Unlike most shows, happy endings were not something fans usually expected in Game of Thrones. However, there were rare moments when the characters experienced happiness even if it was fleeting. Some of this happiness came from victories, some were long-awaited reunions, and some were just moments of peace in an otherwise violent world.
However, every main character also experienced their fair share of sadness in their journeys. Most even got more than their fair share while some arguably deserved what they got. Both the moments of happiness and sadness helped to define these characters and their journeys in the show.
Theon Greyjoy: Realizing His Mistake / Being Called A Stark
Though it was easy to hate Theon Greyjoy due to his betrayal in season 2, he was a changed man by season 7. In an honest moment, Theon its all his regrets to Jon, and to his surprise, Jon says he forgives him for what he can and tells him he has always been part of the Stark family.
Jon's words are what Theon wanted to hear for a long time which is linked to his saddest moment. After finding himself a captive following his siege of Winterfell, Theon its he was torn between two families and chose the wrong one. He comes to the realization that Ned Stark was his real father in every way that counted.
Jorah Mormont: Cured Of Greyscale / Being Dismissed By Daenerys
Jorah Mormont is one of the unluckiest characters in the series and his bad luck continues after getting greyscale. Though there is apparently no known cure, Jorah is actually lucky enough to meet Samwell Tarly in Oldtown. The treatment is painful but Jorah is cured and able to return to his true purpose of serving Daenerys.
Fans may forget that Jorah was once a spy working for King Robert before becoming a loyal follower of Daenerys. When this secret is revealed, Daenerys angrily sends Jorah away which is a worse fate than death for him.
Bran Stark: Climbing The Walls At Winterfell / Hodor's Death
It is quite sad that Bran Stark's happiest moment comes from the first episode as things go downhill from there. But the sight of this young boy climbing the walls of Winterfell and seeing the king's convoy arriving is a reminder of how innocent he once was.
Hodor was always one of the gentlest characters on the show who was dragged along on this dangerous journey with Bran. When the Night King's army closes in on them, Bran takes over Hodor's mind to hold the enemies back. Due to some complicated time travel madness, Bran sees that he is the cause of Hodor's condition from childhood and that he was always doomed to give his life for Bran.
Sansa Stark: Reunited With Jon / Watching Her Father Die
Jon and Sansa were never very close during their time in Winterfell, but a lot changed since they both left. After everything that Sansa had been through, reuniting with Jon at Castle Black was a small return to normalcy and the beginning of her path to making things right.
Sansa wasn't always the strong survivor she later becomes as she found herself in love with Joffrey despite evidence that he was a terrible person. Yet she still trusts him to show mercy to her father, only for him to call for his beheading as Sansa looked on in horror.
Arya Stark: Getting Needle / Arriving At The Red Wedding
Arya Stark was always a character who was willing to make her own path in life, wanting to be a great warrior. While others ignored her ambitions, Jon encouraged her and even gifted her with her own sword which she named Needle.
Not long after getting Needle, Arya is exposed to the violent world outside Winterfell and she doesn't have many happy days that follow. She really changed forever when instead of reuniting with her mother and brother, she saw them brutally butchered at the Red Wedding.
Cersei Lannister: Blowing Up The Sept / Walk Of Shame
Cersei Lannister is undoubtedly a villain in the series which is why one of her happiest moments involved the death of countless people. As High Sparrow, Margaery Tyrell, and others gather for Cersei's trial, she blows up the Sept of Baelor and seats herself as the new queen in an ittedly badass move.
For most of the series, Cersei always seemed like someone who was in total control and whose power was unquestionable. However, it is all taken from her by the High Sparrow and she is forced to walk naked through the streets of King's Landing, as the people degraded her. Her breakdown was a side of Cersei fans had not seen.
Jaime Lannister: Returning To Cersei / Leaving Cersei
To say Jaime Lannister has an unhealthy relationship with Cersei is an understatement. Yet his love for her is clear when he finally returns to King's Landing after a long journey that changed him quite a bit. Even with only one hand, he looks so relieved to finally see her again.
It also makes sense that Jaime's saddest moment would be tied to Cersei as well. After she goes back on her promise to the fight against the Night King, Jaime finally decides to leave her. His heartbreak is clear, especially when she nearly orders The Mountain to kill him.
Tyrion Lannister: Named Hand Of The Queen / Shae Testifies Against Him
Tyrion Lannister had long sought out acceptance by his own family and the people of King's Landing. Despite earning it many times over, Tyrion remained an outcast. However, he seemed to find a place in Daenerys's company, and he beams with pride when she names him as her Hand of the Queen.
One person who seemed to care for Tyrion was Shae only for their relationship to fall apart. If that wasn't devastating enough, Shae then testifies against Tyrion in the trial for Joffrey's murder. She uses his love for her to embarrass him and also lies to implicate him in the crime while also breaking his heart.
Daenerys Targaryen - Hailed As A Savior / Drogo's Death
Daenerys Targaryen was introduced in the series as basically a slave being sold by her brother to get him an army. When she started her own path as a ruler, she sought to free all the slaves herself. This resulted in the people of Yunkai greeting her as "mhysa" which means mother. Given that Daenerys lost her own child, this powerful moment for her.
Despite being forced into marriage with Drogo, he and Daenerys end up caring deeply about each other. However, when Drogo is injured and dying, Daenerys attempts to save him with dark magic which results in the death of their unborn child and only leaves Drogo in a comatose state.
Jon Snow - In The Cave With Ygritte / Killing Daenerys
When Jon Snow went Beyond the Wall to infiltrate the Wildlings, few could have guessed he would meet the love of his life. Though he and Ygritte started out as enemies, they quickly formed a bond. They even snuck away to a cave where Jon broke his vows and they really fell in love. Ygritte even suggested that they should never leave the cave.
Though Jon lost Ygritte, he later fell for Daenerys Targaryen as well. That too was a doomed romance as Jon ended up killing Daenerys to prevent her violent reign. Not only did it devastate Jon to kill the woman he loves, but it also tainted him with dishonor.