Samwell Tarly is a fictional character in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series of fantasy novels and its television adaptation, “Game of Thrones.”
Samwell Tarly, often referred to simply as Sam, is a member of the Night’s Watch, an ancient order tasked with defending the realms of men from the dangers beyond the Wall.
Samwell is characterized by his physical and emotional vulnerabilities, lacking the traditional qualities of a warrior. He is overweight, timid, and often ridiculed for his lack of martial prowess.
Samwell Tarly Facts
- House Tarly: Samwell Tarly hails from House Tarly, a noble house in the Reach region of Westeros.
- Firstborn Son: Samwell is the firstborn son of Lord Randyll Tarly, a stern and traditionalist lord known for his military prowess.
- Unfit for Combat: Samwell is deemed unfit for combat by his father due to his physical limitations and lack of martial skill.
- Arrival at the Night’s Watch: Samwell is sent to the Night’s Watch by his father to disinherit him and join the order.
- Friendship with Jon Snow: Samwell forms a strong bond and enduring friendship with Jon Snow, who becomes his protector and ally.
- Bookish Nature: Samwell is exceptionally well-read and knowledgeable, with a passion for books and a love for learning.
- Bullying and Ridicule: Samwell faces constant bullying and ridicule from his fellow Night’s Watch recruits due to his physical appearance and lack of combat skills.
- Sword “Heartsbane”: Samwell steals his family’s ancestral Valyrian steel sword, Heartsbane, before leaving for the Night’s Watch.
- Developing Self-Confidence: Over time, Samwell gains confidence and starts to assert himself, showcasing hidden strengths and intelligence.
- Survivor of the Fist of the First Men: Samwell survives the massacre at the Fist of the First Men, where the Night’s Watch faces the White Walkers and wights.
- Relationship with Gilly: Samwell forms a romantic relationship with Gilly, a young woman from Craster’s Keep, and becomes a father figure to her son.
- Research on Dragonglass: Samwell discovers a cache of dragonglass, which is later revealed to be a crucial weapon against the White Walkers.
- Loyalty and Devotion: Samwell remains fiercely loyal to Jon Snow, even after Jon’s death and resurrection, and supports him in his endeavors.
- Training as a Maester: Samwell travels to the Citadel to train as a maester and acquire knowledge to aid in the war against the White Walkers.
- Encounter with Archmaester Ebrose: Samwell assists Archmaester Ebrose in the study of the White Walkers, ultimately helping to uncover vital information.
- Return to Winterfell: Samwell reunites with Jon Snow and later reveals Jon’s true parentage as Aegon Targaryen, altering the course of Westerosi politics.
- Rescue Mission Beyond the Wall: Samwell joins the mission to capture a wight beyond the Wall, demonstrating bravery and resourcefulness.
- Confrontation with his Father: Samwell confronts his father, Lord Randyll Tarly, who disowned him, during the Battle of Winterfell.
- Author of “A Song of Ice and Fire”: In the series finale, Samwell is depicted as the author of the chronicles titled “A Song of Ice and Fire,” documenting the events of Westeros.
- Sense of Compassion and Humanity: Samwell possesses a deep sense of compassion, empathy, and a commitment to doing what is right, often putting others before himself.