Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Most noble houses have mottoes that boast; the Starks' is a warning, and it sums up the whole series: the long summer is ending and the real danger is coming from the North. Ned uses it as a parent's hard lesson as much as a threat. Fans still use it as a one-line forecast of bad times ahead, and it became the show's marketing refrain.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Game of ThronesShow the scene
Ned Stark says it in the very first episode of Game of Thrones, "Winter Is Coming" (17 April 2011). A guardsman rides into Winterfell with news that a deserter from the Night's Watch has been caught, and Ned orders his horses saddled and tells Rodrik to bring Bran along. Catelyn protests that ten is too young to see such things. Ned answers that Bran will not stay a boy forever, and that winter is coming. Moments later, Ned beheads the deserter himself with the family's Valyrian-steel sword, Ice. It is also the Stark house words, and the episode's title.
Sources (3)
- Wikiquote: Game of Thrones, 1.01 Winter is ComingSection 1.01, Rodrik, Ned and Catelyn exchangeReference checked
- Game of Thrones Wiki: Winter Is ComingPlot, Winterfell sectionReference checked
- Game of Thrones Wiki: House StarkInfobox and leadReference checked
Context reviewed
