The Hidden Secrets Behind Ned Stark's Iconic 'Winter Is Coming' Quote

Highlights

The arrival of winter in Westeros marks the resurgence of House Stark's authority, the forging of alliances to combat the Night King, and the imperative for the Stark family to unite and protect each other.

In the opening sequence of the Game of Thrones pilot episode, three rangers prepare to embark on a journey to investigate the Wildling activity in the Haunted Forest. Trouble arises when Will, the scout, discovers mutilated Wildling corpses arranged in an unusual manner. Ser Waymar Royce, the leader of the expedition beyond the Wall, attributes this abnormality to the Wildlings' behavior. Gared, the third ranger, suggests returning to the Wall, but Waymar insists on pressing forward. Shortly after, the arrogant Waymar falls victim to a White Walker, leaving Will as the sole survivor after several terrifying encounters.

The same Will finds himself being pursued by guardsmen on the outskirts of the castle of Winterfell. Upon receiving word of Will's desertion, the Lord of the castle, Eddard Stark, instructs his ten-year-old son, Bran, and the older boys to saddle their horses. Despite Lady Catelyn Stark's objection that their young boy should be shielded from witnessing the punishment inflicted upon Night's Watch deserters, Ned counters, stating, "He won't remain a boy forever and the imminent arrival of winter adds urgency." Curiously enough, the inaugural episode of Game of Thrones is also named "Winter Is Coming," and there lies a profound significance behind Ned's words.

House Stark Words

In Game of Thrones season 1, episode 1, Ned repeatedly utters the phrase "Winter is coming" to his younger brother Benjen, who happens to be the First Ranger of the Night's Watch. Each time he says these words, Ned is steadfastly upholding House Stark's declaration that the North is facing the imminent arrival of winter. The phrase serves as a forewarning that the days of summer are over and challenging winter times lie ahead. As the ruling House of the North, House Stark is always prepared to confront the hardships that the Westerosi winter brings. Every noble House in the Seven Kingdoms has their own motto. House Lannister's motto is "Hear Me Roar" and their sigil features a golden lion on a crimson background. This motto perfectly encapsulates the beliefs and ideals of the cunning Lannisters, who were once considered the wealthiest in Game of Thrones.

House Stark's words set them apart as they are not meant to boast or threaten. House Stark, as the guardians of the North, holds the traditional title of the Warden of the North. Their words "Winter Is Coming" serve as a foreboding warning. Being one of the oldest noble families in the Seven Kingdoms, House Stark bears the responsibility of caring for the well-being of the Northerners. It is important to note that the seasons in Westeros are longer than usual, with winters being especially harsh and unforgiving. During the rule of Aegon V, who ascended the Iron Throne during a particularly tough winter lasting from 230 AC to 236 AC, the North was ensured enough supplies to survive.

In the Game of Thrones episode "Lord Snow," Ned Stark reminds Arya of their family's words to emphasize the importance of unity and to discourage her from arguing with her sister. "Look at me. You are a Stark of Winterfell. You know our words..." says Ned. Arya responds with, "Winter is coming." Ned proceeds to teach his younger daughter about the impending winter, explaining that she was born during a long summer and has never experienced anything else. He emphasizes the need for self-protection and taking care of one another during the winter season.

Winter Arrives In Westeros

Winter finally arrives in Westeros as Sansa Stark and Jon Snow avenge the Red Wedding with the aid of the Knights of the Vale. Together, they reclaim Winterfell from the Boltons, restoring House Stark to its former position as the ruling house of the North. In Episode 10 of Game of Thrones Season 6, titled "The Winds of Winter," Sansa informs Jon that a white raven from the Citadel has confirmed the onset of winter. Jon smiles and remarks, "Well, father always promised, didn't he?" This particular winter marks a significant divergence, as the North proclaims its independence from the realm and proclaims Jon Snow as the King in the North. It is during this winter that the Night King's undead Viserion destroys the Wall, which was built to protect against the White Walkers. The winter depicted in Game of Thrones also witnesses the formation of an alliance to defend against the Night King and the Army of the Dead at Winterfell. In Episode 7 of Season 7, titled "The Dragon and the Wolf," Ned Stark's daughters, Sansa and Arya, remember their father's teachings. As Arya states, "In winter, we must protect ourselves and look after one another." Sansa adds, "When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives." The camera then pans above a snow-covered and deserted Winterfell in the North.