For “Game of Thrones” fans, it’s easy to get caught up guessing who the next person is on the chopping block. But don’t forget that our favorite animals are far from safe in Westeros.
We’ve listed five of these vulnerable varmints in increasing likelihood of their demise. These are our predictions!
5. Ser Pounce
There he goes pouncing again. / via GIPHY
Though the reign of King Tommen Baratheon was brief, he will always be remembered…for his cat. Ser Pounce hasn’t popped his furry head up since season 4, but you never know who you might bump into in the alleys of King’s Landing.
Fear not, though. We’re fairly sure Ser Pounce will survive this season. In fact, not only will he survive, he will thrive based on this exclusive footage HBO has sent us…
4. Stranger
via Game of Thrones Wiki
Stranger, Sandor Clegane’s warhorse, like Ser Pounce, was last seen in season 4. For that reason, he’s probably safe. Though, there is some concern over whether or not he can carry the Hound on his back anymore. If Stranger dies, it may be of a broken back.
3. Ghost
via PopSugar
Ghost has been a loyal pup to Jon Snow through and through. Seriously, he stuck by his side even when Jon was dead (a la “Hachi“). There’s no reason not to love Ghost.
Jon Snow doing his best not to melt. / via Game of Thrones Wiki
And that’s why we shouldn’t let our guard down. Ghost is ripe for the picking, and if Jon Snow is heading to meet a few dragons then…just saying. Enormous reptiles plus smaller mammals reminds me of that kid from elementary school who showed me what he fed his pet snake. It was a mouse.
2. Drogon
Drogon, the Gentle Dragon / via Daily Express
No parent can pick their favorite child, especially when their children are dragons.
“You’re all my favorite…pls don’t kill me.” / via Fanpop
But, let’s be honest, Drogon is the mother of dragons’s favorite. Not every son will fly into a gladiatorial arena, and get stabbed by spears to save his mother. But Drogon did. Dany rides Drogon just about everywhere, and, with talk of a siege on King’s Landing, he’ll be in the center of Cersei’s crosshairs…
…really really big crosshairs.
1. Nymeria
via Game of Thrones Wiki
Here we are. Number one. And with it…sigh, do we have to do this? Would you rather talk about the weather?
via Magiera’s Mathematicians
All right, enough postponing. We’re getting bad vibes for Nymeria, Arya Stark’s direwolf. Last seen biting Joffrey’s arm in season 1, Nymeria made her valiant return this season by throwing a little welcome back party for Arya.
Aw, so friendly. / via National Post
But the question of “Why now?” is left ambiguous. It’s a sweet moment, but there may be more to come from Arya’s old pal. It’s not hard to imagine Arya finding herself on the wrong side of a sword after all the assassinating she’s been doing. And who better to protect her than her old tried-and-true protector, Nymeria? None better.
Let us know what you think. And remember to give your pet a hug. Yes, even you elementary schooler with a pet snake. Even you.
Feature images courtesy of The Ringer and Game of Thrones Wiki