As devout GOT fans know, this season was all about strong, powerful women and we couldn’t be happier. After watching our favorites face one challenge after the next since the show’s beginning, this season gave us the satisfaction we’ve long been hoping for. Showrunners Benioff and Weiss departed from George R.R. Martin’s plotlines to move things along and found momentous success with characters of all genders. But, in true HC fashion, we’re focusing on the powerhouse women from this season. The Stark sisters finally tasted some sweet revenge as Arya took another name off her list and Sansa slayed when she let the dogs out on Ramsay and also executed a cunning, crucial wartime strategy. Dany set sail to Westeros with an unrivaled fleet, while letting the world know, once and for all, that she don’t need no man (side note: we miss you already, Daario). Although Cersei is undeniably evil, she is another powerful woman we can’t ignore, especially because of her new power position. Notable mentions include Yara Greyjoy, who made GOT history as the first openly lesbian character and all-around rock star, and Olenna Tyrell, who knows no boundaries.
With such a whirlwind season—and so many strong women asserting themselves—one character snuck her way onto the battlefield and into our hearts: newcomer Lyanna Mormont. As the fiercest twelve-year-old in the game, played by adorable actress Bella Ramsay in her first role, Lyanna takes herself seriously, makes sure her voice is heard, and always does the right thing.Not to mention, she has a pout that puts us all to shame. Her unwavering moral fiber, age-old wisdom, and, pure sass, along with her feminist attitude undeniably make her our WCW.
Audience members first met Lyanna when Jon, Sansa, and Ser Davos journeyed through the North to enlist allies for their fight against the Boltons. Lyanna, already possessing the poise of a queen, receives her visitors with reservation and makes clear she will do whatever necessary to protect her territory, the Bear Islands. Davos’ appeal is what ultimately wins her over, as he treats her with the maturity and respect she knows she deserves. Her ability to command a room of elders and speak her mind is why Lyanna Mormont is hands down our favorite new character.
Our love for Lyanna only grew as she strode into battle in Episode Nine, looking Tyra-Banks fierce, ready to give her all for the North; her single scene in that episode pretty much gave us life. She also embodied her namesake, Lyanna Stark, who we know is another noteworthy woman in the series, equally respected for her bravery and beauty. No doubt Lyanna 2.0 can fill those shoes. In the finale, Lyanna stole the show when she stood up for the true King of the North amongst a mead hall full of men three times her age and size, eloquently rallying behind Jon and encouraging all the other heads of the houses in the North to do the same. Her rousing speech not only made them reevaluate their allegiances, but also her status as a leader.
Bella Ramsay’s character was met with praise from viewers all around the world, many joking that she should be a contender for the 2016 election… We can’t say we disagree. We can’t wait to see what next season holds for the true kween herself Lyanna Mormont.