Entertainment

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5 Things From The 'Game Of Thrones' Books You Didn't Realize Were In The Show Too

by Meg Kehoe

If there's one show on television that garners cries of outrage and shock, it's Game of Thrones. I mean, who kills off a main character in the first season? George R. R. Martin, that's who. Die hard fans of the books have had more than their fair share to say about all the differences between the books and the television show, which makes you wonder how much of this show is actually based off of the books. Turns out, some of the most shocking things from the Game of Thrones books that are in the show, too.

Whether you love the books and hate the show, or love the show and can’t get into the books, comparing the Game of Thrones books and TV show side by side is worth a gander. In fact, diehards have spent countless hours comparing their timelines - partially in hope to make a point, partially to keep the two worlds separate, and partially (probably) to try and figure out where Martin is taking the storyline next. Rumor has it that the show will spoil the ending of the books, since Martin told HBO how the series ends. But with an author as wily as Martin, can that theory be trusted? If the audience has learned anything from Martin, it's that he's willing to kill off even the most beloved characters to further the plot of the series. And that's something that holds true for both the show, and the books.

So as the premier of season six draws closer, why not compare the book with the series and see all the similarities between the two Game of Thrones worlds.

1

The Red Wedding

That’s right, the Red Wedding wasn’t some HBO-inspired bloodshed. It was good old George R. R. who came up with this insane plot of death, marriage, and buckets of blood.

2

Mance Rayder's Death

Although there’s still some speculation as to whether Mance is actually dead or not, Mance refuses to kneel to Stannis in both the book and the show, which results in Stannis killing him. Or, rather, Stannis setting him on fire, and Jon Snow killing him. (In the books, Jon orders the archers of the Night’s Watch to shoot him, which is a slight discrepancy, but he gets the job done nonetheless.)

3

Jorah Mormont's Heart Eyes

Jorah’s extreme case of heart eyes for Danaerys wasn’t crafted by the network. Nope, the books portray Jorah as desperately in love, and even acting on his love, for Dany. Do you think she’ll ever forgive him?

4

The Hound's Fate

Yep, Arya cruelly denied his request for a swift death in the books, too. She leaves him for dead in both adaptations, solidifying herself in the hall of badasses forevermore.

5

Tyrion's Murderous Rampage

Though Tyrion’s given a little more fuel for his fire in the books, Jamie still sets him free, and Tyrion goes on his killing spree, killing both his love, Shae, and his own father, Tywin. And you thought you had family issues.