Directed By: Tim Van Patten / Written By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss

Original Airdate: April 24, 2011

At Winterfell, Bran Stark's fate remains in doubt after his fall from the tower, however, having agreed to become the King Robert Baratheon's Hand, Eddard Stark leaves the North with daughters Sansa and Arya, while Catelyn Stark stays behind with her eldest son Robb to tend to a comatose Bran. Meanwhile, Jon Snow heads north to join the brotherhood of the Night's Watch and  Tyrion Lannister forgoes the journey south to the capital with his family and instead decides to join Jon and his entourage to the Wall. Across the Narrow Sea, Viserys Targaryen bides his time in hopes of winning back the iron throne, while his sister Daenerys focuses her attention on learning the ways of the Dothraki people and how to please her new husband, Khal Drogo

main cast

THE DOTHRAKI SEA

The Dothraki khalasar led by Khal Drogo have departed Pentos and are heading east. They travel away from the Free Cities and into the Dothraki Sea, the long-grassed plains that the Dothraki call home. Viserys Targaryen  accompanies the khalasar, meaning to stay with Drogo until he fulfills his end of the bargain and provides him with an army with which to invade  Westeros, despite Ser Jorah Mormont's suggestion. He tells Viserys that he offended his liege lord, Eddard Stark, by selling poachers into slavery. When he received word that Eddard meant to execute him for the crime he fled to Essos. Viserys laughs at the notion, saying such trivialities would not be punished under his reign. Daenerys is finding adapting to her new role as khaleesi  to be a huge challenge. Only Mormont offers her some solace, telling her it will become easier. Daenerys is however fearful of her new husband and it is revealed that their first sexual encounter has left her slightly injured. Afterwards, as Daenerys is fascinated by the three dragon eggs that were gited to her from Illyrio Mopatis, she asks her handmaidens if they have ever heard of dragons surviving in the east. They reply no, but Doreah, a former pleasure-girl from Lys, tells her an old story about how there used to be two moons in the sky. One wandered too close to the sun and cracked like an egg, spilling out thousands of dragons into the world. Dany's Dothraki handmaidens Irri and Jhiqui dismiss the story, saying that the moon is a goddess, a wife to the sun. Daenerys asks if Doreah can teach her how to please the Khal and Doreah says yes, and it will not take three years.

That evening, Daenerys seeks the advice of her handmaid Doreah, who instructs Daenerys on how to please Khal Drogo in bed, as well as how to use her skills to gain respect from him. Doreah encouragingly asserts to Daenerys that "You are no slave," and therefore she should not have sex like one. Doreah then adds that Daenerys is a “khaleesi,” and that she has power if she wants it. Daenerys, however, expresses her uncertainty regarding the culture of the Dothraki, but Doreah asks her why Drogo would marry outside of his people if he wanted a Dothraki wife. Afterwards, Daenerys then nervously puts Doreah’s teachings into action and is surprised to find Drogo eventually responsive, particularly once she starts using her body in combination with the Dothraki language to speak to him.

THE NORTH

Some time after his fall from the tower at Winterfell, Bran Stark lies unconscious and badly wounded. In the castle courtyard, Tyrion Lannister wakes up only to find that he somehow ended up falling asleep in the dog pen.  Prince Joffrey Baratheon and his bodyguard Sandor 'The Hound' Clegane, who find him, find this amusing, Joffrey sneering that Tyrion is surrounded by "better-looking bitches" than usual. Tyrion insists to his nephew that he should pay his respects to Lord and Lady Stark, since his absence has been noted. When Joffrey refuses, saying the boy means nothing to him, Tyrion slaps Joffrey three times until he accepts his uncle's suggestion. Afterwards, Tyrion joins the rest of his Lannister family for breakfast. He informs his siblings, Queen Cersei Lannister and Ser Jaime Lannister, as well as his niece and nephew, Myrcella and Tommen, of his decision to journey north to visit the Wall before returning to the capital of King's Landing. He also tells them that Bran Stark is expected to live and notes his siblings guarded reactions. Jaime points out to Tyrion that if the boy lives, he'll be a cripple, a grotesque. He would prefer a good clean death any day. Tyrion, speaking for the grotesques, points out that death is so final and life has possibilities. In particular, he wants to see what Bran has to say when he wakes up. Irritated, Jaime, wonders whose side Tyrion is on.

Meanwhile, Lady Catelyn Stark, sits with the comatose Bran, weaving figures of the Faith of the Seven and praying for him. Cersei enters the bed chamber to pay her respect. She eventually informs Catelyn that she lost her firstborn son, a “black-haired beauty” who was consumed by a fever when he was very young. Catelyn is surprised that she did not know of this previously. Cersei then confesses that King Robert Baratheon battered his fists bloody on the walls and she couldn't bear to be separated from the child until Robert pulled her away. Cersei adds that her prayers and tears were for naught. She then promises to Catelyn that she will pray to the Mother every night and morning in the hope that she returns Bran to his mother, hoping that this time the gods will listen to her prayers.

Before his departure to the Wall, Jon Snow visits Mikken, Winterfell's master blacksmith, to collect a small, thin sword he has commissioned. Jaime Lannister takes an interest, asking Jon if he has ever swung a sword in anger and killed a man. He tells Jon it is an odd feeling to know, for the first time, that all people are is just sacks of blood and guts with some bones to keep them all standing. Jaime shakes Jon's hand, pulling him in closer towards him to display his strength, saying he is grateful that they have strong men like Jon joining the Night’s Watch to protect the realm from wildlings and the mythical White Walkers. Jon, sensing he is being mocked, tells Jaime that the Watch has protected the realm for eight thousand years. Jaime is unimpressed. In her chambers, Arya Stark is packing for the journey south to King's Landing. She has trained her direwolf, Nymeria, to carry things across the room. When Jon visits, she tries to show off, but Nymeria is uncooperative. Jon gives Arya a present: the small, thin sword he had the blacksmith forge. Jon tells her to pack it carefully and advises her to, "Stick them with the pointy end." Arya thanks him for the present and hugs her half-brother goodbye, Jon musing that he is going to miss her most of all. He asks her what she will call it, given that the best swords are named, and she replies "Needle", as it is a more fun needle than the ones that Septa Mordane has her and her sister Sansa Stark using. Afterwards, Jon goes to say goodbye to Bran while Catelyn, at Bran's bedside, glares. He tells his unconscious brother that he will visit him when his duties permit, and maybe Bran can come and visit him at Castle Black one day. Catelyn curtly tells him to leave just as Eddard Stark enters the room and overhears his wife.

After Jon departs from Bran’s room, Lord Eddard closes the door in order to bid his own farewell. A disgruntled Catelyn asserts that seventeen years ago he rode off with Robert Baratheon and came back a year later with another woman's son, and now he is leaving again. Eddard assures that he has no choice but to go, but Catelyn dismisses this, declaring to him that men always say that when honor calls. She asserts that Eddard does have a choice, and he has made it. Catelyn stresses that she cannot cope by herself, but Eddard insists that she can, and must. Outside in the castle courtyard,  Robb Stark and Jon meet to say goodbye. Jon lies to his half-brother, stating that Robb’s mother Catelyn was very kind to him upon his departure. Robb informs Jon that the next time they see each other, Jon will be wearing black, the garb of the Night’s Watch. Jon jokes it was always his color. The half-brothers then bid each other farewell with a hug. The procession then departs from Winterfell and splits at a nearby waypost:  Benjen Stark, Tyrion and Jon head northwards for the Wall while Eddard, his daughters and the royal party head south towards King’s Landing. Before parting ways, Eddard acknowledges to Jon there is great honor in serving in the Watch. He then declares to Jon: "You are a Stark. You might not have my name, but you have my blood." Jon asks if his mother knows where he is, or if she is still alive. Eddard promises Jon that the next time they meet, he will tell him about his mother.

Days later, on the Kingsroad south to the capital, King Robert has lunch with Eddard and attempts to appeal to his old friend when declaring that they could strike off into the countryside together, swords at their sides and tavern wenches to warm their beds. Eddard is amused but points out that Robert should have asked him this twenty years earlier. The king notes that he’s never had the chance to be young, however, Eddard jests that he recalls a few chances which prompts Robert to reminisce over a common girl: “Thank the gods for Bessie… and her tits”. A curious Robert then asks Eddard about Wylla, the mother of his bastard son Jon, but Eddard refuses to enlighten him. Robert reminds him that at that time, they were in the middle of a war and no one knew if they would ever return to their families. King Robert then discusses the dire news that his spies have learned of Daenerys Targaryen's marriage to Khal Drogo. Though Eddard is unconcerned with Daenerys as “little more than a child,” the king asserts that she will soon begin to produce male heirs. Alongside Drogo’s large khalasar, she remains a threat to the Iron Throne. Eddard points out that the Dothraki cannot cross the Narrow Sea, as they have no ships, but Robert is concerned that the Seven Kingdoms will soon face another war.

That evening, Benjen, Jon and Tyrion's party have set up camp on their way north. They are joined by fresh recruits for the Night’s Watch, mostly criminals who have been tied-up. Tyrion informs Jon that they are rapists who were offered the choice of castration or the Wall. He then notes that most men choose the knife over joining the Watch. Tyrion then asks Jon what he thinks of his new brothers. Changing the subject, Jon inquires why Tyrion reads so much, who then explains that he is a dwarf and if he'd been born a peasant he'd probably been left in the woods to die. Alas, he was born a Lannister of Casterly Rock and things are expected of him. Tyrion continues explaining that his father was Hand of the King for twenty years until his brother Jaime killed King Aerys Targaryen. Tyrion notes to Jon that his brother has his sword and he himself has his mind, adding: “a mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone”. He and Jon then share a wineskin, as Jon reflects on Tyrion's skeptical words that the Night's Watch guards the realm only from “grumkins” and “snarks” and other mythical creatures. As they continue speaking, one of the new recruits, Rast, glares at Jon with hostility. Some time later, Benjen’s party crests a rise and they behold the Wall in the distance, running from horizon to horizon. Jon and Tyrion are both amazed by the sight, as Benjen welcomes them to the Wall.

At Winterfell, Maester Luwin visits Catelyn in Bran’s chamber. He says that the management of the castle requires her attention, particularly the ruinous cost of the king's visit and adds that there are also several other appointments that require her attention. Catelyn angrily asserts that she cannot leave Bran’s side. Robb then arrives and states that he will make the appointments and look at the accounts, to Luwin’s satisfaction. Robb opens the shutters so Bran can hear the direwolves howling for him. He asks his mother when she is planning to leave Bran’s room. The most dangerous time for him is past, but Catelyn refuses in case anything happens. Robb informs that her other children need her, explaining that Rickon is six and doesn't understand what is happening, spending his days following Robb around and asking where his mother is. Robb turns around to close the window upon Catelyn’s request but to his horror he sees fire and smoke in the distance, from another part of the castle. He rushes out to investigate. Several moments later, a hooded man slips into the room and is surprised to see Catelyn. The man tells her that Bran is dead already and this will be a “mercy,” drawing a sharp and elaborate dagger. Catelyn fights him off, cutting her hands up in the process.  Bran's direwolf Summer then charges into the room and tears out the would-be assassin's throat. A traumatized Catelyn gratefully looks over at the animal, as he jumps onto Bran’s bed and stands guard over him.

The following morning, Catelyn investigates the tower from where Bran fell. Scouring the interior for clues, she finds a single strand of golden hair on the floor and comes to a sudden realization. She then summons Robb, Theon, Luwin and the castle master at arms, Ser  Rodrik Cassel to the godswood next to the castle and tells them that she suspects that the Lannisters  tried to kill Bran because he might have seen something in the tower. She has no idea what that is, only it is important enough to kill over. She tells them of the suspicions that the Lannisters  are plotting against the crown. Ser Rodrik produces the assassin’s weapon, noting it is far too fine for such a man. The hilt of the weapon is dragonbone and the blade is Valyrian steel. Someone must have given it to him. Robb angrily denounces the Lannisters for their acts, suggesting that if it is war they want, he will give it to them. Theon promises to support him, but Luwin stops their boastful talk, pointing out that they do not know the truth yet. Someone must inform Lord Eddard of their findings. Robb offers to go, but Catelyn replies that there must always be a Stark in Winterfell. She will go instead, leaving Bran to their care. She will take no retinue but accepts Ser Rodrik as a bodyguard.

the riverlands

Along the Kingsroad and crossing into the region of the Riverlands, the royal party reaches the Crossroads Inn, a noted waystop on the way south to the capital. Prince Joffrey's bodyguard,  Sandor Clegane, also known as "the Hound," a large man with half his face burnt off as result of a mysterious accident, introduces Sansa Stark to Ser Ilyn Payne, the royal executioner. Joffrey saves Sansa from an unpleasantness introduction and takes her for a walk along the riverbank. They find Arya practicing her sword work with Mycah, the son of the royal party's butcher. Joffrey pretends to take offense at Mycah using a sword on the sister of his betrothed and starts to gleefully cut Mycah's face with his sword, but an outraged Arya hits him on the head with a stick. Joffrey quickly becomes violent and threatens Arya at sword point, however, Arya's direwolf,  Nymeria, attacks Joffrey, biting at his arm. Mycah runs off, and Arya throws Joffrey's sword in the river before running off herself and knowing that Nymeria will be punished for injuring the prince, she forces the direwolf to flee by throwing a rock at her. After night falls and several hours searching for Arya in the nearby woods, Eddard enters the Crossroads Inn to find that Arya has been found and taken before King Robert, who is angered that a minor fracas has become a major incident, with his wife and new Hand blaming one another's children. Prince Joffrey offers a false account of the incident, and asks Sansa to confirm it. Put in an impossible position, Sansa refuses to contradict him, enraging Arya. The King decides to let Eddard discipline Arya while he will do the same to Joffrey, however, a dissatisfied Cersei demands that the direwolf be executed. When it is noted that Nymeria has not been found, Cersei spitefully requests that Sansa's direwolf Lady should be killed instead. King Robert acquiesces to Cersei’s demand, growing impatient of the situation, which upsets a distraught Sansa further as she and her angered sister protest. Out of his hands, a furious Eddard attends to the matter himself outside as he passes by the Hound, whom has the butcher’s boy Mycah's bloodied corpse flung over his shoulder. Eddard is shocked and disgusted, and when he asks if Sandor ran Mycah down, the Hound responds "He ran, but not very fast." Eddard then regretfully kills Sansa’s chained direwolf with his dagger. Meanwhile at that very moment, hundreds of miles away at Winterfell, Bran awakens from his coma.

*Episode descriptions from GOT Wiki