The 30 most heartwarming moments on Game of Thrones

18. Tyrion comes to Sansa’s rescue (“Garden of Bones”)

KATIE: Every character on Game of Thrones has been through trials and tribulations. But no one is knocked down as often as Sansa Stark, who always seems to be under the thumb of some abuser. Between Joffrey, Cersei, Ramsay and Littlefinger, it’s a wonder that Sansa hasn’t broken under the pressure.

During her long engagement to Joffrey Baratheon in Season 2, the boy king considers Sansa a plaything, and delights in frightening her. When he publicly humiliates her in Season 2’s “Garden of Bones,” there is no hope to be had—that is, until an unlikely hero enters the scene.  

Tyrion Lannister offers Sansa his hand, not to strike her, but to help her stand up again—both literally and, I think, metaphorically. Sansa has had to go it alone, she’s had to hold her head high despite her grief and abuse, and she’s had no one to help her. Despite being surrounded by people, she is frighteningly isolated. She’s a traitor by blood, seen as weak and defenseless and not worth saving. But then Tyrion comes along, and he’s the only one who has the true measure of her.

“Lady Stark, you may survive us yet,” he muses to himself, impressed by her quiet courage. Whether Sansa knows it or not, she has a friend among her enemies.