Date of Death: 301 AC at Castle Black
Executioner: Olly
In my “In Memoriam” piece about Ser Pounce, I discussed his cruel and totally uncalled for death. Here, as I reflect on my (non-cat) favorite Game of Thrones character Ygritte, I want to highlight five reasons why I think she deserves some serious love.
1. She’s a total warrior badass.
In all of the seasons that she was featured (2, 3, 4), she is depicted as a highly skilled archer and suvivalist. She doesn’t need anyone. She’s a wildling — a free woman — and she is not only talented athletically but also intellectually, as she shows with her Jon Snow banter (see my next point).
2. She holds her own with Jon Snow.
When she is captured by Jon Snow etc. after their assault on the watchpost, she is nothing but brave, civil, and loyal (to her fellow wildlings). Jon Snow — JON FREAKIN SNOW — can’t find it in his heart to kill her. He’s enamored by her intelligence and sharp wit. She’s fully ready for death, but when Jon hesitates, she’s like OKAY BYE. And then he recaptures her, and romance slowly bloooooooms.
3. She is a completely gorgeous, unique human being.
I’ve already mentioned all of her fantastic characteristics. Now let’s just pause and look at her. JUST LOOK AT HER.
4. She has brilliant, memorable lines — particularly when she’s speaking to Jon Snow (as featured below).
“In your hearts, all your crows want to fly free.”
“If we die, we’ll die, but first, we’ll live.”
“Do you remember that cave…? We should’ve stayed in that cave…“ “We’ll go back there.” “You know nothing…Jon Snow…“
ALSO THIS — how can I not include this comment made by Ygritte to Tormund before the Battle of Castle Black:
“I know you never fucked a bear. You know you never fucked a bear. Right now, I don’t want to think about the bear you never fucked. Right now, all I want to think about is each one of these arrows finding its way into a crow’s heart.“
5. YGRITTE AND JON SNOW HAVE A REAL-LIFE ROMANCE.
Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Ygritte (Rose Leslie) became engaged in September 2017 and got married in Scotland in June 2018. Can we just say, PRESHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH and leave it that? They’re beautiful, and I’m so happy for them.
