79 Best Game of Thrones Quotes: Epic Lines from Westeros

Memorable dialogue that captures drama, wit, and emotion at the heart of Westeros.

Written by Medha Deb, Integrated MA
Last Updated on

79 Best ‘Game of Thrones’ Quotes: Unforgettable Lines from Westeros

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HBO’s Game of Thrones is renowned for its sprawling world, unforgettable characters, ruthless intrigue, and iconic lines that have entered TV legend. From the biting wit of Tyrion Lannister to the steely resolve of Arya Stark and the tragic wisdom of Ned Stark, the show delivered dialogue that still resonates today. Here, we honor the 79 best Game of Thrones quotes—ranked, dissected, and celebrated. Whether you’re a devoted fan, a newcomer, or somewhere between, these epic lines remind us why Westeros will never leave our imaginations.

Table of Contents

Arya Stark’s Best Game of Thrones Quotes

Fiercely independent, Arya Stark journeyed from a stubborn tomboy to a deadly assassin, capturing hearts and striking foes with equal ferocity.

  • “A girl has no name.” – Arya embraces the teachings of the Faceless Men and sheds her former identity.
  • “Not today.” – Answering Syrio Forel, Arya embodies survival against death’s call.
  • “Nothing isn’t better or worse than anything. Nothing is just nothing.” – Arya’s nuanced acceptance of emptiness and grief.
  • “Leave one wolf alive and the sheep are never safe.” – Vowing vengeance against House Frey.
  • “I’m Arya Stark of Winterfell, and I’m going home.” – Declaring her reclaimed identity after years of hiding.

Brienne of Tarth’s Best Game of Thrones Quotes

Brienne, the noble and loyal knight, stood as a pillar of honor in a world of betrayal. Her steadfastness made her a fan favorite.

  • “You’re not interesting enough to be offensive.” – Cutting through Jaime Lannister’s barbs with humor.
  • “Nothing’s more hateful than failing to protect the one you love.” – Speaking from heartbreak after losing Renly Baratheon.
  • “All my life, men like you have sneered at me. And all my life, I’ve been knocking men like you into the dust.” – A testimony to Brienne’s resilience and skill.

Cersei Lannister’s Best Game of Thrones Quotes

One of television’s greatest villains, Cersei Lannister wielded power and cruelty with an iron will. Her quotes are legendary for their menace and insight.

  • “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.” – The motto for Westerosi politics.
  • “An unhappy wife is a wine merchant’s best friend.” – Cersei’s wit in marriage and subterfuge.
  • “Power is power.” – Shutting down Littlefinger’s clever wordplay by showing raw force.
  • “If you ever call me sister again, I’ll have you strangled in your sleep.” – Cold-blooded threat to Margaery Tyrell.
  • “So we fight and die or we submit and die. I know my choice.” – Cersei’s refusal to back down regardless of odds.
  • “What good is power if you cannot protect the ones you love?” – Her ultimate justification for her actions.
  • “I thought if I could make something so good, so pure, maybe I’m not a monster.” – Revealing her motherly hope and tragic flaws.

Daenerys Targaryen’s Best Game of Thrones Quotes

From frightened exile to conqueror and would-be queen, Daenerys inspired millions with her quest for justice and freedom.

  • “I am not your little princess.” – Dany’s assertion of independence in Essos.
  • “Dracarys.” – Her command to unleash dragon fire, a symbol of her wrath and justice.
  • “I will take what is mine with fire and blood.” – Announcing her determination to reclaim the Iron Throne.
  • “If I look back, I am lost.” – Dany’s single-minded focus on her purpose.
  • “I’m not going to stop the wheel. I’m going to break the wheel.” – Her revolutionary ambition to forever change the power structure of Westeros.
  • “The next time you raise a hand to me will be the last time you have hands.” – Defending herself against abuse.
  • “I will answer injustice with justice.” – Dany’s guiding principle.

Jon Snow’s Best Game of Thrones Quotes

Jon Snow’s stoic leadership and powerful sense of right and wrong made him the heart of the series, even as he discovered the bittersweet burdens of power.

  • “The things I do for love.” – Although said by Jaime, it marks a pivotal moment, but Jon continually proves his love for his family.
  • “The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.” – Adopted from Ned Stark, it shapes Jon’s notion of leadership.
  • “If I fall, don’t bring me back.” – Preparing for battle with the Night King.
  • “I am the shield that guards the realms of men.” – Night’s Watch oath and duty.
  • “We are the watchers on the wall.” – Rallying the Night’s Watch brothers.
  • “I don’t want it.” – On refusing the Iron Throne, even when offered.
  • “I am not your enemy; the dead are your enemy.” – To Daenerys, urging unity against the true threat.

Tyrion Lannister’s Best Game of Thrones Quotes

Tyrion Lannister, the ‘Imp’, is the series’ undisputed king of one-liners, wit, and wisdom. His dialogue is as sharp as his politics.

  • “I drink and I know things.” – Sums up his survival tactics.
  • “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.” – Advice to Jon Snow and to viewers everywhere.
  • “Death is so final, yet life is full of possibilities.” – Tyrion’s perspective on mortality.
  • “A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone.” – Celebrating the power of intellect.
  • “I’m not questioning your honor, Lord Janos. I’m denying its existence.” – Tyrion’s cutting dismissal of Janos Slynt.
  • “It’s not easy being drunk all the time. Everyone would do it if it were easy.” – Biting humor in adversity.
  • “Let me give you some advice, bastard. Never forget what you are.” – Shaping Jon Snow’s self-image.
  • “I did not kill Joffrey, but I wish that I had…” – Tyrion’s stirring speech at his trial reveals his pain and the truth behind public perception and justice.
  • “A very small man can cast a very large shadow.” – Reflections on power’s illusions.

Additional Iconic Game of Thrones Quotes

  • “The North remembers.” – The resilience of the North, repeated by many Starks and their bannermen.
  • “Chaos isn’t a pit. Chaos is a ladder.” – Littlefinger’s revelation of his philosophy.
  • “The things I do for love.” – Jaime Lannister’s infamous line before pushing Bran from the window.
  • “The night is dark and full of terrors.” – Melisandre’s chilling mantra.
  • “The Lannisters send their regards.” – Uttered by Roose Bolton during the Red Wedding.
  • “When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.” – Stark lessons on family and survival.
  • “Not today.” – Arya’s enduring answer to the god of death, echoing throughout her story.
  • “You win or you die.” – The cut-throat nature of Westeros, epitomized through Cersei Lannister.
  • “Hold the door!” – Hodor’s heartbreaking farewell.
  • “Be a dragon.” – Olenna Tyrell advises Daenerys, becoming a rallying cry for fans and the character herself.

Quote Comparison Table: Power, Survival, and Identity

ThemeSpeakerQuote
PowerCersei Lannister“Power is power.”
SurvivalArya Stark“Not today.”
JusticeTyrion Lannister“I demand a trial by combat.”
IdentityTyrion Lannister“Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not.”
UnityJon Snow“The lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the most famous Game of Thrones quote?

A: Cersei Lannister’s line, “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die,” is among the series’ most iconic quotes, capturing the high stakes of Westeros. Tyrion’s “I drink and I know things” is also widely quoted.

Q: Which character had the funniest quotes?

A: Tyrion Lannister is consistently ranked as the wittiest character, known for clever wordplay and sardonic humor, followed by Bronn and Olenna Tyrell.

Q: Which Game of Thrones character was known for philosophical lines?

A: Varys, Littlefinger, and Tyrion often delivered lines with philosophical weight, addressing power, destiny, and human nature.

Q: Do these quotes come from the TV show or the books?

A: The majority of these renowned quotes are from the HBO television show, though many have roots in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels.

Q: Why do Game of Thrones quotes resonate with fans?

A: Game of Thrones quotes combine poetic language, moral ambiguity, sharp wit, and underlying truths about power, family, and survival, making them both memorable and profound.

Final Reflections on the Words of Westeros

The best Game of Thrones quotes reveal the core of its characters: their fears, ambitions, loyalties, and wisdom. In a world where power shifts quickly and lives are constantly at risk, words themselves become weapons, shields, and beacons. Whether you seek inspiration, a bitter laugh, or a chilling warning, the language of Westeros continues to echo. Enter these words, and remember: in the game of thrones, every line counts.

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Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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