, leaving Jeyne behind. Facing challenges due to bad weather and a hard-to-cross river, Catelyn urges Robb to appoint an heir till Jeyne bears a child. Robb considers Jon Snow for this role, but Catelyn disagrees, doubting Jon's trustworthiness. Their disagreement ends with Robb storming off. In the ensuing days, Robb focuses on strategizing for battles, hoping to regain the Freys' support. Catelyn's offer of help is met with 'stay safe', a sentiment she finds demeaning.
Samwell and Gilly reach the deserted Whitetree village. Gilly, struggling from recent childbirth, is on horseback, while Samwell is on foot. They set up a temporary base, fatigue and despair weighing heavily on them. Samwell fills the air with a gentle tune, a song his harsh father had always disliked. Abruptly, they are set upon by the revived body of Small Paul, a former Night’s Watch member, who has returned as a wight. Samwell attempts to fight him off with an obsidian blade, but it breaks against Small Paul's armor. Eventually, Samwell manages to set him ablaze, only to discover Gilly cornered by more wights outside. Suddenly, a stranger astride a large elk summons Sam. As he and Gilly join the rider, Samwell notices the man's black, frostbitten hands.
Sandor, with Arya as a captive, journeys far, arriving at a river that Arya believes is the Blackwater Rush. Sandor secures a ferryman's services, using force to compensate for his lack of funds. When their boat strikes a submerged tree, a boatman is swept off by the fast current, presumably doomed. The ferryman receives a worthless IOU from Sandor, sparking an argument with Arya. Sandor then discloses that the river is not Blackwater, but the Trident. Contrary to Arya's assumption that they were heading towards the Lannisters, Sandor plans to take her to the Twins to bargain her return to the Starks.
Jon is on his journey back to the Wall, cautioning the inhabitants of Mole's Town about the impending wildlings invasion. Upon arrival, Donal Noye, the blacksmith, is the first to recognize him. Despite circulating defection rumors, Jon clarifies his mission assigned by Qhorin Halfhand. He gets medical attention from Maester Aemon and is updated about Commander Mormont's death at Craster's Keep. He shares his information, but also confesses to violating his oath through his relationship with Ygritte. He's told that Winterfell has been devastated and Bran and Rickon are presumed dead. However, Jon refuses to accept this, as he recently saw Bran's direwolf, who recognized him.
Robb and his party reach the Twins, where Catelyn warns him about Walder, a man known for taking offense easily. The Frey lords are alarmed when Robb’s direwolf, Grey Wind, growls at them. It's revealed that the large group of Robb's bannermen can't be housed within the castle, so they are directed to three feast tents outside. Walder presents his numerous daughters to the Starks, many of which are unappealing and some he can't even recognize. However, when Roslin, Walder's daughter, is introduced, her beauty catches Edmure off guard and he eagerly anticipates their upcoming marriage to Catelyn privately. A meeting with Lord Bolton unveils a piece of skin from Theon Greyjoy, accused of killing Bran and Rickon. There's discussion regarding Greyjoy's fate, ultimately deciding to keep him as a captive. War strategies are discussed between Robb, Catelyn, and Lord Bolton, planning to advance after Edmure's marriage to Roslin.
Clegane nears the Twins, informing a knight that he's carrying salt pork for the wedding. This allows him and Arya to gain access to the surrounding areas. Aware that stepping inside the castle could lead to his capture by the Starks and Freys, Clegane chooses to stay outside while the wedding takes place. The sound of music emanating from the castle is strikingly loud. Arya scans the celebratory crowd for a familiar face, but to no avail.
As the wedding party unfolds with boisterous music, Catelyn notes Edmure and Roslin's apparent compatibility, despite her disapproval of the mediocre feast. Robb's fury is ignited by Grey Wolf's exclusion from the ceremony, to which Walder refers to the direwolf's initial hostile behavior. With Walder's attention wavering, the wedding commences, culminating in the newlyweds being spirited away to consummate their vows amid widespread applause. Yet, a chilling suspicion looms over Catelyn. The celebration takes a horrifying turn as the musicians reveal crossbows and launch a deadly assault on the crowd. Amid the chaos, Robb is injured. In desperation, Catelyn seizes a blade and Jinglebell the jester, a Frey offspring, threatening his life for their freedom. However, an unforeseen attacker pierces Robb's heart. In her final act, Catelyn slits Jinglebell's throat before meeting her own tragic end.
Arya senses impending danger outside the wedding. Violence suddenly ensues within the feast tents, with the Freys slaughtering Stark's supporters. As Arya attempts to rush to the castle to rescue her mother and brother, Clegane renders her unconscious with his axe.
Tyrion and Sansa have yet another tense meal together. When Sansa decides to leave for her religious practice, Tyrion offers to accompany her, but she turns him down. Tyrion then meets with Tywin, Joffrey, and Cersei who inform him of Robb, Catelyn, and their allies' death. A serious disagreement emerges between Tyrion and Joffrey with Tyrion subtly implying a threat to Joffrey’s life. Joffrey’s disrespectful retort to Tywin results in both him and Cersei being sent away. Once alone, Tyrion deduces that Tywin had a hand in orchestrating the Freys' massacre. Their conversation moves on to dealing with Oberyn Martell's demand for Gregor Clegane's death. Tywin plans to deceive Oberyn by blaming another for the death of his sister and her children, but Tyrion is skeptical about this strategy. They also talk about Tywin's arrangement with Walder Frey to eliminate the Starks, emphasizing the tactical advantage their death provides to the Lannisters.
Davos and King Stannis discover the Red Wedding's aftermath and the decimation of the Starks. Stannis contemplates his ensuing strategy, dismissing Melisandre's counsel until she proposes a sacrifice — Robert Baratheon's illegitimate son Edric Storm — to the deity R'hllor to favor them in the war. Despite Davos's pleas for Edric's life, Stannis remains resolute. Conversations with Salladhor Saan reveal Davos's covert attempts to rally support against Melisandre. Later, during a literacy session with Maester Pylos, Davos is shown a dispatch from the Wall about an impending wildling attack, a fact he requests Pylos to keep from Stannis.
Mole’s Town is set on fire by the wildlings, however, Jon is comforted knowing that he warned the Night's Watch. He is perturbed by the Seven Kingdom's abandonment of the Watch and is anxious about his crew's readiness. He is also troubled by the wildlings' southern assault strategy. During a long and brutal nocturnal conflict, a stairway gives way, leading to the death of wildling leader, Styr. Several of Jon's associates are either killed or injured during the fight. Jon stumbles upon Ygritte, who has been hit by an arrow, and watches her die in his embrace.
Bran and his group wander through Nightfort, a deserted fortress on the Wall, haunted by its grim past. It transpires that Bran's direwolf, Summer, might have been injured in a clash with the wildlings, a result of Bran taking over the wolf's mind. The group's search within the castle yields nothing significant. When Meera attempts to scale a wall, Bran yearns for his own climbing days. After Hodor drops a stone into the abyss, which hits a damp surface after a while, they opt to stay put. As they prepare to slumber, Bran senses an entity in the darkness but fails to access Hodor's mind. When the figure shows up, Meera impales it, only to realize it's Samwell, shaken but unscathed. Samwell, accompanied by Gilly, reveals that Coldhands saved them. Hidden within the building is the Black Gate, an old passage in the Wall. They soon find out Summer the direwolf is still alive. They all venture deep into the Nightfort's depths until they encounter a mystical door that only opens when Samwell utters his Night’s Watch oath.
Daenerys and her forces reach Meereen, where a single warrior, Oznak zo Pahl, comes out from the city to challenge a duel. Daenerys assigns the one-time gladiator, Strong Belwas, to fight Oznak, who manages to defeat and behead him despite being on foot against a horseman. Daenerys then grapples with the issue of how to invade the heavily fortified city until she discovers a sewer system that runs under the walls. While considering her options in her own camp, an assassin, identified as Mero, the mercenary leader from Yunkai, confronts her. He is killed in a duel by Whitebeard, saving Daenerys’ life. Upon Ser Jorah’s return from reconnaissance, Daenerys expresses her anger that he had not informed her about Mero’s escape from the previous battle. However, when she insists on making Whitebeard a knight, he reveals that he already is one, and his real name is Barristan Selmy. Further, Barristan admits that he served her father but betrayed him. He also confesses that Ser Jorah was spying on Daenerys for the Iron Throne, which Jorah reluctantly admits. Feeling betrayed and disoriented, Daenerys sends them both away.
Tyrion discloses the Red Wedding information to Sansa, yet her feelings remain hidden from him. In the dark of night, he slips from their shared room to meet Shae in secret. Worried about her well-being and frustrated by his limited means to provide for her, he decides that marrying her off to Ser Tallad, a notably tall knight residing in King's Landing, might be the best course of action.
Sansa Stark feels desolate at Joffrey's grand wedding, thinking her family is no more. She and Tyrion Lannister are present as Joffrey marries Margaery Tyrell. Joffrey, unimpressed by the expensive history book gift from Tyrion, carelessly destroys it with his new Valyrian steel sword gifted by Tywin, which he names Widow's Wail. In a private moment, Tyrion attempts to chat with Sansa about their families, only to be met with vague responses. Sansa further rejects Tyrion's attempt to provide specifics about the Red Wedding, not wanting to hear about the demise of Robb and Catelyn.
Tyrion passively observes the wedding, drowns himself in wine and proposes to Sansa a future away at Casterly Rock, but she's uncertain. The pair head to their rooms where Shae wishes to serve at the celebration, only to be turned down by Sansa. At the lavish 77-course feast, Tyrion quietly resents the over-the-top affair. Joffrey initiates a dwarf jousting act, which ticks Tyrion off and the pair exchange barbs. The rude king throws wine at Tyrion's face and pushes him around by making him refill the cup. The tension is broken when Tywin tells Joffrey to slice the dove-filled wedding pie. Joffrey summons Ser Ilyn Payne for his sword, which Sansa recognizes as her father’s reforged blade, Ice. Tyrion attempts to exit with Sansa but Joffrey forces them to stay. Joffrey dives into the pie but soon after falls, choking. As he dies, Cersei shrieks out that he’s been poisoned. The palace security team apprehends Tyrion on the spot.
After Joffrey starts choking at the banquet, Sansa seizes the opportunity to make her escape. Happy about the king's demise, she scrutinizes her hairnet to find an amethyst gem missing. Remembering Ser Dontos's claims that the hairnet was enchanted and would help her escape, she suspects there's more to it. Suddenly, Dontos shows up and aids her in slipping through the fortress, leading her down a hidden staircase in the outer wall. They get on a boat where she spots Petyr Baelish. Upon Dontos's request for his reward for delivering Sansa, Petyr orders him to be killed by crossbow bolts. Petyr defends his actions, stating Dontos, a greedy alcoholic, would have jeopardized their scheme. He confesses that the dwarf jousting idea was his and reassures Sansa of her safety with him.
Jaime is en-route to King's Landing when he learns about Joffrey's death and the circulating murder speculations. Brienne is unsure about her next steps, given Jaime's safety and Catelyn's demise. Upon entering King's Landing, Jaime perceives the city's indifference toward both Joffrey's death and his own homecoming. At the castle, a Northman, Ser Loras accuses Brienne of King Renly Baratheon's murder, though earlier it was established that Melisandre and Stannis were the actual culprits. Fearing for Brienne, Jaime uses his position to get her arrested. He encounters Cersei in the sept, mourning over Joffrey, their clandestine son. Cersei is convinced that Tyrion is behind Joffrey's death. The siblings engage in an impassioned encounter in the sept, beside Joffrey's body. However, Jaime's declaration of love leaves Cersei startled and she sends him away. Later, Jaime confronts his father Tywin, who insists that he move to Casterly Rock to guide young Tommen, Joffrey's successor. Tywin proposes Margaery as Jaime's wife, but Jaime defies his father's wishes, expressing his wish to lead the Kingsguard. Tywin grudgingly accepts.
As Melisandre performs the ritual for Edric's sacrifice, Davos takes him from his room. Maester Pylos aids in the escape, gaining Davos's admiration. He helps Edric board a ship and escape into the night, while Davos remains behind to confront King Stannis. As he waits, he ponders his simple desires and yearns for a less complicated existence. When Stannis and Melisandre ask for Edric, Davos reveals that he's helped the boy escape and accepts the blame, insisting it was in service to the throne. With the threat of death hanging over him, he pulls out a letter and begins to read.
Waking up, Jon sees the huge wildling army ready for war outside the Wall. He understands their plan to demolish a gate at the Wall's base, leading to a slim passageway. If they succeed, the wildlings can breach the Wall and invade. Noye heads off to guard the gate and tunnel, leaving Jon stunned as he is put in charge. With the battle's tide shifting, Jon steps up as leader of the Night's Watch. Post-battle, he checks the gate and discovers Noye and several others killed, presumably in a fight with a now-dead giant. As they start fixing the gate, Jon realizes he's now the Wall's permanent leader.
Arya and Sandor rove the rural areas, with Sandor hoping for a reward for Arya's return. They come across a severely injured archer and provide him a quick, painless death. Arya pleads with Sandor to go back to the Twins to check for surviving Starks, but he denies her request. They end up staying in a small town for a fortnight. Initially, Sandor contemplates settling down there. But the locals recognize him and request him to leave. Arya proposes a visit to the Wall to meet Jon, but Sandor dismisses this suggestion as well.
Tyrion is put on trial for Joffrey's death, with no one willing to defend him. He suspects Sansa is behind the poisoning. He thinks of choosing trial by combat, but his hopes fall flat when he learns Cersei has selected the formidable Gregor Clegane as her champion. Tyrion's hopes further falter after a bleak talk with Bronn, a mercenary, due to the unfavorable odds and absence of a tempting offer. In the courtroom, Tyrion declares his innocence, but his confidence wanes as one witness after another testifies against him. His uncle, Ser Kevan, advises him to admit guilt and consider serving the Night's Watch. Unexpectedly, Prince Oberyn Martell visits Tyrion, expressing his belief in Tyrion's innocence. Tyrion shares with him the atrocity Gregor committed against Oberyn's sister Elia. This prompts Oberyn to volunteer as Tyrion's champion, ready to face Gregor in the looming trial by combat.
Assuming his new role as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Jaime settles in the White Sword Tower and studies the White Book, a historical record of his predecessors. His examination of their accomplishments leaves him feeling disheartened and distanced. He then convenes a meeting with the Kingsguard members to talk over their respective duties and bonds. A heated discourse ensues with Ser Loras. Loras insists that Brienne is responsible for Renly's death, to which Jaime counter suggests that Loras might have contributed to Joffrey's demise. Loras starts to question his conviction about Brienne's involvement. Once Loras departs, Jaime contemplates getting a golden prosthetic hand.
Sansa is taken aback to find out she's headed to Petyr's humble property. Petyr discloses his plan to wed Sansa's unknown aunt, Lady Lysa, and renames Sansa, "Alayne" due to her status as a fugitive. She must pose as his illegitimate child. During a meal, Petyr unravels the plot behind Joffrey's death. Lysa shows up a few days later, keen to marry Petyr on the spot. Amidst their wedding night, Marillion, a minstrel, makes advances towards Sansa but is stopped by a knight, Ser Lothor Brune. Lysa admits she's aware of Sansa's real identity the next day and suggests her frail son, Robert, as Sansa's future husband once Tyrion is killed for Joffrey's assassination. Sansa agrees under duress.
Jon, the Night’s Watch leader, at last finds rest after exhaustive conflicts. Upon waking, he and his men are faced with defending the Wall against a mobile fortification known as a “turtle.” They succeed in demolishing this structure and dispersing the troops inside. Once Jon falls into slumber again, he is rudely awakened with accusations of treason by Ser Alliser Thorne and Janos Slynt and is subsequently apprehended.
Tyrion contemplates admitting his guilty. He attends his trial and hears Shae falsely accuse him. He interrupts her, admitting guilt not for Joffrey's death but for “being born a dwarf.” He insists on a combat trial, choosing Oberyn as his defender. Before the fight, Oberyn shares about his sisterly bond, drinks, and brags about choosing a spear over a sword. Tyrion sees his greasy hands and suspects a poisoned spear. As the combat ensues, Oberyn repeatedly accuses Gregor of crimes and inflicts several minor wounds on him. However, Oberyn gets severely injured after being too relaxed, and Gregor ends up killing him. Consequently, Tyrion loses his trial, and he's confined in the dark cells, a place for those awaiting death sentence.
Jorah and Barristan, once known as Whitebeard, sneak into the city through the sewer system and unlock the gates. This enables Daenerys's forces to conquer the city and free the slaves. However, the victory is tarnished by the harsh punishment meted out to Meereen's residents. The news of disorder in Yunkai and Astapor, with freed slaves selling themselves back into servitude, further sours the triumph. Barristan confesses his mistakes to Daenerys, who grants him forgiveness. Jorah, conversely, maintains his innocence, yet Daenerys dismisses him. Despite initial plans, Daenerys opts to remain in Meereen, choosing to reign as its queen.
Jaime finds the bureaucratic tasks of his role as the Kingsguard's Lord Commander monotonous. He comes across Steelshanks Walton, who introduces a girl claiming to be Arya Stark, but Jaime is skeptical. He confesses his love to Cersei and proposes marriage, which frightens her, resulting in a heated argument. He summons Brienne and gifts her the sword Tywin gave him, forged from Ned Stark’s sword's steel. He instructs her to guard Sansa with it, no matter where she might be. He suggests the name 'Oathkeeper' for the sword before dismissing her. Jaime then returns to musing over the White Book, contemplating his destiny.
Janos Slynt and Alliser Thorne decide to assign Jon with the task of assassinating Mance Rayder, given that they couldn't execute him themselves. In a private meeting, Mance shows Jon an immense horn, supposedly the Horn of Winter. Jon is unsure if this horn can truly obliterate the Wall as foretold. Mance concedes he can't damage the Wall, as it's the only protection against the Others, hoping to lead the wildlings to safety on the other side. Abruptly, King Stannis's army attacks the wildling camp; Jon identifies the invaders. Stannis emerges victorious, taking down the wildling forces.
Sandor and Arya, in an inn, encounter Polliver and the Tickler, two minions of Gregor Clegane who are on Arya's list of enemies. An altercation ensues and Sandor eliminates Polliver. As he confronts the Tickler, Arya stealthily kills him along with the men's aide. In the process, she reclaims her sword, Needle. Following the chaos, an intensely injured Sandor is unable to continue. He pleads with Arya to end his life, but instead, she abandons him to a slow death. She makes her way to the coastal town of Saltpans, where she exchanges her horse for a meager sum. Her objective is to secure a ship from Saltpans, but her initial attempts are rebuffed. It's not until she presents the iron coin given to her by Jaqen H’ghar (in A Clash of Kings) and repeats the phrase "Valar marghulis" that the captain acknowledges her. Recognizing the coin and phrase, he permits her onto his vessel.
Having survived the combat, Gilly and Samwell are now secure among the Night's Watch. Despite his fatigue, Jon meets Samwell and reiterates that he can't wed Gilly nor claim her baby. Samwell attempts to comfort Jon, stating that Janos won't be the next Night’s Watch leader, but Jon has already accepted the probability. The Night’s Watch men commence the vote for their new leader, yet no decisive result emerges. Samwell's friends imply he could influence the election, but he feels too scared to intervene.
Melisandre interrupts Jon's sword training to introduce him to King Stannis. Stannis assesses the treason charges against Jon and disregards them. He then shares his ambition to rule over the entire Westeros and proposes to establish Jon as the Lord of Winterfell. His strategy involves arranging a marriage between Jon and a wildling woman, aiming to combine their kingdoms. Jon, taken aback, requests time to think. Stannis grants him this, albeit with a warning about his short temper.
Jaime drops by Tyrion's prison. Initially, Tyrion presumes it’s a friendly visit, but Jaime is there to release him. During their attempted escape, Jaime confesses that he deceived Tyrion regarding Tysha, Tyrion’s first wife. Ordered by their father, Jaime misrepresented Tysha as a prostitute. In reality, she was a farmer's daughter. As a consequence of Tyrion's marriage to Tysha, Tywin arranged a traumatic ordeal for her in front of Tyrion. Outraged by the truth, Tyrion vows vengeance on Jaime and falsely confesses to murdering Joffrey, Jaime's biological son. With Varys, the eunuch's guidance, Tyrion navigates through the catacombs. However, he pauses to enter his father's bedroom. There, he encounters Shae, who professes her enduring love for him. In response, Tyrion chokes her. He then takes a crossbow and comes upon Tywin in the bathroom. When questioned about Tysha, Tywin displays arrogance and ignorance. Enraged, Tyrion shoots Tywin with the crossbow, resulting in his death, and then makes his escape.
Samwell is present during a discussion with King Stannis and Night's Watch members. Stannis makes his dislike for Janos Slynt clear and doesn't back him up for the Lord Commander role. He further requests possession of the Gift, a territory beneath the Wall, a proposal met with hesitation by the Watchmen. Melisandre states that they're combating darkness and proclaims Stannis as the reincarnated Azor Ahai. Stannis sends everyone away except Samwell and Maester Aemon, to inquire about Samwell's encounter with the Other and to see the Black Gate. Later, Samwell and Maester Aemon ponder over the impending Lord Commander elections, with Samwell uncertain of his role. He subsequently visits the prospective commanders, Ser Pyke and Ser Denys, hinting to each that Stannis would favor the other in case of a voting deadlock. Aware of their mutual rivalry, he asks if they would consider supporting Jon Snow.
During a training session, Jon loses consciousness and a childhood memory from Winterfell surfaces. He's troubled as he contemplates Stannis's proposition. Unexpectedly, Ghost, his direwolf, shows up, which brings comfort to Jon. Reflecting on the discovery of the direwolves, Jon resolves his decision regarding Stannis's offer. At dinner, he's taken aback to discover he's been nominated as the new Lord Commander. Janos Slynt is furious, resulting in an altercation. The final tally reveals Jon as the elected leader of the Night’s Watch by a large margin. The men pledge their allegiance and Jon takes up the role, realizing that Samwell orchestrated the entire scenario.
In the Eyrie's castle, Marillion is a constant nuisance to Sansa, though Lysa disregards her protests. Alone and longing for home, Sansa constructs a snow replica of Winterfell. Observing her, Petyr assists with the snow castle and surprises Sansa with a kiss. Their moment is broken when young Robert demolishes the castle as payback for Sansa ripping his doll. Later, Marillion brings Sansa before her aunt Lysa who accuses her of seducing Petyr. Despite Sansa's refusal of the claims, Lysa hysterically attempts to throw her niece out of the Moon Door, a portal to a deadly fall. Petyr intervenes, pacifying Lysa who confesses her envy of her sister, Catelyn, suspected of having an affair with Petyr. Petyr placates her, encourages her to let Sansa go, and then shockingly sends Lysa to her death through the Moon Door, blaming Marillion for her demise.
Merrett Frey journeys into the forest intending to bargain with a group of abductors and free his kinsman, Petyr Frey. Upon arrival, he discovers Petyr has already been executed. The abductors seize his gold and steed, followed by questioning him. Merrett insists on his innocence until a mute woman, recognized by Merrett as Catelyn Stark, makes her presence known. Her nod affirms Merrett's involvement in the Red Wedding massacre. He is then hanged from a tree.