The 30 most heartwarming moments on Game of Thrones

22. Robb Stark is declared King in the North (“Fire and Blood”)

KATIE: At some point during this sequence, Robb becomes more than just a son seeking vengeance for his unjustly beheaded father. He takes his father’s place and then some. He’s no longer just a lord and the man of the house, but a king with subjects and enemies. His freedom is restricted and his path paved for him. He’s charged not only with doing right by his family, but for the Northerners who declared him king in the first place. Personal justice must take a backseat for the good of his newfound kingdom. It’s a moving, transformative moment.

The Northerners’ loyalty is something to be admired. They bend the knee to Robb because he’s a Stark, although they know making peace with their enemies could avoid further bloodshed. On its own, this scene is an inspiring rally, one that the audience assumes will lead to victory for the good guys. It’s a call to arms in the name of faithfulness, justice, and independence. It’s the perfect demonstration of a necessary revolution. And as dystopian fiction tells us, a necessary revolution sets the stage for the ultimate showdown between good and evil, and good will always win out.

And then Robb’s personal wishes overtake his professional responsibilities and good doesn’t win out, but for the moment he’s a celebrated ruler. Also, here’s another way to make this scene heartwarming: take a drink every time someone says “King in the North.” You’re bound to feel nice and warm and sleepy after that.