The 30 most heartwarming moments on Game of Thrones

28. Jon Snow breaks his vow of celibacy for Ygritte (“Kissed by Fire”)

SARAH: Poor Jon Snow. His life has been a tragedy from start to finish…and start again. It’s almost comical. His default setting is miserable, and he smiles so little that whenever he does, he looks as if he’s physical pain. Props to Kit Harington for pulling that off.

Even the moodiest people have happy moments, and few people made Jon happier than his wildling lover Ygritte, even if their happiness was short-lived. In Season 3’s “Kissed by Fire,” Jon finally gives in to his feelings and the two spend an enjoyable few hours making love in a secluded cave.

It’s good to remember that isn’t the first time Jon has been confronted by a beautiful redhead with no clothes on. We know from a conversation with Sam that he once found himself in a brothel with Ros, the prostitute who met her end in Season 3 when she betrayed Petyr Baelish. Jon admits he was attracted to Ros, but he was unable to seal the deal with her because he was too afraid of fathering a bastard. This means he is capable of great self-control when the occasion calls for it. So when Jon gives himself to Ygritte, it’s clear that there is something more between them than lust. When it comes to upholding his honor, Jon takes after his uncle Ned, but as Maester Aemon once told him, love is the death of duty. On this occasion, its call was too great for Jon Snow to resist.

Ygritte, for her part, doesn’t need any persuading. She calls herself a free woman, and she doesn’t lie. In her world, every emotion is there to be expressed, not hidden away, and she sees no shame in living life for the sheer joy of it. She dives headfirst into their love without reservation or shame, leaving Jon in no doubt of how deeply she has fallen for him. It’s a beautiful moment between two star-crossed lovers, and although we know it’s doomed to end, we can’t help but feel that Jon deserves the experience of loving this warm and ferocious woman.

Of course, actors Kit Harington and Rose Leslie famously fell in love during the time they spent together on the show. So it seems that at least one Game of Thrones love affair had a happy ending.