When converting the books to a television series, HBO’s Game of Thrones had to make some alterations. Of course, that’s the structure of the platform. Fans of HBO’s epic have been using scorecards now to maintain a count of all the Starks, Lannisters, Tullys, Wildlings, Greyjoys, Boltons, Freys, and other inhabitants of Westeros for the past seven seasons. However, despite appearing in the novels’ relevant events, a large number of George R.R. Martin characters have been unable to feature in the series.
We can verify that, in certain circumstances, TV show makers have overlooked some of the Seven Kingdom and Beyond’s most intriguing characters. Thus, here is a list of 5 major Game of Thrones characters from the books that the TV show didn’t show us:
1. The bastard son of Robert Baratheon: Edric Storm
Edric Storm, King Robert Baratheon’s bastard son, was conceived when Robert and a noblewoman named Delena Florent became amorous on the night of Stannis Baratheon’s wedding. Due to this, Stannis was unsympathetic towards the boy and sent him to be raised at Renly’s court. Later, Stannis summoned the youngster to his court at Dragonstone when he was 12 years old. Naturally, this didn’t go well for Edric because it put him in the same place as a priestess whose favorite sport is sacrificing people with royal blood. Concerned for Edric’s safety, Davos Seaworth escorted him across the Narrow Sea. He’s probably now in the Free Cities according to the books. Gendry, who is still running around Westeros at this point in the books, absorbed Edric’s storyline in the show.
2. Considered to be the female version of Tyrion (but better): Arianne Martell
Arianne, a fan favorite, is yet another perspective figure who has been absent from the series, with important implications. We can say one thing about her that sums up her entire demeanor. Dorne wouldn’t have a stigma for being so bland if Arianne was on the series. Arianne is practically a female Tyrion, albeit with significantly stronger fighting prowess. She is cunning, calculated, and a badass. Her scheme to put Myrcella Baratheon on the Iron Throne by citing Dornish law – which enables an elder sister to govern ahead of a younger brother – has made her a feminist icon in Westeros. Basically, she’s chill – and we have a hunch she’s got some big plans in the works in the books.
3. The giant fighter in Daenerys’ court: Strong Belwas
The colossal gladiator Strong Belwas is one of the most glaring absentees from HBO’s Game of Thrones. Illyrio Mopatis assigned him as Daenerys’ new bodyguard. Belwas was accompanied by an elderly knight named Arstan Whitebeard, who was actually Barristan Selmy in disguise. So the show got rid of Belwas, which is a bummer because the colossal pit fighter provides some hilarious entertainment value in the usually harsh Meereen sequences. Apart from killing, Belwas’ only activity is eating. He is devoted to his Khaleesi and is frequently seen by her side, dressed in his distinctive small vest. Belwas’ omission disappointed many followers, who secretly wished to watch a huge giant dressed in genie pants.
4. Yet another ‘apparent’ Aegon Targaryen: Young Griff
Aegon Targaryen, Dany’s nephew, was taken safely away when his father Rhaegar died during Robert’s Rebellion and therefore he was assumed dead. Since then, Ilyrio Mopatis and Varys have been actually plotting to put Aegon on the Iron Throne, and he’s on his way to Westeros with Jon Connington and the Golden Company. Even more convoluted is the possibility that Young Griff is most likely a pretender, rather than Aegon Targaryen, which lends an interesting twist to the plot. Griff is a fairly conventional heir presumptive, initially affable and optimistic but ultimately entitled and consumed with himself, as evidenced by his increasingly disdainful attitude toward Connington.
5. The most colossal loss from books to the show: Lady Stoneheart
Every time Lady Stoneheart appears in the novels, there should be some sick music playing. Catelyn Stark is killed at the Red Wedding and thrown into the river in both the TV and the literature. Arya’s wolf Nymeria drags her body from the sea in the novels and she is discovered by the Brotherhood Without Banners. Moved by her condition, Beric Dondarrion kisses Cat, and she comes back to life, thanks to the Lord of Light. Her wounds don’t entirely heal, and she can’t speak, but she remembers just how screwed over her family was. She basically resurfaces as a vengeful zombie mother who leads the Brotherhood and murders anybody connected to the Red Wedding.
