season two
In the far North, beyond the Wall, the great ranging of the Night's Watch under Commander Jeor Mormont traverses through the Haunted Forest. Jon Snow passes the sledge housing their ravens. He asks Samwell Tarly if he is having a hard time and Sam responds that nothing has killed him yet. Grenn is trying to push the sledge through the mud and complains that Sam’s weight damaged it. Sam counters that Grenn offered him a ride and Grenn says that he only did so because he was fed up of Sam's complaints about his blisters. Eddison Tollett watches the bickering pair. Jon dismounts and leads his horse towards the wooden hall known as Craster's Keep. Edd stands beside him and deadpans that he was born in a similar place but that he has now fallen on hard times. Sam joins them and notes the women working around the hall, asking if they are girls. Sam says that he has not seen a girl for six months and Edd warns the younger men not to speak to them. Grenn wonders if Craster does not like people speaking to his daughters and Edd says that they are also his wives, explaining that Craster marries his daughters and breeds more daughters with them. Sam and Grenn state their disgust and Edd counters that while all the other wildlings in the area have disappeared Craster is still present so he must be doing something right. Jon wonders aloud what happens to Craster's sons.
Inside the hall, Jeor questions Craster about the missing ranger Benjen Stark, who informs the Lord Commander that he hasn’t seen him in three years. Meanwhile, after a conversational row with Craster about “southerners”, Jon Snow looks around at Craster’s numerous daughter-wives as Craster reveals that the other wildlings have all gone to join their King-Beyond-the-Wall, Mance Rayder, who has been gathering an army and plans to march south into the Seven Kingdoms. Jeor warns that it is a bad time to live alone in the wild and that “The cold winds are rising.” Craster is unimpressed and says that his roots are sunk deep. He pulls over his daughter-wife Gilly and instructs her to tell Jeor how content they are, calling him the “Lord Crow.” Gilly says that they are protected by Craster and that it is better to live free than die a slave. Craster asks if Jeor is jealous of his many wives, who states that they chose different paths. Craster jokes that Jeor’s path has only boys on it. Craster then stands and asks if they would like to stay and Jeor accepts the offer. Craster warns that he will take the hand of any man who touches his wives and threatens to gouge Jon’s eyes out if he so much as looks at them. After they leave the hall, Jeor pins Jon against a wall and demands that he state their respective roles as Lord Commander and Steward. He tells Jon that he must learn how to follow before he can lead.
Days later, Samwell Tarly then notices the wildling girl Gilly passing by with two rabbits and he observes that it is greedy for Craster to have so many wives. When Sam leaves to retrieve more vegetables he walks past Gilly cowering from the direwolf Ghost, who was drawn by the rabbits she carries. Sam shoos Ghost away and then walks over to check on Gilly. She warns him not to touch her and he apologizes, however, admits that he is very brave. Sam brings Gilly to see Jon Snow and introduces her as one of Craster's daughters. They tell Jon that she is pregnant and Sam says they have to take her with them. Jon is angry at Sam for considering violating their orders to stay away from Craster's wives. Gilly interrupts their recriminations to reassure Jon that she can run, though Jon says that it is not possible. Gilly begins to say what she is afraid of but stops short of telling Jon what will happen if her child is a boy. Jon is annoyed that she wants them to risk their lives for her but will not say what she fears. When Gilly then runs off, Samwell asks Jon why he was acting cruel, as Jon again criticizes Sam's lack of regard for their orders with his desire to steal Gilly. Sam says that Gilly can't be stolen as she's a person, not a goat. Jon then enquires as to what Sam was planning to do when Gilly went into labor and Sam claims to have read about the delivery process, but admits that it was only a little. Jon remains firm and apologizes, insisting that they cannot help the wildling girl.
Shortly afterwards, Samwell spots Gilly carrying out her chores as he is preparing to leave Craster’s and trek onwards further beyond the Wall. Sam approaches her and gifts her with a thimble that once belonged to his mother Melessa Tarly. He explains to Gilly that he used to read to his mother while she was sewing but that his father, Randyll Tarly, ended the practice once he had found out. Sam then reveals that the thimble is the only possession that he has from his mother and that it was a gift given to him when his father forced him to leave his home in the Reach and join the Night’s Watch. Gilly insists that he should not give it away, however, Sam explains that he is asking her to keep it safe until he returns for her. She gratefully accepts the thimble, as well as the promise of his return. Several weeks later, Samwell and the rest of the Night’s Watch are stationed on a mountaintop named the Fist of the First Men. Obsessing over Gilly while talking to Grenn and Eddison, Sam sees the beauty of the icy landscape and announces that Gilly would love it here. The others look at each other and say that there is nothing worse than a man in love. Sam says what interests him about her the most is that despite all that Craster has done to her, Gilly still has hope that life might get better.
“This is our place. Our husband keeps us safe. Better to live free than die a slave.”
“Sam says you can help… Please sir, please. I can still run if I have to… I can’t have a baby. If it’s a boy…”
— ‘The Night Lands’
“You shouldn’t touch me… You’re very brave. ”
— ‘The Night Lands’
“You’re leaving… I can’t take it… You- you shouldn’t give it away.”
season three
Some weeks later, Jeor Mormont leads the ragged Night's Watch back to Craster's Keep after surviving an attack from the army of the dead. Upon arrival, Craster mocks the survivors of the battle when they reach his keep. He initially wants to refuse them shelter until he notices some of them stroking their weapons. Fearful that in desperation they might try to rush him, he relents. As the black brothers warm by his hearth, Craster continues to mock them and insists that they should be grateful for his generosity, and that he is a godly man for helping them. Mormont tensely questions Craster's claim to be a godly man, but Craster insists that he is - to the "real gods," the White Walkers, who consume entire armies on their way to the Wall but will spare Craster for his loyalty. He admits that he's feeding his pigs better than them - as pigs are valuable to him - and half-seriously suggests to his guests that they should eat the overweight Samwell Tarly. Craster is also annoyed by Gilly's loud wailing from birthing pains. Samwell quickly leaves the main house to a birthing hut where he witnesses Gilly giving birth with the aid of a few other women. To her horror, the baby is a boy, as she knows first-hand growing up under Craster that the infant sons are given up as sacrifice to the White Walkers. Sam and Gilly exchange a look and wordlessly realize that Craster will want to sacrifice her son as well.
Later on, tensions run high among the members of the Night's Watch, while Samwell visits Gillywho is deeply distraught about the fate of her newborn son. She is frantic, and yells at Sam not to draw attention to the fact that it's a boy by calling it a "he" so loud. He asks her if she's decided on a name, but she responds that there's no point in naming her baby if he's only going to be taken from her. She gives Sam back his mother Melessa’s thimble and states that she doesn't care about such stupid things, all she's focused on is protecting the life of her baby. Afterwards, as some of their wounded have died from their injuries, Mormont leads a funeral service as they burn the corpse of a man on a pyre. Then in the main tent, Craster continues to crassly berate the men of the Night's Watch. A black brother named Karl Tanner then enters and complains about the food Craster is providing which results in a fight, then Craster lunging forward at him. Karl in retaliation then slits Craster’s throat. Suddenly, another black brother named Rast comes up behind Mormont and stabs the Lord Commander in the back. For a brief moment the men stare in shock, then entire room explodes into pure bedlam. The injured Mormont sinks to the ground as Rast grabs a knife and repeatedly pounds it into Jeor’s throat until the “Old Bear” is dead. Meanwhile, amidst the mutiny, Sam rushes to Gilly's hut and orders her that they have to escape now or they never will. Sam runs out of Craster's Keep with Gilly and her baby, as loyal Night's Watch members fall to the mutineers.
Some time later, Samwell, Gilly and her newborn son stop to camp during their journey to the Wall. Having troubles stoking the fire, Gilly instructs Sam on how to let the fire breathe. He then sheepishly compliments her on her knowledge of fires. When Gilly asks about fires back home, Sam explains that the Reach isn’t a cold place, then adding that he also did have servants. Gilly then asserts that she assumed correctly of his highborn status. Quickly changing the subject, Sam shows Gilly a volcanic dragonglass dagger he found at the Fist of the First Men. She asks him what does it do, as he then assumes that it doesn’t have a purpose but marvels at it’s beauty. When Samwell then mentions they are a few days away from the Wall, Gilly asks if it is as big as they say. Samwell exaggerates the size of the Wall and informs her that on a warm day one can see the Wall weeping. He then informs her about the Night’s Watch home at Castle Black and how they keep a fire burning throughout the day and night, as well as the venison stew that is served. When Sam mentions some of the Night’s Watch members singing as well, Gilly insists on Sam singing to the baby. After a brief resistance, Samwell begins singing “The Song of the Seven” to his new travel companions.
Weeks later, Gilly and her son continue their journey with Samwell and take refuge in a cabin at White Tree, an abandoned wildling village. Once settled Sam suggests that Gilly name her son, but she does not know any boy names. Gilly likes the name Randyll, Sam's father's first name, much to Samwell’s dislike who then shares the truth about his upbringing marked by cruelty from his father. Suddenly, they are interrupted by a thunderous squawking of crows, as Samwell and Gilly go outside to investigate. Gilly is then horrified to see a White Walker approaching them, and knows that it is after her child. Sam recognizes it as the same White Walker that he ran into before the battle at the Fist of the First Men. He quickly draws his sword but the Walker immediately grabs the blade with a resounding clang. There is a crunching of ice and then the sword itself shatters to ice in his grip. The White Walker then swats Sam aside with a backhand and continues towards Gilly and the baby. As the monster reaches out to seize the infant, Sam, back on his feet, runs his dragonglass dagger into the White Walker’s scapula as it lets out a guttural screech of agony. Whirling to face Sam, its face blanches as it recognizes him and screeches again, this time in disbelief. It falls to its knees, and shatters, leaving nothing but white dust and the dagger. The dagger is left behind as Sam and Gilly then run away in a panic, with a large flock of crows chasing after them.
Some days later, as they come into view of the Wall, Samwell informs Gilly that they are a considerable distance west from their ultimate destination at Castle Black. He assures Gilly that this isn't a problem and further explains they are close to the Nightfort, the original headquarters of the Night's Watch, which was abandoned centuries ago as the organization's numbers dwindled. He explains that the Nightfort is the perfect castle for them, adding that he plans to get them across the Wall using a secret sally-port which leads right into the Nightfort. Gilly is amazed that Sam knows so much history just from reading books, insisting that he is a wizard, much to Sam's delight. The couple then walk towards the first glance of the Wall, as Gilly is awestruck when she finally catches a glimpse of it. She excitedly informs Samwell that, to her knowledge, no wildling has ever looked upon the Wall and survived. Late evening, Gilly and Sam arrive at the Nightfort, which they find inhabited. There, she and Samwell encounter Bran Stark, Jon Snow's younger half-brother. Samwell instantly deduces Bran's identity by recognizing Bran's direwolf Summer. Bran then asks Samwell to take him and his group north of the Wall, though Sam protests the idea, given the threat of the White Walkers and the undead horde they command approaching. Sam eventually relents and takes them through the passage. Before they separate, Sam gives the group the rest of his dragonglass supply and tells them that it has the power to kill White Walkers.
The following morning, Gilly and Sam arrive at Castle Black and meet with Maester Aemon, and Gilly introduces her newborn as Sam, much to Samwell’s delight. Aemon, however, is furious at the prospect of Sam having violated his vows by bringing a wildling with him. Sam defends himself, however, by reciting the Night's Watch oath to protect the realms of men, whichever side of the Wall they are on. He repeats to the castle’s maester the late Lord Commander’s assertion that the Wall was not built to keep out barbarians. Aemon's demeanor then softens upon learning that Gilly was one of Craster's daughter-wives, and acknowledges that she is now a refugee and should be safely sheltered. Gilly shows her gratitude to Aemon by insisting that she can be of good use around the castle. Aemon then orders Sam to grab a quill and begin writing letters immediately. Sam is also to ensure that all of Castle Black's ravens are well-fed, as every one of them is to fly that night to make a grave announcement: the White Walkers have returned and the Seven Kingdoms must be warned of their impending attack.
“What’s happening?! I’m not going out there… Follow me! I know the best way. Come on.”
— ‘And Now His Watch Is Ended’
“Is your father cruel, like mine?”
— ‘Second Sons’
“Someone built your fires for you, growing up? … I knew you were highborn.”
— ‘The Climb’
“You know all that from staring at marks on paper? You’re like, a wizard… Our father used to tell us that no wildling ever looked upon the Wall and lived. Here we are. Alive.”
“Sometimes do you talk fancy on purpose to confuse me?”
— ‘Second Sons’
“His name is Sam… Thank you, maester. I can cook and clean.”
— ‘Mhysa’
season four
Some months later, Samwell complains to Gilly that no one believes that he has killed a White Walker when they were traveling beyond the Wall. Gilly is the sole witness, however, as most of his Black Brothers assume that because she is a wildling this also prevents from the belief of his other-worldly encounter. Gilly insists to Sam that she has received looks from the Night’s Watch but assures him that no one has touched her. Sam grows increasingly concerned of Gilly’s safety and decides to take her, for the time being, to the nearby village of Mole’s Town on the outskirts of the Wall. Although initially concerned that Sam may be bored of her he asserts to Gilly that he wants to protect her. When they later arrive to Mole’s Town, Gilly is instantly confronted with the fact that it is largely a brothel. When Sam insists to a local townswoman and prostitute that Gilly will clean, cook and look after the other children, she immediately tries convincing Gilly that there is paid work she can partake in. Sam remains firm that Gilly will not be involved in any other “work”. Before departing back to Castle Black, Samwell tries consoling a distraught Gilly, who feels like she is being abandoned. He insists that this is for the best and for her to trust him. Before turning away from Sam, Gilly retorts by saying that this is what is best for him.
Weeks later, inside the tavern in Mole's Town, a drunken prostitute socializes with a mixture of townspeople and other whores alike before heading to the back room. When she sees Gilly she starts arguing with about her crying baby who woke her up earlier that morning. Gilly passively apologizes and attempts to stay out of the woman’s way while hanging her laundry but the whore continues to harass her by saying that if Gilly doesn’t keep Little Sam quiet, she will instead. Just as Gilly stands up to the woman and defends her son they are interrupted by an attack on Mole’s Town by a band of wildlings that recently climbed over the Wall and into the Seven Kingdoms. Ygritte, Tormund Giantsbane and Thenn leader Styr, along with the rest of the wildling party, start killing everyone in the small village town. Ygritte rages into the tavern where Gilly and her baby have been hiding out in and runs into the whore who was harassing Gilly. Ygritte quickly runs her spear through the woman’s stomach. Ygritte then discovers a terrified Gilly hiding with her baby in one of the back rooms, but urges them to keep quiet, sparing their lives.
Some time later, as the Battle of Castle Black is about to commence, the band of wildlings that raided Mole’s Town set up camp just outside of Castle Black. As the wildlings converse, Gilly and Little Sam slip past their campfire and onwards to the gates of Castle Black. Meanwhile, Samwell is caught reading a book about wildlings by Maester Aemon, who correctly surmises that Sam has shown such a keen interest in Gilly’s fate because he is in love with her, despite Sam's protests to the contrary. After being dismissed by Aemon, Sam leaves only to hear Gilly at the gate begging to be allowed inside, revealing to him of her survival of the Mole's Town massacre. Upon Sam’s insistence, the gates are reluctantly opened for Gilly. Overjoyed to see her, Sam warmly greets her and promises that he won't leave her again like he did in Mole's Town. Suddenly, two horn blasts are heard from the top of the Wall, meaning the battle is about to start. Sam decides to escort Gilly and her son to a storage room within the castle where she can wait out the battle. However, Gilly is distraught when she learns that Sam will be leaving them alone in order to aide his Black Brothers during battle. Gilly wants Sam to stay with her as he promised, but he cannot as he sworn to defend the Wall as a brother of the Night's Watch. Before he leaves her, Gilly begs Sam to promise her that he won't die and the two finally share a kiss. Later on, Sam is reunited with Gilly after the wildling attack has been repelled. While Gilly is relieved, Sam discovers that she had company in the storage room with a Night’s Watch member named Janos Slynt, who had fearfully fled the battle.
“My father hated the word [wildling]… Makes me sound a bit dangerous, doesn’t it? … I get a lot of looks. I hear them making their jokes, but no one’s touched me, if that’s what you mean… Thank you. For worrying about me… Are you bored of me?”
“I’m sorry he woke you up… Don’t you ever touch him… Shut your mouth. No, it’s not [just an owl].”
“Best for you.”
“You’re leaving me again? You’re going up there and we’re staying down here, that’s leaving. You said from now on we stay together… What are you going to do out there? You going to fight the Free Folk when they come? They’ll kill you. In Mole’s Town they killed everyone… You won’t matter up there, you will down here… Promise me you won’t die?”
season five
Some time later, at Castle Black, while Jon Snow spars with young Olly, along with other new recruits, Samwell attempts to comfort Gilly since she is worried of being sent away with Little Sam by Ser Alliser Thorne. With the election just days away, this would most likely happen if Thorne is elected as the new Lord Commander. However, Samwell reaffirms his promise that wherever Gilly and Little Sam go, he will follow in order to protect her. That evening, the captured wildling and King Beyond the Wall, Mance Rayder, is marched out into the courtyard and the newly-arrived King Stannis Baratheon gives him one last chance to save his life. Mance politely refuses, staying true to his conviction, and wishes Stannis “good fortune in the wars to come.” As Mance is then led to the pyre and tied to the stake, a Red Priestess named Melisandre lights it aflame. Stannis’ wife, Queen Selyse Baratheon, watches with sick pleasure, but their daughter Princess Shireen stares with horror. Sam and Gilly look-on with horror, as well as the imprisoned wildling Tormund Giantsbane, who is now without a leader. Unable to watch Mance suffer, Jon storms off. Just as the fire begins to fully consume Mance, he is mercifully shot through the heart with an arrow by Jon, much to the irritation of Thorne and Janos Slynt.
Days later, Shireen Baratheon teaches Gilly how to read in Castle Black's library, apparently to Samwell's chagrin, as he reads a book on previous Lord Commanders. Gilly asks about Shireen's greyscale scars, a typically fatal disease that can leave one’s skin stone-like to the touch. Gilly reveals that the wildlings don't really have a word for it and that two of her sisters contracted and were driven mad by the disease, before Craster put them out of their misery. Queen Selyse interrupts the proceedings and dismisses Sam and Gilly. She lectures the young princess on the dangers of spending time with any wildlings. Afterwards in the great hall, Jon admits to Samwell that Stannis has offered to legitimize him as a Stark, however, he plans to turn the king down as he honors his oath as a man of the Night's Watch. The vote for the new Lord Commander then commences, overseen by Maester Aemon. Lord Janos Slynt nominates Alliser Thorne. Another brother names Denys Mallister, Commander of the Shadow Tower. The vote almost begins before Sam interrupts to put forward a third nomination: Jon Snow. When the votes are cast, a tie is called: Snow and Thorne have garnered an equal number of votes. With a wry smile, Maester Aemon casts his own vote for Jon Snow. The Black Brothers officially hail Jon as the 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.
Some weeks later, in Castle Black’s library, Gilly asks Samwell if this library holds all of the books that have been written in the world. Samwell informs Gilly that the Citadel is known to have the largest library in the world. Gilly apologizes for not knowing many things, however, Sam attempts to relieve her by insisting that she knows “a hundred things I could never do.” As he lists off a myriad of household duties, Gilly is unhappy with his definition of what is valuable and asserts her query, wanting to know why the Citadel has the biggest library. Sam informs that this is where they train the Order of Maesters and before he was sent to the Watch, he wanted to become one himself. Sam then states that there is “far more adventure” up North anyway, and had he not taken the black he wouldn’t have met Gilly. They are then interrupted by King Stannis, and as Gilly exits the library, Stannis enquires how Sam killed the White Walker. Sam informs the king that it was with a dagger made of dragonglass. Stannis muses that the material is abundantly available on the island of Dragonstone, much to Sam’s delight as he’s been researching dragonglass ever since. Stannis instructs him to continue his research and investigation for further weaknesses of the army of the dead. The following morning, Gilly and Sam then bid farewell, waving to Princess Shireen, as Stannis’ party depart for Winterfell in order to seize the ancestral home of House Stark from the Boltons.
Some time later, after Jon departs for his planned mission to recruit more wildlings to aide in the looming war against the army of the dead, Samwell and Gilly visit Maester Aemon, who is bedridden and dying from old age. Gilly brings her baby Little Sam for him to hold and cheer him up a little. Aemon happily notes that her son has a laugh just like his little brother “Egg” had when he was a baby, the former king Aegon V Targaryen. In a moment of clarity, Maester Aemon gravely warns Gilly that she and her son must leave the Wall while they still can, before winter comes and the White Walkers with it. The couple continue to stay with Aemon as his condition steadily deteriorates during the night, and he fades in and out of consciousness. Gilly urges Sam to get some sleep while she watches over Aemon, as she predicts that he'll have to conduct the funeral in the daytime. Despite Gilly’s insistence, Sam asserts that he is going to stay with Aemon until he passes, as the old maester has always been good to him. Aemon then suddenly wakes up delirious from a dream, still lost in memory from his youth: he calls out to his brother Egg, and says that he had a strange dream that he was an old man. Aemon passes away soon afterwards. In the courtyard of Castle Black, Samwell eulogizes Aemon before lighting his funeral pyre, declaring for all to hear that he was, as a Targaryen, the blood of the dragon, "but now his watch is ended." Ser Alliser quietly warns Sam that one by one, he is losing all of his friends.
Later that evening, in the common area, Gilly is sorting her clothing when she is joined by two Black Brothers. The pair make advancements towards her, calling her a “beauty from beyond the Wall.” Disregarding their presence, one of the brothers asks where she is going and enquires if she finds them more attractive than the “fat man,” Samwell. The other brother then ponders aloud if Gilly is only pretty because she is the only girl at Castle Black. As they proposition her for a kiss, Gilly asks to be left alone, however, they continue in their persistence. When Gilly tries to get past them in order to exit the room, one of the brothers forcefully knocks her laundry basket to the ground, as they both then corner her. They inform Gilly that there is no need for her to be rude and their only after a little affection. As tensions rise, Samwell and eventually Jon Snow’s direwolf, Ghost, come to her rescue just in time. In the process of saving her, however, Sam is badly beaten by his fellow brothers. Following their encounter, in Sam’s quarters, Gilly tends to his multiple facial injuries. Still in grief over Aemon's death, as well as thankful and impressed by Sam defending her, Gilly climbs on top of him and they proceed to have sex for the first time.
Days later, at Castle Black, Gilly continues to tend to Samwell’s wounds following the recent attack made on the couple by two aggressive Black Brothers. Samwell asks Gilly if she was scared, as she informs him that she was. Samwell then declares that was scared as well. Jon Snow’s steward, Olly, then enters with some food, having heard of the incident. Once Gilly leaves, excusing herself to check on Little Sam, Olly expresses his concerns at joining forces with the wildlings, particularly Tormund Giantsbane, who led the raid in his village in the Gift where his parents were brutally murdered, along with the rest of the villagers. Whilst not excusing the wildlings’ actions, Samwell insists that the Free Folk are people like anyone else and there are good ones and bad ones. He then reassures Olly that the Jon knows what he is doing, and that unless he is successful, neither the Night's Watch nor Westeros stands a chance fighting against the impending war with the White Walkers and their army of the dead. Samwell then explains this is a hard choice that Jon had to make, however unpopular, but tells him not to worry, as Jon always comes back. Olly, however, still appears unwavering in his disagreement.
Some time later, following his return from his mission, Jon discusses with Samwell the war against the White Walkers at Hardhome, including their lost stash of dragonglass and how his Valyrian steel sword, Longclaw, was able kill one them, now noting two effective weapons against the dead. When Samwell asks how many Valyrian steel swords are left in the Seven Kingdoms Jon replies by saying “not enough.” After discussing the Night’s Watch and their increasing hatred towards their new Lord Commander, Samwell finally asks for leave to take Gilly and Little Sam with him to Oldtown, where he will train with the Order of Maesters. Sam reasons that he is better suited to the life of a maester than a warrior, and that the Night's Watch needs to fill the gap left by the late maester, Aemon Targaryen. However, Jon is initially reluctant, as he states that he has few friends nowadays, and also points out that as a maester, Samwell's vow of chastity will be doubly prevalent. Sam takes this opportunity to informs Jon that he and Gilly have had sex already, much to Jon's amusement. Jon then expresses that he is happy the end of the world is working out well for someone. Jon eventually agrees to Samwell's request and they share a final drink to Sam’s eventual return. Outside in the yard, Jon then sees Samwell off as he leaves by horse and carriage with Gilly and her son, as they depart for the Reach, Samwell’s home region in the south of Westeros.
“[Ser Alliser] hates me. Don’t let them send us away… Sam! Don’t let them send us away… You can’t leave, they’ll execute you.”
— ‘The Wars to Come’
“Get some sleep, Sam. You’ll have to speak for [Aemon] tomorrow… Get some sleep. I’ll watch over him.”
— ‘The Gift’
“Two of my sisters had it. They both died… My father made them move out of the keep into the huts outside. None of us were allowed to go near them but we heard them. Especially at night. They started to sound, not like themselves.”
— ‘The House of Black and White’
“The next time you see something like that, you leave it alone. I know they would have killed you if Ghost hadn’t come… Don’t be stupid, Sam. You’re not a fighter. Just promise me, whatever happens, you’ll take care of Little Sam.”
— ‘The Gift’
“I’m sorry I don’t know things.”
— ‘Kill the Boy’
“Does it hurt? … I’m not the one who got punched and kicked in the face… I’m good. A little [scared].”
— ‘Hardhome’
season six
Some time later, in the Narrow Sea, Samwell, Gilly and Little Sam are sailing on a ship towards Oldtown, the oldest city in all of the Seven Kingdoms. Gilly and Samwell both have never been on a ship before, and while Gilly excitedly peers out the window during an intense storm, Sam himself is seasick and begins throwing up into a chamber pot. Gilly assures Samwell that it won't be long and says that she can't wait to see Oldtown, as the ship's captain told her that it's the most beautiful city in Westeros. However, while Samwell had originally planned to go and study at the Citadel, with intention of joining the Order of Maesters, he adjusts his plans since he cannot bring Gilly and her child along, as the Citadel only allows men within its walls. For their safety, Samwell decides to take Gilly and Little Sam elsewhere in the Reach- to his ancestral home of Horn Hill. While he does not get on with his father Lord Randyll Tarly, Samwell assures Gilly that his mother, Lady Melessa Tarly, and sister, Talla Tarly, are very kind. Samwell wants to do everything to protect Gilly and her child from harm. Despite some unease, Gilly promises to follow Sam and let him decide what is best for them.
Some weeks later, after their long voyage, Gilly and Samwell finally approach Horn Hill, the seat of House Tarly, by horse and carriage. During their journey, Gilly marvels at the lush landscape of the Reach, having never traveled to the south of Westeros before. As they near his family’s castle, Samwell then warns Gilly that they must claim Little Sam is his own son, and that Gilly should hide the fact that she is a wildling, since his father abhors the Free Folk. Once entering the castle grounds, Samwell reunites with his mother, Lady Melessa, and sister Talla, who are both overjoyed with his return. Melessa expresses her appreciation in stating that she thought she’d never see him again. Sam is in disbelief of how much his sister Talla has grown, as she then attempts to inform to Sam of her upcoming betrothal, but their mother shushes her. Samwell then introduces Gilly and Little Sam to them both, and in spite of her rough appearance, both immediately notice Gilly's beauty. Melessa is delighted to meet her first “grandchild”. Talla then takes Gilly under her wing, offering her a dress and a spare bedroom to settle into.
That evening, Gilly bathes and changes from her rough, woolen northern dress into a fine southern dress, her polished beauty bewildering the love-struck Samwell. Gilly and the Tarly family sit down for dinner alongside Lord Randyll and Sam’s brother Dickon Tarly. Randyll criticizes Samwell for his weight and mocks his attempt to claim hunting and fighting skills, both of which Sam admits can actually be attributed to Gilly and Jon Snow, respectively. Talla is delighted to hear that Gilly can hunt for herself, and suggests that Randyll should be more like Gilly's father, Craster, a suggestion which makes Sam and Gilly wince. Gilly, defending Samwell from Randyll's verbal assault, mentions Sam's heroism on three different occasions, in which Sam proved himself to be a greater warrior than Randyll will ever be. However, in doing so, she inadvertently reveals her origins from north of the Wall. As result, Randyll doesn't seem to take in her point about Sam's qualities but instead only hears that she is a wildling. Randyll then reveals his prejudice towards wildlings and his continues displaying his contempt for his son. Melessa, thoroughly angered by Randyll's behavior, declares that Sam isn't the one dishonoring House Tarly, Randyll is. She then storms out, taking Gilly and Talla with her. Randyll eventually agrees that Gilly and Little Sam can stay at Horn Hill, with Gilly working in the kitchens. He notes that Little Sam will be acknowledged and raised as a bastard. However, this will be Samwell's last night at Horn Hill, forever. Later that evening, Samwell apologises to Gilly for not standing up to his father and begrudgingly informs that he will be leaving at first light. However, he shortly returns to Gilly, declaring that he has changed his mind, and insists that they need to stay together, as they belong with each other. He then declares that the three of them are leaving right now. On the way out of the castle, Samwell steals Heartsbane - the family's Valyrian steel sword. The trio then flee into the night.
Some time later, Samwell, Gilly and Little Sam finally arrive at Oldtown, the oldest city in Westeros. After exiting their carriage, Gilly and Sam look out towards the view of the sprawling city and spot the Hightower, which is a hundred feet taller than the Wall itself. They witness dozens of white ravens being released, officially signalling the arrival of winter. Afterwards, Gilly and Samwell arrive at a bureaucrat's desk within the Citadel, as Samw informs a maester that he has been sent by the Night's Watch's Lord Commander to be trained under the Order of Maesters. The bureaucrat, maintaining a deadpan expression, is hesitant because the late Jeor Mormont and Aemon Targaryen are still recorded as the Lord Commander and the maester of Castle Black. Samwell then awkwardly informs him that both Jeor and Aemon died before ravens could be sent out. The maester then arranges for Samwell to meet with one of the Archmaesters, and allows Sam access to the Citadel's library, but sharply bars Gilly and her son from following as women and children are not allowed. Samwell then explores the vast library and gazes in amazement at all of the levels of books, greatly anticipating his training to begin commencement.
“Did I ever tell you I used to think the sea was called the see because it was nothing but water as far as the eye could see? It was before I learned how to read, obviously.”
— ‘Oathbreaker’
“[Sam] can wield a sword. He killed a Thenn. He killed a White Walker… I saw it with my own eyes on our way down to Castle Black. He drove a dagger into the walker’s heart. He risked his own life to save mine more than once. He’s a greater warrior than either of you will ever be.”
“You’re nervous. You’re a nervous talker… Well, that’s not any better being a nervous mute.”
“I’m not angry at you. I’m angry that horrible people can treat good people that way and get away with it… You’re not what he thinks you are, Sam. [Randyll] doesn’t know what you are.”
season seven
Some months later, at the Citadel in Oldtown, Samwell studies in his quarters while Gilly entertains Little Sam, both of whom have been permitted to stay with Sam whilst studying with the Order of Maesters. Gilly asks Sam about the book he is studying, named “The Legends of the Long Night,” which details the White Walkers first attempt at destroying the world of the living eight-thousand years ago. Samwell mentions that centuries ago the Targaryens were unaware of the fact that the First Men had used dragonglass against the White Walkers. He then discovers a drawn map of the island of Dragonstone and recalls a previous conversation with Stannis Baratheon, who had informed that dragonglass could be found on Dragonstone. The book then reveals that there is a veritable mountain of obsidian just outside the island’s castle. With this discovery, Sam excitedly prepares a letter to Jon Snow relaying the information. Gilly continues reading another book about White Walkers and she recalls once hearing her drunken father Craster tell his infant son that it was “time to meet your brothers.” Gilly then ponders if the White Walker she and Sam faced together had recognized her as his former sister.
Some weeks later at the Citadel, a conclave of maesters read a message from Winterfell that was sent by Jon’s half-brother Bran Stark, who Gilly had met at the Nightfort when crossing into the Seven Kingdoms. Bran warns them of the approaching army of the dead, but the maesters are dismissive of his account. Samwell, who is present at the meeting, only to swap out some books, vouches for the Stark boy and insists that Bran spent several years surviving in the wilds alone. One maester mockingly tells Samwell to practice with inscribing instead of entertaining myths and fables. Samwell, however, counters that they should use their position as maesters to warn the people to prepare for the coming night. Archmaester Ebrose opines that Bran's message could be genuine, but also could be misinformation spread by the dragon queen Daenerys Targaryen, who has recently arrived in Westeros in order to take the Iron Throne for herself. The maesters agree to send a letter back to Winterfell to investigate Bran's claims further, but as they regard the White Walkers as legendary beings, akin to the Children of the Forest and the Drowned God, they clearly want to believe Ebrose's misinformation theory. While they agree to investigate Bran's message in further detail, they remain skeptical of his claims. After Samwell leaves, one of the other Archmaesters asks if it's true that Sam's father Lord Randyll and brother Dickon were recently burned alive by Daenerys Targaryen, as they did not bend the knee for her. Ebrose confirms this, but admits that he hasn't had the heart to inform Samwell as yet.
Later that evening, in their quarters, Samwell inscribes as Gilly reads High Septon Maynard's diary aloud. Samwell is too distracted to take in everything Gilly informs him of within Maynard’s diary, inclusive of the man’s own bowel movements that was recorded. Gilly then lands on a passage and informs Sam that the High Septon once had issued an annulment for Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell so that he could marry another woman in Dorne. The enormity of the discovery is lost on both of them, with Gilly ignorant of the events of Robert's Rebellion, and Sam being preoccupied with his own misery. Samwell complains about maesters having to inscribe annulments and bowel movements when the key to defeating the Night King is likely to be sitting in the library. In exasperation with his situation, Samwell makes his way to the library, grabbing several books and other items. After a contemplative look at the atrium of the library, he then meets Gilly in the courtyard of the Citadel where she and Little Sam wait for him in a wagon. When Gilly asks if Sam is sure whether he wants to give up his studies, Samwell replies that he is "tired of reading about the achievements of better men," quoting what his father Randyll said to him upon his last visit home. The trio then ride off into the night and head towards Winterfell to assist Jon Snow in the coming war.
“The white cold rose up and the walkers rose with it. And the sun hid its face for a lifetime. I know why the sun hid its face. One time, when I was little, my father got drunk before taking one of his sons away. I remember him saying to the baby, ‘Come on, time to meet your brothers…”
— ‘Dragonstone’
“Maynard says here that he issued an annulment for a Prince "Ragger" and remarried him to someone else at the same time in a secret ceremony in Dorne. Is that a common thing in the south or —”
— ‘Eastwatch’
“… Some of the older wives called the White Walkers Craster’s sons… I couldn’t stand the thought of it. That my baby, my perfect little baby, could become the worst thing there is. When that White Walker came for us, beneath all the fear, I wondered if he knew who I was. I wondered if he’d once been my brother.”
— ‘Dragonstone’
“Are you sure you want to do this? You always wanted to be a maester.”
— ‘Eastwatch’
season eight
Some weeks after Samwell has settled into Winterfell with Gilly and Little Sam, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, along with her two dragons and her united army, have arrived in time to prepare for the coming war against the army of the dead. The evening of Daenerys’ arrival, Samwell is studying in Winterfell's library when she and her advisor, Ser Jorah Mormont, come to visit him. Daenerys thanks the man that saved Jorah's life at the Citadel some months ago from his greyscale affliction. The dragon queen then asks if she can offer Sam anything in return. Samwell requests a pardon for stealing books from the Citadel, as well as "borrowing" his family's sword, Heartsbane. Hearing this, Daenerys realizes that Samwell is the son of Lord Randyll Tarly and informs him that his father refused to bend the knee and was executed as result. Samwell is shaken by the news of his father's death, but jokes that at least his brother will allow him to return to his home of Horn Hill. When Daenerys then reveals that Dickon Tarly was executed alongside his father, Sam is visibly upset and chokes back some tears. He then asks to leave the library to gather his composure.
Some days later, as more Northerners arrive seeking sanctuary at Winterfell, food stalls are set up in the courtyard to feed them. When Gilly and Ser Davos Seaworth assist by serving food, a young girl named Teela approaches, reminding Davos of his beloved Shireen Baratheon, who died gruesomely after departing Castle Black with her father, the also-deceased King Stannis. As Teela insists that she is willing to fight despite her young age, Gilly and Ser Davos both persuade her to defend the crypts beneath the castle where all the non-combatants and Gilly herself will be gathered during the battle. Suddenly, the sound of a horn blowing brings Samwell and Jon out into the courtyard, where to their delight, they find Eddison Tollett and the remaining members of the Night's Watch dismounting from their horses. As Jon moves to greet them, he is unexpectedly tackled by the wildling leader Tormund Giantsbane, who is ecstatic to see his "little crow" again. Unfortunately, the new arrivals bring bad news: the castle of Last Hearth has fallen and House Umber 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. Later on, in the middle of the night, Samwell and Gilly lay in bed with Little Sam, staring at one another as they are unable to sleep. Their moment of peace is then interrupted by the war horns that sound off for the arrival of the White Walkers and their vast army of wights. Meanwhile, Jon and Daenerys peer out into the night sky to see the undead army approach, as they then head off to mount their dragons and prepare for war.
Night has fallen and outside in the courtyard, moments before the battle ensues, a terrified Samwell is handed a dragonglass weapon, as he then heads towards the battlefield. Meanwhile, Daenerys’ Hand, Tyrion Lannister, takes several wine casks down to the crypts below. Sansa Stark later joins Gilly, Little Sam and the rest in hiding, as Tyrion then laments that he should at least be up on the battlements. He carries on to say that he and Lord Varys, who has also joined them in the crypts, could still use their great intellects as commanders, to try and see something other people wouldn't. Sansa chides that witty remarks won't make a difference, and the bravest thing they can do now is "look the truth in the face.” Tyrion is moved and quips that maybe they should have stayed married - to which Sansa responds, "You were the best of them." Tyrion remarks that is a terrifying thought. Sansa continues saying that a marriage wouldn't work out between them due to his loyalty to Daenerys, and Tyrion’s division between herself and Daenerys would be a problem. Increasingly frustrated and within earshot of their conversation, Missandei defends her queen to Sansa, firmly stating that without Daenerys they would all be dead by now. Later on, as the battle continues outside, the castle has now been overrun with the undead army. Gilly and the others can hear a handful of men desperately pounding on the heavy doors to let them in, but they know they cannot risk a flood of wights passing their barricade. They hear the men's cries which are then quickly silenced. The wights themselves cannot find a way in, however, there are already plenty of dead bodies in the crypts for the Night King to resurrect, a power the White Walkers possess. A startled Gilly is the first to notice that many of the corpses start to rise as wights, clawing their way out of their tombs. As more corpses have risen from their tombs many of the living inhabitants inside the crypts are unarmed women and children, and many whom succumb to their deaths. A terrified Sansa and Tyrion hide behind a tomb, as they contemplate helping the women and children in the fight against the newly made wights with dragonglass weapons. They break away from their hideout and scurry around frantically until they see Gilly, Little Sam and Missandei moments away from being attacked by two wights. Tyrion and Sansa sneak up from behind and kill them both with dragonglass, much to Gilly’s relief. Shortly thereafter, in the midst of the attack on the crypts, all of the reanimated bodies suddenly drop to the ground and fall apart, signifying that the Night King and his army of the dead have been defeated, thus ending the Great War.
Following the victorious battle against the White Walkers, Winterfell has been cleared of the thousands of corpses in and around it. The fallen are gathered into funeral pyres, as Jon then gives a eulogy that it is the duty of those who survived to keep them alive in memory for generations to come. He notes to the survivors in his eulogy: “Our fellow men and women, who set aside their differences to fight together, and die together, so that others might live. Everyone in this world owes them a debt that can never be repaid.” He also quotes the funeral speech used for members of the Night's Watch, he announces that they were the shields that guarded the realms of men, and they will never see their like again: “now their watch is ended.” The assembled leaders go forward with torches to light the pyres: A devastated Daenerys lights Ser Jorah Mormont's pyre, as Samwell lights the pyre of Eddison Tollett. Following the funeral, the survivors hold a victory feast in the great hall of Winterfell, though so many have died that the mood is somber. Daenerys calls on Gendry Baratheon, noting that he is the late King Robert’s bastard. She then appoints Gendry as the new Lord of Storm's End, as a reward for his heroism. Quietly at the main table, Tyrion Lannister, notes to Daenerys of this political move. After the announcement, the hall becomes more celebratory, as Gilly, Sam and the rest start drinking whilst discussing the battle. Daenerys then makes a toast: "To Arya Stark, the hero of Winterfell!" prompting an entire room of cheers, though Arya is not in attendance.
Some time later, Jon is getting ready to leave south with Daenerys and their remaining armies to face the tyrant queen, Cersei Lannister, in the capital city of King’s Landing. Gilly, Samwell and Tormund join Jon in the courtyard in order to bid him farewell. Tormund informs Jon that he and the surviving wildlings will travel to Castle Black, then after the winter snows have cleared, they will return to the lands beyond the Wall, free from the threat of the White Walkers. Jon's direwolf, Ghost, is also present: he was badly wounded in the battle but managed to survive. Jon instructs Tormund to take Ghost with him, as a direwolf would be happier in the Northern forests. Gilly then bids Jon farewell with a hug, and upon doing so he realizes that she is pregnant with Samwell's child. She gleefully informs that if it's a boy, she hopes to name it Jon. Jon, however, then expresses his hopes for a girl instead. He and Samwell then share a long hug and Sam tearfully informs Jon that he is the best friend he’s ever had. Jon is moved, and shares the same sentiment with Sam. Jon then rides out of the castle, as Gilly, Sam, Tormund and Ghost watch him depart.
Several weeks later, following the devastating Battle of King’s Landing and the subsequent election at the Great Council meeting, Samwell has been appointed as the new Grand Maester under King Bran Stark’s newly-formed small council. A pregnant Gilly and Little Sam have now moved south with Sam and are happily settled into the capital city. On the day of the first small council meeting, Samwell gifts the Hand of the King, Tyrion Lannister, with a book he partly wrote with Archmaester Ebrose after he was elected as maester. The book, titled “A Song of Ice and Fire” documents all of the major events that have occurred following the death of King Robert, which started the War of the Five Kings. When King Bran is brought into the council room, Samwell and the rest greet him. Once all seated, Bran enlists his advisors to find a Master of Whisperers, Law and War, while he himself will look for the late Daenerys Targaryen’s last remaining dragon, Drogon, through his gift of greensight, who has last been spotted flying east. Upon King Bran’s exit, Tyrion recites “We serve at your pleasure, Bran the Broken. Ruler of the Six Kingdoms and protector of the realm. Long may he reign.” The council then repeat “long may he reign.” Grand Maester Samwell Tarly and the rest of the small countil then continue planning the reformation of a fractured Six Kingdoms, marking the dawn of a new era.
“When the time comes, you’ll be down in the crypts. They’re the safest place to be. Through that archway, right over there.”
— ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’
“Lord Gendry!”
“That’s good to hear. I’m going to be in the crypt with my son and I’d feel a lot better with you down there to protect us.”
— ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’
“I’m sure he knows how it happens, Sam. If it’s a boy, we want to name him Jon.”
