featuring

RICHARD DORMER as BERIC DONDARRION / DANIEL PORTMAN as PODRICK PAYNE / BEN CROMPTON as EDDISON TOLLETT

BELLA RAMSEY as LYANNA MORMONT / RUPERT VANSITTART as YOHN ROYCE / MEGAN PARKINSON as ALYS KARSTARK

RICHARD RYCROFT as MAESTER WOLKAN / STAZ NAIR as QHONO / BEA GLANCY as TEELA and SEAMUS O’HARA as FERGUS

winterfell

When Ser Jaime Lannister arrives at Winterfell, he is immediately escorted to the Great Hall to stand before Queen Daenerys Targaryen. Daenerys begins by saying that when she was a child her brother Viserys Targaryen would tell her about the man who murdered their father King Aerys and all the things they would do to that man, once they took back the Seven Kingdoms. She also remarks that his sister Cersei Lannister had pledged to send her army north and since Jaime came alone it appears Cersei lied. Jaime makes it clear that she lied to him as well, and that she never had any intention of sending her army north. Jaime informs Daenerys that Cersei still has Euron Greyjoy's fleet and has hired 20,000 fresh troops. Even if they defeat the army of the dead, Cersei will have plenty of men to kill the survivors. Jaime asserts that he promised to fight for the living and he intends to keep that promise. His brother Tyrion Lannister tries to step in but Daenerys quickly stops him as Tyrion was wrong about his sister too. After Sansa Stark asserts her historical distrust in Jaime, he quickly retorts if it's an apology they are all seeking, they won't get one, urging that everything he had done was for his house and family and would do it all again. Bran Stark then interjects: "The things we do for love,” which is what Jaime had said to Bran years ago before pushing him out of the window and crippling him. Brienne of Tarth steps forward on Jaime's behalf and insists that he is a man of honor and adds that without him, she wouldn't be alive to protect Sansa. Sansa eventually agrees that they should let Jaime stay. Daenerys then asks Jon Snow his advice on the matter, who informs her they need every man they can get. Daenerys eventually acquiesces, and Tyrion sighs in relief. As Sansa leaves, Daenerys turns to face Jon but Jon awkwardly avoids her. A confused Daenerys walks down the corridor with Tyrion and vents her anger about Cersei's betrayal. She states that Tyrion either knew Cersei was lying or allowed himself to be duped by her. She then adds that if he cannot help her win the Iron Throne, she'll find another Hand who can.

Meanwhile, the men at the forge are hard at work forging dragonglass weapons for the battle. As Gendry Baratheon is busy working, he doesn’t see Arya Stark arrive, who is watching with piqued interest. She enquires if he’s finished making her dragonglass weapon. Gendry remarks that he'll get around to it after he's done making a few thousand more weapons first. Arya urges that he needs to make hers first, and that it should be stronger than the weapon he's currently working on. Gendry insists to Arya that it'll be more safe for her down in the crypts, adding that he knows she wants to fight, but the wights are much different than rapers or murderers. He simply calls them “death”. Arya coyly asserts that she knows death, and lifts one of the dragonglass weapons and throws it like a dagger, hitting a door frame in the near distance. She adds that death has many faces, before throwing another and have it landing right beside the first dagger she threw. Arya adds, "I look forward to seeing this one," as she throws a third dagger, landing exactly beside the other two. Arya then walks past Gendry and asks one last time for her weapon, for which he hastily replies, "I'll get right on it."

Afterwards, in the godswood, Bran Stark is in his wheelchair out in the snow, just beneath the red leaves of the heart tree. When Jaime slowly approached Bran he immediately apologizes for what he had done to him. However, Bran replies: "You weren't sorry then." Jaime insists that he was protecting his family and is no longer that person anymore. Bran then states that he still would be the same person had he not pushed him out of that window, and that he himself would still be Brandon Stark. Curious, Jaime simply asks, "You're not?" Bran replies that he isn't, and that he is something else now. Jaime is curious why Bran isn't angry at him, as Bran informs that he isn't angry at anyone. Jaime then asks why Bran didn't tell anyone the truth. He replies that Jaime wouldn't have been able to help them in this war if they were to murder him first. When Jaime asks about after the war, Bran ponders "how do you know there is an afterwards?"

That afternoon, Jaime approaches Tyrion in the castle grounds when one of the Stark military men spits down near them. Tyrion replies "and the masses rejoice,” as the Northmen struggle with the Lannister presence. Jaime asks Tyrion what they think of Daenerys, as Tyrion remarks that people remember what happened the last time Targaryens brought dragons north. He also states they'll come around once they see Daenerys is different. During their conversation, Tyrion finds out through Jaime that Cersei's pregnancy wasn't a lie. Jaime insists that Tyrion shouldn’t be too hard on himself, as Cersei fooled him more than anybody. Tyrion then states that Cersei never fooled Jaime, as he always knew exactly what she was and he loved her anyway. As Tyrion finds some black humor in the prospect that being killed at Winterfell will deny Cersei the satisfaction of having him killed herself, Jaime is distracted by Brienne in the distance, who is overseeing sword training in the yard. Jaime walks out of the castle gate where moats of traps, catapults, and men are practicing with their swords. He eventually reaches Brienne and they greet one another. Jaime informs her that he’s been told she is commanding the left flank during battle. She states it is great ground and with the rise it would give good advantage. Brienne finally turns to him and asks what he's doing, knowing they've never had a conversation this long without him insulting her. He finally admits that he came to Winterfell because he's not the fighter he use to be, and that he'd be honored to serve under her command, if she'd have him.

Meanwhile, after a heartfelt conversation with Ser Jorah Mormont, Daenerys speaks privately with Sansa, addressing some of the thorny political issues involved in their alliance. Daenerys remarks on how she thought they were on the verge of agreeing in regards to Jaime and asks Sansa why she changed her mind. Sansa replies that she trusts Brienne's judgement completely. Daenerys notes that she can't help but feel they're still at odds with one another but then realizes, "Your brother." Sansa is afraid Daenerys has ulterior motives and that because Jon loves her, he will do stupid things for love. Daenerys assures Sansa this is not the case and confesses her love for Jon, explaining she has had only one goal - retaking the Iron Throne - until she met Jon and now she's in the North helping him fight the Night King and the army of the dead. Although a greater understanding appears to develop between the two women, Sansa remains firm in her conviction that the Northerners will never truly accept an outsider as their ruler again, and bluntly asks Daenerys what her plans for the North are once the dead have been defeated. The awkward moment is interrupted by Maester Wolkan announcing the arrival of Theon Greyjoy and his men. In the Great Hall, Theon kneels to Daenerys and asks Sansa's permission to stand with House Stark against the army of the dead, at which Sansa strides forward and tearfully embraces him.

As more Northerners arrive seeking sanctuary at Winterfell, food stalls are set up in the courtyard to feed them. When Ser Davos Seaworth and Gilly assist by serving food, a young girl named Teela approaches, reminding Davos of his beloved Shireen Baratheon. As she is willing to fight despite her young age, Ser Davos and Gilly both persuade her to defend the crypt where all the non-combatants will be gathered. The sudden sound of a horn blowing then brings Jon and Samwell Tarly out into the courtyard, where to their delight, they find Eddison Tollett, Ser Beric Dondarrion and the remaining Night's Watch dismounting from their horses. As he moves to greet them, he is unexpectedly tackled by Tormund Giantsbane, ecstatic to see his "little crow" again. Unfortunately, the new arrivals bring bad news: Last Hearth has fallen, the Umbers are now part of the army of the dead, as is anyone who has not reached Winterfell by now, and the undead will reach Winterfell before daybreak.

When night falls, the defenders gather for a war council as the army of the dead are mere hours away from arrival. Jon notes that the dead outnumber the living too heavily for them to have a chance at winning a conventional battle. When Ser Jaime asks what they can do, Jon suggests they make the Night King their primary target; given that he raised every monster in the army of the dead, if they can kill him, his army should die with him. Jaime predicts that the Night King, knowing this weakness, will never risk himself on the battlefield, but Bran interjects that the Night King will come for him, as he's tried to kill the Three-Eyed Raven many times before. Jon states they will place Bran in the crypts for his safety, but Bran refuses, declaring he'll wait in the godswood to lure the Night King out. Sansa and Arya balk at the prospect of Bran using himself as bait, but Theon Greyjoy declares he and his Ironborn men will defend Bran, as atonement for his previous capture of Winterfell. When Tyrion questions how the Night King will know where to find him, Bran reveals the claw marks the Night King left on him that allows the creature to track him wherever he is. Jon notes that when their enemy makes his move for Bran, he and Daenerys will strike on dragonback. Arya then asks if dragonfire will stop the Night King, to which Bran can only reply that he has no idea, as no one in history has ever tried it before. After everyone leaves the meeting, Tyrion pulls up a chair next to Bran, curious of his journey in becoming the Three Eyed Raven.

Afterwards, Missandei finds herself on the receiving end of a lot of racial prejudice from the hostile Northerners, prompting Grey Worm to ask if she would want to stay once Daenerys has the Iron Throne. He says he'll fight for his queen until the war is done but there is no place for them in Westeros: "Do you want to grow old in this place? Is there nothing else you want to do, nothing else you want to see?" When Missandei admits she'd like to see the beaches of Naath again, Grey Worm promises he'll take her back there, and his fellow Unsullied will come to help protect the natives from the pirates and slavers who've long preyed on the peaceful Naathi.

Late night, Jon, Samwell and Ghost stand along the battlements peering into the blackened sky, hours away from the coming war. Sam attempts to put Jon at ease with regards to informing Daenerys about his parentage. After Eddison joins them, Sam asserts that while Gilly and Little Sam will be down in the crypts during battle, he himself will be out in the field fighting, much to Jon’s disapproval. The trio then reminisce over their time together in the Night’s Watch and Eddison instructs that whoever is the last man standing should burn the rest.

Elsewhere along the battlements, Arya approaches Sandor Clegane, who is sitting by himself. She sits next to him, not saying a word. Sandor then comments that Arya never used to shut up and now she is sitting there like a mute. Arya responds by saying she guesses she has changed, and then enquires as to why Sandor has travelled here, joining Jon and Daenerys’ forces. She pointedly asks him, “when was the last time you fought for anyone but yourself?” They are then joined by Beric Dondarrion, who apologizes for the Brotherhood’s actions when they last parted years ago. Arya gets up to leave, remarking that she’s not spending her final hours before battle drinking with “you two miserable old shits.” Afterwards, Arya trains with her bow and arrow when Gendry arrives with the new weapon he forged for her. An inquistive Arya asks Gendry what the Red Priestess, Melisandre, wanted from him so many years ago when he was taken into custody. Gendry informs that she was after his royal Baratheon blood for a spell. Arya then asks a confused Gendry how many partners he has slept with in his past, as he answers “three”. Arya confidently informs Gendry that if they may die in this battle, she'd like to know what it's like before that happens. The pair then kiss and have sex with one another.

Meanwhile, Tyrion and Ser Jaime are drinking near the large fireplace in the Great Hall of Winterfell castle. At one point Tyrion says he would loved to have seen their father Lord Tywin’s face when they decided to defend Winterfell. Soon after, Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne join them for a drink. Eventually Ser Davos also joins them to warm himself by the fire, as does Tormund Giantsbane who instantly hones in on Brienne, bragging how he killed a giant at the age of ten. He then tells them how he got his surname 'Giantsbane' by being nursed be a giant for three months. The rest of the group looks on, unsure how to react to such a story, as Tormund guzzles down his milk from a horn. As they continue drinking, the subject eventually turns to knighthood, and Tormund, unsure of the concept of becoming a knight, asks Brienne why she isn't one. She simply replies: “tradition.” Ser Jaime then states that any knight can make a knight. At first, Brienne isn't sure what to do, but after looking at Podrick, who gives her the faintest of smiles and a nod, she stands and moves away from the group so that she can kneel. Bringing his sword with him, Jaime proudly gives Brienne her knighthood, before adding “arise Brienne of Tarth, a Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” While they are all clapping for her, Brienne stands and gives a tearful smile to the small group in the room.

Outside in the courtyard, Ser Jorah speaks to his cousin Lyanna Mormont, as he strongly advises her to remain in the crypts with the other women and children, as she is the future of House Mormont. Lyanna, however, stoutly refuses, asserting that she will fight alongside the rest of the defenders. Jorah eventually relents and allows her to make up her own mind. Samwell Tarly then approaches Jorah, gifting him with his family sword, knowing it'll be put to better use with Jorah wielding it. Jorah insists that he will use it in his father Jeor Mormont’s memory, "to guard the realms of men". Before leaving Samwell adds: "I hope we win."

Meanwhile, back in the Great Hall as the wine has run dry, Tyrion asks the group if anyone can sing. With no one answering, Podrick eventually begins singing “Jenny of Oldstones” softly. Elsewhere, Samwell, Gilly, and Little Sam are lying in bed together in their chambers while Sansa is in the castle courtyard eating a bowl of soup with Theon. At the same time, Arya lies in bed with Gendry after sleeping together - he is fast asleep while she is staring off in deep thought. Back in the courtyard, Missandei gives Grey Worm a deep kiss goodbye, before he must leave with the rest of the Unsullied army out into the battlefield.

Down in the family crypts, Daenerys finds Jon staring at the statue of Lyanna Stark. She wraps an arm around his waist as he holds her hand before Daenerys asks who the statue is of. After Jon explains, Daenerys then mentions her disbelief that her own brother Rhaegar Targaryen had raped Lyanna, knowing how out of character that would've been. Jon turns to face Daenerys and tells her a truth that he had only learned the night before. Jon explains that Rhaegar didn't rape Lyanna. They loved each other and were secretly wed in Dorne, adding they also had a son, and if Robert Baratheon had found out, the baby would've been killed. Lyanna asked her brother Eddard Stark to raise the boy as his own and pretend the child was a bastard. The dying words spoken on Lyanna's birthing bed was the name of her son. It's then that Jon informs Daenerys that he is that child and his true name is Aegon Targaryen. Daenerys finds it nearly impossible to believe, especially that the truth came from two men so close to Jon, Samwell and Bran. However, as the pieces fall into place, Dany realizes that Jon is the last living male heir of House Targaryen and has the rightful claim to the Iron Throne. Before any further words are spoken, a horn blast is heard signalling the arrival of the White Walkers. Jon and Daenerys run to the battlements and witness the undead army standing far in the distance, ready for battle.

*Episode descriptions from GOT Wiki