No other TV show in history has matched the popularity, success, and critical acclaim of Game of Thrones. Much of that is down to its fantasy world-building, casting, and hilarious characterization, all while staying somewhat true to George R.R. Martin's source material.

Despite the disappointing series finale, Game of Thrones is known for its clever and memorable one-liners and quotes, many of which stick with viewers long after they've watched the show. Here are the most iconic quotes from HBO's Game of Thrones.

Updated April 13, 2024 by Joe Grantham: As a drama that spans eight seasons, it is only natural that Game of Thrones has a myriad of great quotes. From quick-witted quips to solemn messages about the realities of life, many Game of Thrones quotes have become embedded in fans' minds as staples of modern pop culture.

While some of the quotes, especially from later seasons, are the show's own invention, many of the best one-liners hail from the source material, George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series.

1 "Hodor!"

Hodor

• Multiple Episodes

Easily one of the most recognizable and memorable quotes from Game of Thrones, if it can even be called a quote, is Hodor saying the only thing he is capable of saying, "Hodor!". No matter the situation or his mood, Hodor always finds a way to say "Hodor" and it is a credit to Kristian Nairn's acting that he manages to portray such a range of emotions using only one word. Thankfully, due to his usually buoyant self, the 'Hodors' are mostly cheerful and even humorous, although at other times when he was scared, the 'Hodors' were filled with terror.

It was revealed in later seasons, that Bran's time-traveling was responsible for the seizure of the stableboy once known as Wylis, who would go on to be known as Hodor based on the only sound he could make going forward. As it turns out, "Hodor" is a shortening and simplification of the last command Hodor was given, "Hold the door!".

2 "If You Ever Call Me Sister Again, I'll Have You Strangled In Your Sleep."

Cersei Lannister

• Episode: S3 E8 - Second Sons

While there are many great moments of action in Game of Thrones, the best battles are arguably those fought with tongues, and there are few fiercer sparing partners than the two queens, Margaery Tyrell and Cersei Lannister. One of their first bouts, in which the soon-to-be queen Margaery underestimates her elder, happens at Tyrion and Sansa's wedding when Margaery remarks that they will soon be sisters due to the proposed marriage of Cersei to Loras.

Through false smiles and feigned politeness, Cersei then proceeds to recount the story of the Reynes of Castamere to her young rival. The tale, which is known for its accompanying song, is about the annihilation of an ambitious House by Cersei's father. If the veiled message of not overreaching was not clear enough, Cersei follows up by telling Margaery "If you ever call me sister again, I'll have you strangled in your sleep." This single, cold line set the tone for how their relationship would play out over coming seasons.

3 "Hush Hodor, No More Hodoring."

Bran Stark

• Episode: S3 E9 - The Rains of Castamere

One of the show's funniest lines, despite taking place during a moment of panic and preceding something incredibly dark, is when Bran says "Hush Hodor, no more Hodoring." This is in response to Hodor loudly shouting the only thing he can, "Hodor," while being terribly scared by lightning and thunder.

Despite having sought refuge from the storm in a tower, the appearance of wildlings necessitates quiet from all those accompanying Bran north. As Hodor will not be quiet, Bran at first tries soothing tones and words, including the humorous phrase above. When raising his own voice fails, Bran does something he didn't even know he could do. In the heat of the moment, with their backs against the wall, Bran wargs into Hodor, controlling his mind and body.

4 "A Mind Needs Books Like A Sword Needs A Whetstone."

Tyrion Lannister

• Episode: S1 E2 - The Kingsroad.

While Tyrion Lannister is perhaps best known for the humorous quips that spill out of his mouth between sips of wine, he also offers many words of wisdom throughout the series. One of the best such examples is in a conversation with Jon Snow, who wonders why Tyrion reads so much.

As Tyrion points out, individuals have their unique skills, and just like his brother Jaime with his sword, Tyrion has his mind, and as he says this rather memorable piece of dialogue.

5 "The Man Who Passes The Sentence Should Swing The Sword."

Eddard Stark

• Episode: S1 E1 - Winter Is Coming.

The first episode of Game of Thrones is packed with great quotes that would go on to be repeated throughout the series. In one of the first scenes, Lord Eddard Stark is tasked with the responsibility of taking the head from a deserter of the Night's Watch, and he has brought his young son Bran as part of his education.

Ned tells Bran that the reason he had to do it is because "The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword." This is a powerful quote that his other sons Robb and Jon would take to heart, and it helped them realize that sentences should not be passed lightly and that it is their burden to bear.

6 "Never Forget What You Are, The Rest Of The World Will Not. Wear It Like Armor, And It Can Never Be Used To Hurt You."

Tyrion Lannister

• Episode: S1 E1 - Winter Is Coming.

Sometimes, books, TV series, or films provide fans with truly beautiful words of advice that can be applied to the real world. The following quote, originally from the ASOIAF book series, is one such example. In Tyrion Lannister's first conversation with Jon Snow, he recognizes that Jon, as an illegitimate child, is in a similar boat to himself as a dwarf.

Both are shunned by their world and so he says, "Never forget what you are, the rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you."

7 "Winter Is Coming."

Members Of House Stark

• Episode: S1 E1 - Winter Is Coming.

When it comes to the most well-known and repeated words from Game of Thrones, it is hard to argue that the profound motto of House Stark "Winter is coming" isn't number one. While other Houses boast of power or honor, House Stark warns of the coming hardships of not only winter but of a much worse fate.

At the deepest level, "Winter is coming" is about the ever-looming threat of the Long Night and the Others, both of which the rest of the realm forgets about while they are embroiled in their political intrigues.

8 "Not Today."

Arya Stark

• Episode: S1 E6 - A Golden Crown.

While the phrase "Not today" is technically delivered by Arya, she is taught it by Syrio Forel, the former First Sword of Braavos. The most poignant and iconic use of the phrase is when Syrio is giving his life in her defense, and he asks her "What do we say to the God of Death?"

The quote is particularly deep as although its intent is about Arya herself not dying, the fate of Syrio Forel is left open-ended in both the show and the books. Against all odds, Syrio Forel, a severely underrated Thrones character, may also have said no to death.

9 "Any Man Who Must Say 'I Am The King,' Is No True King."

Tywin Lannister

• Episode: S3 E10 - Mhysa.

Tywin Lannister is a man of few words, but when he does speak the whole room listens intently to his wisdom. One of Tywin's most iconic lines is when he rebuffs the ineptitude of his grandson King Joffrey, one of the most hated villains in TV history, by saying "Any man who must say 'I am the King,' is no true King."

The calmness with which Tywin tells Joffrey that he is no true King is something that only he could pull off and shows that it is he who truly holds the power.

10 "The Lannisters Send Their Regards."

Roose Bolton

• Episode: S3 E9 - The Rains Of Castamere.

The infamous Red Wedding episode is one of the greatest moments in television history, tearing at the heartstrings of all and shocking first-time viewers to the core. Synonymous with the Red Wedding, is the phrase "The Lannisters send their regards," spoken by Roose Bolton as he stabs Robb Stark.

While simple, the line speaks a thousand words and the fact that out of context it would be considered polite makes it all the more brutal. The line is also set up perfectly when a recently freed Jaime Lannister tells Roose Bolton to "Tell Robb Stark I'm sorry I couldn't make his Uncle's wedding."

11 "I'm Going To Have To Eat Every Chicken In This Room."

Sandor "The Hound" Clegane

• Episode: S4 E1 - Two Swords.

Sandor Clegane had a rough ride in Game of Thrones, being brutalized by his brother from a young age and receiving grotesque facial burns that left him petrified of fire. He became Arya Stark's protector as the two formed an unlikely bond on the road.

The Hound has many iconic quotes and witty one-liners. His funniest quote comes from when he and Arya arrive at an inn. After getting into a heated debate about King Joffrey, The Hound says that all the talking has made him hungry and thirsty, with this hilarious quote following after. The patron asks if The Hound is willing to die for some chickens, and The Hound threatens that someone will be, before massacring everyone in sight.

12 "If You Think This Has A Happy Ending, You Haven't Been Paying Attention."

Ramsay Bolton

• Episode: S3 E6 - The Climb.

Game of Thrones is known for instilling harsh realities and wisdom into its viewers, ignoring typical fantasy show tropes of happy endings in favor of brutality, gratuitous violence, and beloved character deaths.

Ramsay Bolton is potentially the cruelest character in the show, and he foreshadows the show's conclusion. While torturing his victim, Theon Greyjoy, Ramsay says, "If you think this has a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention," setting the scene for tragedy to inevitably strike.

13 "Tell Cersei. I Want Her To Know It Was Me."

Olenna Tyrell

• Episode: S7 E3 - The Queen's Justice.

This quote from Olenna Tyrell will go down in history as one of the best final lines ever uttered by a character. The mystery surrounding Joffrey's assassination at his wedding had been circulating, but it was finally solved in Lady Olenna's closing scene.

Lady Olenna confesses to her crime in Season 7. Jaime granted her a mercy-killing by giving her a fast-acting poison, going against Cersei's wishes of a dragged-out death. But the Queen of Thorns aptly earned her nickname with a last wicked barb about Joffrey before meeting her end.

14 "The Things I Do For Love."

Jaime Lannister

• Episode: S1 E1 - Winter Is Coming.

Straight from the get-go, Jaime Lannister was painted as one of the most brutal characters in the series, aptly summarized by this quote. Jaime said, "The things I do for love," before he shoved Bran Stark from the tower window when Bran accidentally discovered his incestuous liaison with his twin sister, Cersei.

Of course, Bran survived the fall but became paralyzed. When Jaime and Bran see each other again in Season 8, Bran says, "The things I do for love" to Jaime as a callback to when they first met.

15 "First Lesson - Stick 'Em With The Pointy End."

Jon Snow

• Episode: S1 E2 - The Kingsroad.

Jon Snow was the only one in House Stark that took Arya's ambitions seriously. She failed to live up to the societal expectations of girls her age and was terrible at being feminine.

Instead, Arya wanted to be a warrior. Jon saw this before he left for the Night's Watch and gifted her a Blackforged Valryian Steel thin sword which she named Needle. He gave her an important life lesson: "Stick 'em with the pointy end," something that sticks with Arya throughout her journey.

16 "That's What I Do. I Drink And I Know Things."

Tyrion Lannister

• Episode: S6 E2 - Home.

One of the most beloved fan-favorite characters in Game of Thrones is Tyrion Lannister. He's an intelligent wordsmith, capable of dishing out valuable advice and words of wisdom to any ally.

In later seasons, he becomes Hand of the Queen to Daenerys. While in Meereen, he tells Missandei that dragons don't do well in captivity. When asked how he knows this, he replies with his iconic line: "That's what I do. I drink and I know things."

17 "You Know Nothing, Jon Snow."

Ygritte

• Episode: S2 E7 - A Man Without Honor.

Jon Snow encounters Ygritte in his ventures up North, beyond The Wall with the Night's Watch. The pair formed an initial rocky friendship, which later blossomed into a relationship. Ygritte constantly teased Jon about his ignorance and lack of real-world experience.

The pair inevitability goes their separate ways due to their differing loyalties. When the Freefolk besieged the Wall and attacked Castle Black, they met again. She hesitated when aiming at Jon and was subsequently shot. As she slowly bled to death, Jon tried to console her. She replied with her iconic "you know nothing, Jon Snow" quote one last time before dying in his arms.

18 "I'm Not Going To Stop The Wheel. I'm Going To Break The Wheel."

Daenerys Targaryen

• Episode: S5 E8 - Hardhome.

Daenerys was a feminist icon, as she rose like a phoenix from the flames and ashes of Khal Drogo's funeral pyre. She was armed with her three newborn dragons, becoming visages of her visible strength. Across the narrow seas, she liberated countless slave cities and amassed an army.

Daenerys encountered injustice everywhere she turned, with the rich and powerful benefiting at the expense of the poor and vulnerable. Tyrion explained it would be impossible to conquer Westeros without the support of other Houses, to which Daenerys replied, "I'm not going to stop the wheel. I'm going to break the wheel." The implication was that she wanted to revolutionize Westeros under a new world order. Unfortunately, she never got the chance to do this.

19 "Chaos Isn't A Pit. Chaos Is A Ladder."

Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish

• Episode: S3 E6 - The Climb.

Petyr Baelish is a malicious character in Game of Thrones. Growing up in a cruel world with a low-born status, Littlefinger quickly realized that he needed to be cruel to succeed in life and climb the social ranks, betraying countless people and causing the War of the Five Kings.

In Season 3, Varys confronts Littlefinger about his dastardly scheming, to which Littlefinger replies with his famous "Chaos is a ladder" quote. It aptly summarizes Littlefinger's methods; he would see chaos as an opportunity for progression, rather than a barrier to his success.

20 "Dracarys."

Daenerys Targaryen

• Episode: S3 E4 - And Now His Watch Is Ended.

Armed with her dragons by her side, Daenerys was a powerhouse with the blood of old Valyria running through her veins. She could command her dragons using her native mother tongue, allowing them to do her bidding and take opponents by surprise.

Daenerys' command of "Dracarys" sends chills down the spines of viewers every time it is uttered. This Valyrian command tells her dragons to unleash dragon fire on their opponents. It sees Daenerys and Drogon destroy King's Landing, raining fire from above on the city and burning thousands of people alive.