Given the amount of death and destruction that is a daily occurrence in Game of Thrones, it almost seems counter-intuitive to think that there could be happy moments, too. However, the best stories are those that shake the viewer's perception of society, of relationships, and, most of all, themselves.
From a pessimistic perspective, it can be argued that Game of Thrones' heartwarming scenes are only included in the narrative to shock the audience when those moments self-destruct in horrifying ways. In the end, it doesn't really matter in the larger picture, because character emotions will remain in constant flux.
Updated on May 15th, 2021 by Matthew Rudoy: Given the show's extensive number of characters, there are inevitably some heartwarming moments from the show that were not initially featured in this list. From a rare moment of joy to emotional reunions and farewells, Game of Thrones actually has a number of touching moments. Some of these moments are unexpected while others were years in the making. Standing in contrast to the show's usual tragedy and drama, these moments provide much-needed hope, joy, and proof of what strong and meaningful relationships can endure.
The Starks Happily Together In Winterfell
Before the Starks endure unimaginable suffering and tragedy, Game of Thrones' first episode gives the audience a glimpse of the family happily together in Winterfell. Ned and Catelyn smile and watch their children in the courtyard. When Bran fails to hit his target, Ned provides words of encouragement, while Robb and Jon Snow coach Bran on how to hit his mark.
Rickon watches as well and Arya stirs up trouble when she shoots an arrow directly into the target that Bran is trying to hit. It is a scene of happiness and innocence, a heartwarming snapshot of what life is like for the Starks before the countless horrors they will face, and a reminder in future seasons of what their lives were once like.
Hot Pie's Farewell Gift
When Hot Pie parts ways with Arya and Gendry in season 3, he gives Arya a touching farewell gift in the form of bread shaped like a wolf. It is a small and sweet gesture, the likes of which are often not seen in Game of Thrones.
Baking bread is Hot Pie's greatest skill and now that he knows his friend "Arry" is actually Arya Stark, this is the perfect way for him to say farewell and wish her all the best for her future. The scene becomes even more touching as Arya rides away with the Brotherhood Without Banners, takes a bite of the bread, and shouts out, "Hey, Hot Pie! It's really good!"
A Loyal Squire
When Tyrion is imprisoned after being accused of killing Joffrey, Podrick Payne goes to visit him. Podrick shares that he has been asked to testify against Tyrion, saying that he bought a poison called the Strangler, thereby making Tyrion look undoubtedly guilty as Joffrey's murderer.
Podrick says he refused to testify as Tyrion has always been good to him. Tyrion refuses to let Podrick die and orders him to get out of King's Landing so he can be safe. As Podrick leaves, Tyrion says to him, "There has never lived a more loyal squire." While it doesn't end up being the last time Tyrion and Podrick see each other, it does serve as a moving farewell scene, showing the deep loyalty and comion that happens when people trust and appreciate each other as Tyrion and Podrick do.
Sansa And Jon's Reunion
The Starks spend most of the story separated from one another, with many of them being killed off. For a while, it seems like they will never be reunited again. This makes Sansa and Jon's reunion in season 6 a momentous occasion. When she first arrives at Castle Black, they just look at each other for a moment, in shock and overcome with emotion. Then they run toward one another and hug each other fiercely.
It is an uplifting and rewarding moment that seemed like it might never happen. The reunion marks the beginning of the Stark family coming back together to retake Winterfell, reclaim the North, and for the other surviving Starks to reunite in the show's final seasons.
Brienne Is Knighted
Given her impeccable honor, loyalty, and determination, no one deserved to be a knight as much as Brienne of Tarth. The only reason she wasn't a knight was that women weren't allowed to be knights in Westeros. This is rectified in the season 8 episode "Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" as Brienne is knighted by Jaime Lannister.
Her genuine smile and her look of pure joy after being knighted is an incredibly heartwarming moment. Tormund Giantsbane clapping and grinning from ear-to-ear, Tyrion toasting her, Jaime's encouraging nod, and the clapping of Davos Seaworth and Podrick Payne makes the scene even better as they all her in this rewarding and well-deserved moment.
The Stark Children Find A Bunch Of Baby Direwolves
When Ned Stark's retinue discovers a Direwolf — and five adorable puppies trying to suckle on their dead mother — Theon refers to the animal as "a freak." Ned plans to give them "a quick death", but Jon asks if the "five Stark children" could adopt the pups instead.
The Stark patriarch grudgingly accepts, telling his children that they had better be responsible for the animals' care. Jon Snow finds one for himself as well, "the runt of the litter" who grows up to be Ghost, one of the only two surviving Direwolves.
When Talisa Tells Robb That She Has Chosen Their Child's Name
Robb and Talisa's relationship is incredibly sweet and made all the more strong when she reveals that she's pregnant. He asks if it's a "boy or girl," but she only says that she has the name already picked out "if it's a boy."
Robb is initially disgruntled, stating that "the father should have some say in his son’s naming," but soon changes his tune when Talisa mentions that she prefers Eddard, asking her husband if he wants "to teach little Ned Stark how to ride horses." The moment is extra poignant given that Robb's father had been recently murdered by the Lannisters.
Jon Takes Daenerys To A Secluded Waterfall
Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen share a near-instant attraction for one another, but this doesn't culminate for some time. Considering the various perils they have to face, their connection is not exactly surprising.
However, their romantic affections become evident quickly enough, exhibited through the scene in which Jon flies a dragon for the first time in his life. He directs Rhaegal to a gorgeous ice-encrusted waterfall from his youth, where Jon and Dany end up kissing. If only Daenerys knew what would become of their relationship...
Dany & Drogo Work Out Their Differences
Daenerys is forced to capitulate to her brother Viserys' desire to align with the Dothraki, resulting in her being married off to Khal Drogo.
At first, Dany and Drogo find it difficult to effectively decipher the other's intentions, but with her attempts at learning his culture and language, their relationship starts blooming. Daenerys and Drogo find a groove that works for the both of them — one particularly gruesome instance that cements their bond is when Khal executes Viserys.
Jaime Protects Brienne From The Bear
Locke throws Brienne into a fighting pit, armed with nothing but an old dress and a wooden sword, cruelly mocking her abilities while they sic a bear on her. When Jaime learns of this, he thinks nothing of leaping into the arena himself, saving Brienne from anything worse than her neck wound.
Thankfully, Locke cannot permit the Lannister's death because of his hostage value, so one of his men shoots the bear and drives it back. It's especially heroic of Jaime considering that he's already lost his fighting hand at the time.
