The things we do for love.
Look, we know that the days of our most beloved Game of Thrones couples are numbered but we don’t care how many White Walkers the Night King throws at us, nothing can dull the torch these pairings carry for each other. We have weeks to theorize about who’s going to die and how, but before the chaos and bloodshed begin, let’s take a moment to appreciate all of the soft, fluffy ships Game of Thrones has gifted us.
We’re ranking the GoT couples based on how hard we ship them and their potential season eight hookups, from hardest and most likely all the way to borderline delusional. It’s quite a ride.
Brienne and Tormund
Is there anything more romantic than a Ginger-bearded Wildling sizing up his lady love as she trots through the gates of Castle Black dressed in full-armor with a “give-no-f*cks” scowl plastered on her face? Admittedly, this is the ship that’s least-likely to sail (and that’s saying something because a Bronn and Jaime pairing is also on this list) but it’s the purest, most (oddly) satisfying romance on the show. Tormund Giantsbane is a warrior in his own right, which makes his awe and admiration for Brienne of Tarth even more noteworthy. You get the feeling that he’s just one scene away from falling at this woman’s feet and cleaning them with his bushy facefro. Sure, Brienne seems understandably disgusted as he gnaws on a turkey leg while marveling at her flawless beauty, but how many couples have started out as enemies only to wind up being OTP’s? Just let Brienne and Tormund f*ck already, you cowards!
Missandei and Greyworm
Speaking of all things pure and sweet and innocent, the couple that most deserves a happily-ever-after are the right hands of the Mother of Dragons herself. Missandei and Greyworm have been through hell on Game of Thrones. They were enslaved at a young age, brutally abused and used for others’ gain, and still, they’ve found a sliver of light in the darkness through their relationship. Last season saw the two consummate their love, which was a big deal because Greyworm is a eunuch and when’s the last time you saw a eunuch sex scene on the small screen, or any screen for that matter? The pair’s ability to be vulnerable with each other, despite their tragic pasts, is why they rank so high on this list. They’re equals and they make each other better, two ingredients for a truly iconic ship.
Arya and Gendry
Sure, Arya and Gendry haven’t seen each other since season three of Game of Thrones, but absence makes the heart grow fonder, guys, as does years spent rowing aimlessly around Westeros. Gendry had plenty of time to think about Arya, their friendship, and his budding romantic feeling for her which he declared right before being sold to Melissandre. Arya’s been a bit busier, training to kill the names on her list and all, but this pairing would fulfill a promise made back in season one, when King Robert Baratheon told Eddard Stark he wished for his son to marry Stark’s daughter. Of course, then the men were talking about Sansa and Joffrey, but Arya and Gendry could certainly fit the bill.
Brienne and Jaime
If Brienne of Tarth isn’t going to bag herself a Wildling in the sheets then she might as well go with the next best thing, Jaime Lannister. The pair have undeniable chemistry as seen all the way back in the show’s second and third seasons. They’ve road-tripped together, survived a bear-mauling, enjoyed a naked sauna, and consistently called each other out on their sh*t. One reason this couple works is because they’re both unafraid to challenge each other, to be brutally honest, a far cry from Jaime’s toxic relationship with his sister Cersei. And now that Jaime’s traveling North with noble intentions, maybe a quick tryst before the Night King slaughters everyone is in the cards?
Sam and Gilly
Samwell Tarley won’t be making the cover of any bodice-ripping romance novels anytime soon, but the unconventional heartthrob has found a way to earn the affections of Gilly. To be fair, Gilly’s last relationship was with her abusive, controlling father who preferred to sacrifice babies to White Walkers, but still, these two have looked out for one another for seasons now. They’ve survived wars and awkward family dinners and sh*t duty at the Library and they deserve some damn peace.
Podrick and Sansa
No potential pairing took us by surprise like Podsa. Sandrick? Sanpod? See, it’s so new we’re still working on the ship name. Still, this imaginary romance has a lot going for it. They’re of similar age, Podrick is, ehm, well-endowed so he could definitely please Sansa, and let’s face it, Lady Stark would most assuredly be the “Top” in this relationship – something she definitely needs after her first two disastrous marriages.
Yara and Daenerys
Are we descending into pure fanfiction fantasies with this ship? You’re damn right we are! And yet, there’s a foundation for the idea of Yara Greyjoy and the Mother of Dragons getting hot and heavy under the furs. They share an admiration and respect for each other, as evidenced in their meeting in Slaver’s Bay. They also share a common experience, both unwanted daughters of a powerful house, both defying gender stereotypes to command power. In Yara, Dany would find a true equal and in Dany, Yara would get dragons. Win, win.
Euron and Cersei
A storybook romance, this is not. Euron Greyjoy is a cad and he has questionable hygiene practices, but he’s kind of perfect for Cersei Lannister. They’re both obsessed with power and are willing to betray anyone, even their own blood, to attain it. Plus, you know Cersei is a freak and Euron would be more than happy to participate in that kind of bed play. They’d make for an irksome, terrifying enemy, but they’d have fun burning Westeros to the ground.
Sansa and Tyrion
Technically, Sansa Stark and Tyrion Lannister have already been married and divorced, in quick succession, but that doesn’t mean the chance for romance is completely dead. Right now, Tyrion’s lusting after Dany but we all know how that will end, and Sansa could use a politically-savvy Hand of the Queen if she claims the Iron Throne. Plus, as problematic as their initial relationship was, Tyrion always treated Sansa with compassion and respect. Not many men can say the same.
Jon and Daenerys
If you think these two should be higher on this list, you might be right. Going by chemistry and attractiveness alone, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen are the ship to sink all other ships. But then we’re reminded that Jon Snow is actually a Targaryen, that Dany is actually his aunt, and that both have yet to uncover their shared family tree, which makes all that boat boning not only awkward, but illegal.
Bronn and Jaime
You may say that we’re dreamers, but we’re not the only ones. Or maybe we are. Who the f*ck cares? If you don’t see the potential in this ship, the bromance these two have been building as they fight dragons and pilfer coffers for gold and exchange tales of Tyrion’s brothel exploits, well then you have no imagination and we pity you.
