Mary Allen
Introduction: The Hound in Game of Thrones
In the popular television series Game of Thrones, the character known as the Hound is one of the most intriguing and complex figures. He is a fierce warrior who serves as a bodyguard for several different characters throughout the series. However, the Hound is much more than just a hired gun. He has a complex personality and a complicated past that makes him one of the most interesting characters in the show.
The Hound’s Background and Personality
The Hound, whose real name is Sandor Clegane, comes from a family of knights in the Westeros region of the show’s setting. He is the younger brother of Ser Gregor Clegane, who is known as the Mountain. The Hound has a traumatic past, having been burned by his older brother when he was a child. This experience has left him with a deep fear of fire and a hatred of his brother.
Despite his fears, the Hound is a fierce warrior and an expert in combat. He is also known for his blunt and often abrasive personality. He is not afraid to speak his mind, even if it means offending those around him. This makes him a difficult person to be around, but also a valuable ally in battle.
The Hound’s Relationship with the Starks
The Hound initially serves as a bodyguard for Joffrey Baratheon, the young king of the Seven Kingdoms. However, he becomes involved with the Stark family when he is sent to escort Sansa Stark, Joffrey’s betrothed, back to her family’s home. The Hound develops a complicated relationship with the Stark family, particularly with Sansa and her younger sister Arya.
Despite his rough exterior, the Hound shows a softer side when he is with the Stark girls. He is protective of them and often tries to help them, even when it means going against orders from his employers. However, his loyalty to the Lannister family, who are enemies of the Starks, often puts him at odds with the Stark family.
The Hound’s Role as Joffrey’s Bodyguard
One of the Hound’s primary roles in the show is as a bodyguard for Joffrey Baratheon. Joffrey is a cruel and sadistic character, and the Hound is often asked to carry out his brutal orders. Despite this, the Hound does not always agree with Joffrey’s actions and often tries to dissuade him from carrying out his worst impulses.
The Hound’s role as Joffrey’s bodyguard puts him in the middle of the power struggles that occur throughout the series. He is often forced to make difficult choices between his loyalty to the Lannister family and his own moral compass. This conflict eventually leads him to leave King’s Landing and strike out on his own.
The Hound’s Combat Skills and Training
The Hound is known throughout the show for his combat skills and his ability to fight with a variety of weapons. He is an expert swordsman, but he is also skilled with other weapons such as axes and knives. The Hound’s combat skills are the result of his training as a knight and his years of experience as a warrior.
The Hound’s combat skills are put to the test in many of the battles and fights that occur throughout the series. He is often called upon to defend those he is tasked with protecting, and he never hesitates to put himself in harm’s way. His combat skills make him one of the most formidable fighters in the show.
The Hound’s Quest for Redemption
Despite his reputation as a ruthless warrior, the Hound shows a desire for redemption throughout the series. He is haunted by his past and the things he has done in service to the Lannister family. He often speaks about his desire to be a better person and to find some kind of redemption for his past misdeeds.
The Hound’s quest for redemption is a central part of his character arc. He struggles to reconcile his past actions with his desire to be a better person. This conflict eventually leads him to leave King’s Landing and join the Brotherhood Without Banners, a group that is dedicated to helping the common people of Westeros.
The Hound’s Role in the Battle of Blackwater
One of the most memorable moments in the show is the Battle of Blackwater, a massive battle between the forces of King’s Landing and those of Stannis Baratheon. The Hound plays a key role in the battle, fighting on the side of the Lannister forces.
The Hound’s combat skills are put to the test in the battle, as he faces off against a number of different opponents. He is ultimately wounded in the battle and forced to retreat, but his actions are instrumental in the Lannister victory.
The Hound’s Relationship with Arya Stark
One of the most interesting relationships in the show is the one between the Hound and Arya Stark. The two characters are initially enemies, but they eventually form a bond as they travel together throughout the show’s later seasons.
The Hound serves as a mentor to Arya, teaching her how to defend herself and survive in the dangerous world of Westeros. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that the Hound is responsible for killing Arya’s friend Mycah early in the series. This conflict eventually comes to a head in a dramatic confrontation between the two characters.
The Hound’s Role in the Brotherhood Without Banners
After leaving King’s Landing, the Hound joins the Brotherhood Without Banners, a group of outlaws who are dedicated to helping the common people of Westeros. The Hound initially joins the group for his own reasons, but he eventually becomes invested in their cause.
The Hound’s relationship with the Brotherhood Without Banners is complicated by his past and his reputation as a ruthless killer. However, he proves himself to be a valuable member of the group, using his combat skills to protect the innocent and fight against the forces of evil.
The Hound’s Fate in Game of Thrones
The Hound’s fate in Game of Thrones is left somewhat open-ended. In the show’s final season, he is last seen fighting alongside the forces of Winterfell against the army of the dead. However, he is not shown to have survived the final battle.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his ultimate fate, the Hound remains one of the most beloved and intriguing characters in the show. His complex personality and his journey towards redemption make him a fan favorite and a memorable part of the Game of Thrones universe.
Conclusion: The Hound’s Legacy
The Hound’s legacy in Game of Thrones is one of a complex and fascinating character. He serves as a bodyguard, a warrior, a mentor, and a symbol of redemption throughout the series. Despite his rough exterior, he is a character that viewers can’t help but root for.
The Hound’s story is one of the most interesting and compelling in the show, and his journey towards redemption is one that viewers will not soon forget. As Game of Thrones comes to a close, the legacy of the Hound will live on as a testament to the power of redemption and the complexity of the human spirit.
References and Further Reading
- Game of Thrones (TV series)
- A Song of Ice and Fire (book series)
- "Sandor Clegane" on Game of Thrones Wiki
- "The Hound" on Game of Thrones Wiki
- "Sandor Clegane" on A Song of Ice and Fire Wiki
- "The Hound" on A Song of Ice and Fire Wiki