One of the most talked about characters in the universe of A Song of Ice and Fire – the novel series by George R R Martin that critically-acclaimed fantasy series Game of Thrones is based on – is Lady Stoneheart.
She’s somebody that we thought for years would be coming to television screens across the globe, but a woman we now know will be reserved for those fans who take the time out to read what’s on offer so far in the books (and are patient enough in waiting for Martin to finish the series).
Stoneheart is, of course, the resurrected Catelyn Stark, who was murdered by the Freys and Boltons on the orders of House Lannister at what has been famously called the Red Wedding. However, how much do you really know about the mysterious character?
It’s time to discover her secrets, as we explore yjr 15 Things You Didn’t Know About Game Of Thrones’ Lady Stoneheart.
15. SHE WAS RESURRECTED BY THE BROTHERHOOD WITHOUT BANNERS
Pulling her out of the water, Nymeria left the corpse to be found by the Brotherhood Without Banners. However, when Thoros refuses the pleas of Hawin, the former Master of Horses at Winterfell, to revive her because she’d been dead for too long, it was left up to Beric Dondarrion to bring her back to life.
Thinking that he would have to exchange his own life for hers through a process known as “the last kiss of R’hllor.” Thus Lady Stoneheart was born, as the flame of life was passed on from Beric to Catelyn.
14. SHE HANGS BRIENNE AND PODRICK IN THE BOOKS…
Jumping to the conclusion that Brienne has turned against the Stark family and is now working for the Lannisters, Stoneheart labels her a traitor and immediately sentences both Brienne and Podrick to death.
Brienne promises that she is still faithful to Catelyn and her cause, but Stoneheart wants proof. She forces her former friend to choose between the “sword or noose.” When Brienne lets her twisted past with Jaime get the better of her, Stoneheart believes that she’s seen enough and allows the Brotherhood to go ahead with the hanging. However…
13. BUT A SINGLE WORD FROM BRIENNE SAVES BOTH THEIR LIVES
This was something that was confirmed by George R R Martin at Miscon 2012, where the author read a few of chapters from the upcoming novel in the Song of Ice & Fire series, The Winds of Winter.
Not only confirming the word that Brienne shouted out, he said that the decision was made by the talented fighter not only to save herself, but to save the life of the innocent Podrick Payne. Brienne has always been a hero in the show, but this scene really does cement her as one of the kindest characters that the series has seen.
12. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF INTERESTING THEORIES ON WHY SHE WAS RESURRECTED
The theory that holds the most weight is that she plays a huge part in the Lord of Light’s plans for their followers, as the Last Kiss which Beric used to revive her doesn’t work on everybody. However, some believe that, when Bran fully masters his abilities in the novel series, he will be able to speak directly to Catelyn and encourage her to stop taking reckless vengeance against those she would deem her enemies.
In this theory, he’d be the one to break through to her, forcing her to realize that Robb Stark is never coming back. Stoneheart would then cease to exist and Catelyn Stark would finally be allowed to rest in peace.
11. SHE BECAME THE LEADER OF THE BROTHERHOOD WITHOUT BANNERS
Assuming the position following her resurrection, she instantly becomes a more vengeful and far less forgiving character than she had been in the past. With a desire to take revenge against all those who had caused her or her family anguish, she’s less gracious than ever before.
Catelyn was never one of the most forgiving people – she harbored a hatred for Jon Snow more than anybody – but she was always a good person at her core, with family values at the heart of everything she did. Now, whilst family is still her number one priority, her goals and ambitions are widely skewed.