What is the plot?

The episode begins with a cold, dark forest beyond the Wall, where members of the Night's Watch are on a mission to investigate reports of strange occurrences. They are led by Ser Waymar Royce, a young and arrogant nobleman, accompanied by two seasoned rangers, Will and Ser Jorah Mormont. As they venture deeper into the woods, they come across the remains of a wildling camp, where they find a series of dismembered bodies. Tension rises as they hear unsettling noises in the distance. Suddenly, they are attacked by White Walkers, supernatural beings that can raise the dead. In a frantic struggle, Ser Waymar is killed, and Will barely escapes, witnessing the terrifying power of the White Walkers as they resurrect Ser Waymar's body.

The scene shifts to Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark. Eddard "Ned" Stark, the lord of Winterfell, is seen executing a deserter from the Night's Watch, demonstrating his commitment to justice and the harsh realities of leadership. His children, Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon, watch the execution, each reacting differently to the grim lesson. Afterward, Ned speaks with his friend, King Robert Baratheon, who arrives at Winterfell with a retinue, including Queen Cersei Lannister and her brothers, Jaime and Tyrion. The reunion is warm but tinged with underlying tensions, particularly between the Starks and the Lannisters.

During the visit, King Robert asks Ned to become the new Hand of the King, following the death of Jon Arryn. Ned is reluctant, feeling the weight of the responsibility and the dangers that come with it. He expresses his concerns about the political machinations in King's Landing, but Robert insists, appealing to their long-standing friendship and the need for stability in the realm. After much deliberation, Ned reluctantly agrees to take the position, setting the stage for the political intrigue to come.

Meanwhile, Bran Stark climbs a tree to get a better view of the surroundings. While up there, he witnesses Jaime and Cersei Lannister in a compromising position, revealing their incestuous relationship. In a panic, Jaime pushes Bran from the tree to keep their secret safe, leaving him severely injured and unconscious. This act of violence sets off a chain of events that will have dire consequences for both the Stark and Lannister families.

Back at Winterfell, the Stark family is thrown into turmoil as Bran lies in a coma. Catelyn Stark, Ned's wife, is particularly distraught and becomes suspicious of the Lannisters, especially after learning of Bran's fall. Meanwhile, Tyrion Lannister, the clever and witty dwarf, arrives at Winterfell and is treated with disdain by the Stark family, particularly by Catelyn, who harbors a deep-seated prejudice against the Lannisters.

The episode also introduces the Targaryens, exiled heirs to the Iron Throne. Viserys Targaryen and his sister Daenerys are living in exile across the Narrow Sea. Viserys is obsessed with reclaiming the throne and plans to marry Daenerys to Khal Drogo, a powerful Dothraki warlord, to gain an army. He is cruel and domineering towards Daenerys, who is frightened and unsure of her future. The scene highlights Daenerys's vulnerability and her desire for freedom.

As the episode progresses, we see the political landscape of Westeros becoming increasingly complex. The Starks are drawn into the dangerous game of power, while the Targaryens plot their return. The episode ends with a sense of foreboding, as the threat of the White Walkers looms in the North, and the intricate web of alliances and betrayals begins to take shape, foreshadowing the conflicts to come.

What is the ending?

At the end of "Winter Is Coming," the first episode of Game of Thrones, the Stark family faces the grim reality of their world. Bran Stark, after a tragic fall, lies unconscious, and the direwolf pups are found and adopted by the Stark children. Meanwhile, King Robert Baratheon arrives at Winterfell to ask Eddard Stark to become the Hand of the King. The episode concludes with a shocking revelation: Bran witnesses a secret between Cersei and Jaime Lannister, leading to a violent confrontation that changes the Stark family's fate.

As the episode unfolds, we begin with a chilling prologue beyond the Wall, where members of the Night's Watch encounter the White Walkers, a terrifying supernatural threat. The scene sets a tone of foreboding, hinting at the dangers that lie ahead.

Transitioning to Winterfell, we meet the Stark family. Eddard "Ned" Stark, the honorable lord of Winterfell, is introduced alongside his wife Catelyn and their children: Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. The family dynamic is established, showcasing their close bonds and the values of loyalty and honor that define them. The atmosphere is warm, contrasting sharply with the coldness of the prologue.

The narrative shifts as King Robert arrives at Winterfell with his entourage, including the cunning Queen Cersei Lannister and her twin brother Jaime. The Stark family welcomes them, but the tension is palpable. Robert asks Ned to become the Hand of the King after the mysterious death of Jon Arryn, the previous Hand. Ned is reluctant, aware of the dangers that come with the position, but ultimately agrees out of loyalty to his old friend.

As the day progresses, Bran climbs a tower to practice archery, where he is spotted by Jaime and Cersei. In a moment of intimacy, the two siblings share a kiss, revealing their incestuous relationship. This scene is pivotal, as it foreshadows the conflict that will arise from their actions. Bran, having climbed higher, accidentally witnesses this secret, putting him in grave danger.

In a desperate attempt to silence him, Jaime pushes Bran from the tower, leaving him to fall. The scene is harrowing, filled with the sound of cracking bones and the shock of the Stark family as they discover Bran's fate. He survives but is left in a coma, his future uncertain.

The episode concludes with the Stark children finding direwolf pups, a significant moment that symbolizes their connection to their house and foreshadows the challenges they will face. Each child adopts a pup, which will grow to represent their individual journeys and struggles.

As the credits roll, the audience is left with a sense of impending doom. The Stark family is now intertwined with the Lannisters, and the secrets that lie between them will lead to conflict and tragedy. The episode ends on a note of tension, setting the stage for the complex web of alliances, betrayals, and the harsh realities of power that will unfold in the series.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In the episode "Winter Is Coming," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes with the Stark family witnessing the direwolf pups being found and taken back to Winterfell, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of the series. The focus remains on the Stark family dynamics and the ominous foreshadowing of the coming winter, rather than any additional scenes after the credits.

What happens to the Night's Watch at the beginning of the episode?

The episode opens with members of the Night's Watch, a sworn brotherhood tasked with guarding the Wall, venturing beyond it. They encounter the White Walkers, mysterious and deadly creatures, which leads to a brutal attack that leaves most of the men dead. The scene establishes the looming threat of the supernatural and sets a dark tone for the series.

Who is executed at the beginning of the episode and why?

At the beginning of the episode, a deserter from the Night's Watch is captured and brought before Lord Eddard Stark, the Warden of the North. Eddard, adhering to the Night's Watch's code, executes the deserter for abandoning his post, demonstrating his commitment to honor and duty, even as it weighs heavily on him emotionally.

What is the significance of Bran Stark's fall?

Bran Stark, the second son of Eddard Stark, witnesses a secret meeting between Cersei Lannister and her brother Jaime. To prevent him from revealing their incestuous relationship, Jaime pushes Bran from a tower, resulting in Bran's severe injury and subsequent paralysis. This act sets off a chain of events that deeply affects the Stark family and the political landscape of Westeros.

How does the episode introduce the Stark family dynamics?

The episode introduces the Stark family through various scenes at Winterfell, showcasing their close-knit relationships. Eddard Stark is portrayed as a stern yet loving father, while his children, including Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon, exhibit distinct personalities. The interactions highlight themes of loyalty, honor, and the challenges of leadership within the family.

What is the significance of the direwolf pups found by the Stark children?

The Stark children discover a dead direwolf and her pups in the woods, which symbolizes their connection to their house sigil and the North. Eddard allows each child to keep a pup, reinforcing their bond with their Stark heritage and foreshadowing the direwolves' role as protectors and companions throughout the series. The direwolves also serve as a metaphor for the Stark family's strength and loyalty.

Is this family friendly?

"Game of Thrones," Season 1, Episode 1, titled "Winter Is Coming," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

  1. Violence: The episode features scenes of violence, including a brutal execution that sets a dark tone for the series. The act of beheading is depicted graphically.

  2. Death: The theme of death is prevalent, with characters facing dire consequences and the emotional weight of loss being explored.

  3. Mature Themes: The episode introduces complex themes such as betrayal, loyalty, and the harsh realities of power struggles, which may be difficult for younger viewers to fully understand.

  4. Dark Atmosphere: The overall tone is grim, with a sense of foreboding and danger that permeates the narrative, which may be unsettling.

  5. Adult Language: There are instances of strong language that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

  6. Sexual Content: While not explicit in this episode, the series is known for its mature content, and there are implications of sexual relationships that may be inappropriate for children.

These elements contribute to the show's mature rating and may not be suitable for all viewers, particularly younger audiences.