No other TV show in history has matched the popularity, success, and critical acclaim ofGame of Thrones. Much of that is down to its fantasy world-building, casting, and hilarious characterization, all while staying somewhat true to George R.R. Martin’s source material.
Despite the disappointing series finale,Game of Thronesis known for itsclever and memorable one-liners and quotes, many of which stick with viewers long after they’ve watched the show. Here arethe most iconic quotes from HBO’sGame of Thrones.
Updated Jun 18, 2025 by Joe Grantham:As a drama that spans eight seasons, it is only natural that Game of Thrones has a myriad of great quotes. From quick-witted quips to solemn messages about the realities of life, manyGame of Thrones quoteshave become embedded in fans' minds as staples of modern pop culture.
While some of the quotes, especially from later seasons, are the show’s own invention, many of the best one-liners hail from the source material,George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series.
1"I Have A Tender Spot In My Heart For Cripples, Bastards, And Broken Things."
Tyrion Lannister
The Lannisters are known for their gold mines, but Tyrion Lannister also happens to be a gold mine for great quotes, and the first season is particularly littered with them. One of these is upon his return to Winterfell, whereupon he presents Bran with the design of a custom-made saddle that will help him ride without the use of his legs.
When Robb asks Tyrion why he would help Bran, Tyrion responds with the line “I have a tender spot in my heart for cripples, bastards, and broken things.” This iconicGame of Thronesquote hits even harder when viewers remember that in the previous episodes, Tyrion did his best to help Jon Snow, a bastard. It even gives episode 4 its title.
2"There Is No Word For ‘Thank You’ In Dothraki"
Ser Jorah Mormont
Fans are introduced to the Dothraki in the very first episode ofGame of Thrones, and yet, one line fromSer Jorah Mormonttells viewers all they need to know about Dothraki culture. After receiving a beautiful white mare from Khal Drogo, Daenerys asks Ser Jorah how she can thank her husband in his native tongue.
However, Jorah responds with the iconic line “There is no word for ‘thank you’ in Dothraki.” This speaks of the harsh nature of the Dothraki, but it also makes sense given they do not trade in the traditional sense. Dothraki do not receive gifts, they take them.
3"The King In The North, The King In The North, The King In The North!"
The Northern Lords
There are few more spine-chilling moments inGame of Thronesthan Robb Stark being named King in the North by his lords. As they debate whether to pledge fealty to Renly or Stannis Baratheon, it is the Greatjon Umber who proposes they instead kneel to Robb. He kneels and names him king, and soon after every lord is chanting “The King in the North, the King in the North, the King in the North.”
This chilling scene is then repeated at the end of Season 6 when Jon Snow is named King in the North after avenging the Red Wedding in theBattle of the Bastards.
4"Start The Damn Joust Before I Piss Myself."
Robert Baratheon
Mark Addy’s portrayal ofKing Robert Baratheonis one of the many great aspects of Season 1, and any number of his quotes could be ranked among the bestGame of Thronesquotes. One of the most memorable of these is spoken during the Hand’s Tourney, when Robert, drunk and impatient, stands up to shout “We’ve been sitting here for days. Start the damn joust before I piss myself.”
While this quote doesn’t have the eloquence or wit as other lines on the show, it is equally adored by fans and serves as the basis for many memes.
5"Hodor!"
Hodor
Easily one of the most recognizable and memorable quotes fromGame of Thrones, if it can even be called a quote, is Hodor saying the only thing he is capable of saying, “Hodor!”. No matter the situation or his mood, Hodor always finds a way to say “Hodor” and it is a credit to Kristian Nairn’s acting that he manages to portray such a range of emotions using only one word. Thankfully, due to his usually buoyant self, the ‘Hodors’ are mostly cheerful and even humorous, although at other times when he was scared, the ‘Hodors’ were filled with terror.
It was revealed in later seasons, that Bran’s time-traveling was responsible for the seizure of the stableboy once known as Wylis, who would go on to be known as Hodor based on the only sound he could make going forward. As it turns out, “Hodor” is a shortening and simplification of the last command Hodor was given, “Hold the door!”.
6"If You Ever Call Me Sister Again, I’ll Have You Strangled In Your Sleep."
Cersei Lannister
While there are many great moments of action inGame of Thrones, the best battles are arguably those fought with tongues, and there are few fiercer sparing partners than the two queens; Margaery Tyrell and Cersei Lannister. One of their first bouts, in which the soon-to-be queen Margaery underestimates her elder, happens at Tyrion and Sansa’s wedding when Margaery remarks that they will soon be sisters due to the proposed marriage of Cersei to Loras.
Through false smiles and feigned politeness, Cersei then proceeds to recount the story of the Reynes of Castamere to her young rival. The tale, which is known for its accompanying song, is about the annihilation of an ambitious House by Cersei’s father. If the veiled message of not overreaching was not clear enough, Cersei follows up by telling Margaery “If you ever call me sister again, I’ll have you strangled in your sleep.” This single, cold line set the tone for how their relationship would play out over coming seasons.
7"Hush Hodor, No More Hodoring."
Bran Stark
One of the show’s funniest lines, despite taking place during a moment of panic and preceding something incredibly dark, is when Bran says “Hush Hodor, no more Hodoring.” This is in response to Hodor loudly shouting the only thing he can, “Hodor,” while being terribly scared by lightning and thunder.
Despite having sought refuge from the storm in a tower, the appearance of wildlings necessitates quiet from all those accompanying Bran north. As Hodor will not be quiet, Bran at first tries soothing tones and words, including the humorous phrase above. When raising his own voice fails, Bran does something he didn’t even know he could do. In the heat of the moment, with their backs against the wall, Bran wargs into Hodor, controlling his mind and body.
8"A Mind Needs Books Like A Sword Needs A Whetstone."
While Tyrion Lannister is perhaps best known for the humorous quips that spill out of his mouth between sips of wine, he also offers many words of wisdom throughout the series. One of the best such examples is in a conversation with Jon Snow, who wonders why Tyrion reads so much.
As Tyrion points out, individuals have their unique skills, and just like his brother Jaime with his sword, Tyrion has his mind, and as he says this rather memorable piece of dialogue.
9"The Man Who Passes The Sentence Should Swing The Sword."
Eddard Stark
The first episode ofGame of Thronesis packed with great quotes that would go on to be repeated throughout the series. In one of the first scenes, Lord Eddard Stark is tasked with the responsibility of taking the head from a deserter of the Night’s Watch, and he has brought his young son Bran as part of his education.
Ned tells Bran that the reasonhehad to do it is because “The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.” This is a powerful quote that his other sons Robb and Jon would take to heart, and it helped them realize that sentences should not be passed lightly and that it is their burden to bear.
10"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."
Sometimes, books, TV series, or films provide fans with truly beautiful words of advice that can be applied to the real world. The following quote, originally from theASOIAFbook series, is one such example. In Tyrion Lannister’s first conversation with Jon Snow, he recognizes that Jon, as an illegitimate child, is in a similar boat to himself as a dwarf.
Both are shunned by their world and so he says, “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.”
