There are minor spoilers ahead for last Sunday’s episode of Game of Thrones! Come back when you’ve caught up, or you can read our recap here!
In an episode of Game of Thrones in which long-lost siblings were reunited, a beloved supporting character was murdered, and Daenerys literally set a temple on fire, the most talked about scenes had nothing to do with any of that. Instead, the internet embraced the unspoken attraction that Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju) obviously felt for Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie). And it wasn’t just our collective imaginations running wild!
While speaking to TV Guide, director Dan Sackheim confirmed that Tormund has amorous intentions toward Brienne, but he added that his interest may be only one-way. “I wasn’t even sure that when I delivered the episode [if] it was really clear. It was like a fun little bit, but I wasn’t sure it was really clear that he had these amorous feelings for Brienne. I’m always amazed what fans pick up…I think it was fairly one-sided, but that’s OK. There’s nothing like a challenge. Men love a challenge.”
It’s long been theorized by fans of the show that Brienne has feelings for her former captive, Jaime Lannister. Cersei even openly called out Brienne about her love for Jaime early in the fourth season. Given the Kingslayer’s love for his sister, a Brienne and Jaime romance seemed doomed from the start. Still, there was a moment last season when Jaime was reminded about Brienne when he saw Tarth, and he flashed a rare smile. It’s still never going to happen between those two, but there is some mutual affection there.
Those feelings may complicate any courtship between Tormund and Brienne, which some fans have already dubbed “Tarthbane,†and we approve! It should be fun to see these two characters actually speak with each other in the upcoming episodes.
What do you think about the potential interplay between Tormund and Brienne? Unsheathe your swords and share your thoughts in the comment section below!
In grimmer theorizing, is Jon Snow going to be the new Night’s King?
Image: HBO/TV Guide
