The 30 most heartwarming moments on Game of Thrones

12. Bran, Osha and Rickon say goodbye (“The Rains of Castamere”)

SARAH: “The Rains of Castamere” is best known as the flagship episode of Season 3, due mostly to the bloody and brutal Red Wedding, which saw Robb and Catelyn Stark killed at the hands of the detestable Walker Frey. With all of that bloodshed, it’s easy to forget that the episode included some sweeter moments. Bran’s decision to continue searching for the Three-Eyed Raven, and to send Rickon and Osha to stay with the Umbers, is one of them.

In this scene, Bran is making an incredible personal sacrifice for the greater good. Duty calls him beyond the Wall, but his heart longs to find Jon Snow—and the comfort and protection he might offer—at Castle Black. He is faced with this decision at a point when almost everything he holds dear has been taken from him. His father is dead, his siblings are scattered, his mother is away at war and his family home is in ruins. Even kindly Maester Luwin is dead. Rickon and Osha, the latter of whom isn’t related to him by blood but who has protected him with the fierce determination of a mother, are all that remains of his family.

Most children would take the path of least resistance. In fact, most adults would take that path. But Bran Stark is no ordinary child. He possesses wisdom and maturity beyond his years, and willingly shoulders the burden of responsibility without complaint. Is the scene a happy one? No. Is it sweet and heartfelt all the same? Absolutely. Bran’s decision to send Osha and Rickon away is completely informed by his love for them both.

It’s clear that Osha loves Bran with just as much warmth. “Keep this one safe,” she asks of Meera. “He means the world to me.” To her credit, Meera has done just that.