Brienne Tarth – Complete Guide to Game of Thrones Character

Brienne of Tarth is one of the most memorable characters in HBO’s Game of Thrones and George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. A warrior from the island of Tarth, she defies every stereotype of what a noblewoman should be. Her story is one of honour, perseverance, and physical prowess, brought to life by the British actress Gwendoline Christie, whose own height and experiences closely mirror those of the character.

First appearing in the second season of the television adaptation, Brienne quickly became a fan favourite. Unlike many characters in the saga, she is defined not by political cunning but by an unwavering moral compass. Her journey from an overlooked noble daughter to the first officially knighted woman in the Seven Kingdoms is a central arc that spans the entire series.

This article covers everything you need to know: who plays her, how tall she is, her father Lord Selwyn Tarth, her signature shield and sword Oathkeeper, and what ultimately happens to her both in the show and in the unfinished book series.

Who Plays Brienne of Tarth? (Actress & Height)

Key Insights

• Brienne of Tarth is a fan-favourite character known for defying gender norms in a medieval fantasy world.
• Her actress, Gwendoline Christie, is also notably tall (6 ft 3 in), though Brienne’s fictional height is even greater.
• Brienne’s shield features the Tarth sigil – a crescent moon and sun – symbolising her house’s motto ‘Evenstar’.
• She is the first woman to be officially knighted in the Game of Thrones universe (season 8).
• Brienne does not die in the TV series; she survives and becomes Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under Bran the Broken.
• In the books (A Song of Ice and Fire), her fate is unresolved (currently held captive by the Brotherhood Without Banners).

Snapshot Facts Table

Who Is Brienne of Tarth’s Father and Family?

Brienne is the only daughter of Lord Selwyn Tarth, the head of House Tarth, who rules from Evenfall Hall on the island of Tarth, known as the Sapphire Isle. Because her father holds the title of Evenstar, Brienne is sometimes referred to as the Evenstar’s daughter. Her mother died when she was young, and she grew up without siblings according to both the books and the show.

Who Is Selwyn Tarth?

Lord Selwyn Tarth appears only briefly in the television series, portrayed by actor David Verrey. In the books, he is described as a kind but aging man who loves his daughter deeply, even though he struggles to understand her desire to become a warrior. His sigil – a sun and crescent moon on azure – represents the island’s beauty and his house’s motto: “Evenstar”. He remains a minor but poignant figure in Brienne’s backstory.

Why Is She Called “Brienne of Tarth”?

The name “of Tarth” identifies her as a noblewoman from the island of Tarth, one of the southernmost territories of the Seven Kingdoms. It functions as a geographic title, much like “Jon Snow” uses Snow for bastards from the North. Brienne uses the name proudly, emphasising her lineage and loyalty to her house.

Does Brienne of Tarth Die in Game of Thrones?

The answer depends on which version of the story you follow. In the HBO series, Brienne survives all eight seasons and does not die. Her final scene shows her writing in the White Book – the official record of the Kingsguard – as the newly appointed Lord Commander under King Bran the Stark. She wears the white cloak with pride.

What Happened at the End of the Show?

After the Battle of Winterfell and the destruction of King’s Landing, Brienne is chosen by Bran to lead his personal guard. This makes her the first woman ever to hold the position of Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. The series ends with her continuing her service, a quiet but powerful conclusion to her arc.

What About the Books?

George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series has not reached its conclusion. Brienne was last seen in A Feast for Crows (2005) being taken captive by the Brotherhood Without Banners, led by the mysterious Lady Stoneheart. Her fate remains unknown, as the next book, The Winds of Winter, has not yet been published. Readers must wait for Martin to reveal what happens next.

What Is Brienne of Tarth’s Shield, Sword, and Knighthood?

Brienne is defined by her equipment as much as her courage. Her shield, her sword, and the moment she is finally knighted are among the most iconic aspects of her character.

Brienne of Tarth’s Shield and Sigil

Brienne carries a shield emblazoned with the arms of House Tarth: a golden sun and a silver crescent moon on a blue background. This design represents the Evenstar – the evening star that guides sailors. In battle, the shield is as much a statement of identity as it is protection.

Oathkeeper: The Sword She Wields

Oathkeeper is a Valyrian steel sword given to Brienne by Jaime Lannister in season 4 of the show. The blade was reforged from Ice, the ancestral greatsword of House Stark. In the books, Jaime also gives her a sword named Oathkeeper, along with a suit of armour and a horse. The sword symbolises Jaime’s trust in her honour and becomes a key part of her identity.

Does Brienne of Tarth Become a Knight?

Yes. In the season 8 episode “The Last of the Starks”, Jaime Lannister knights Brienne in front of a gathered crowd at Winterfell. This moment is historic within the Game of Thrones universe: Brienne is the first woman ever to be formally recognised as a knight in the Seven Kingdoms. The scene was widely praised for its emotional weight and significance.

Key Events Timeline (Show)

1. Season 2 (2012): First appears as a competitor at Renly Baratheon’s melee; Renly names her to his Kingsguard.
2. Season 3 (2013): Released by Catelyn Stark; swears fealty to protect Sansa and Arya Stark; partners with Jaime Lannister.
3. Season 4 (2014): Jaime gives Brienne Oathkeeper; she fights the Bear Pit and rescues him; later loses Arya.
4. Season 5 (2015): Travels the Riverlands seeking Sansa; encounters Stannis Baratheon; executes Stannis for Renly’s murder.
5. Season 6 (2016): Rescues Sansa and Theon; later serves at Winterfell.
6. Season 7 (2017): Present at Dragonpit meeting; survives wight hunt.
7. Season 8 (2019): Knighted by Jaime; defends Winterfell; later chosen as Lord Commander of Bran’s Kingsguard.

What Is Certain and What Is Uncertain About Brienne of Tarth?

Analysis and Context: The Significance of Brienne of Tarth

Brienne challenges traditional gender roles in fantasy media. She represents strength, honour, and vulnerability in equal measure – a rare combination for female characters in the genre. Her casting was widely seen as a breakthrough because it placed a woman built around physicality and loyalty rather than conventional glamour at the centre of the story.

Gwendoline Christie has said the role changed her life. In interviews, she described how reading Martin’s books helped her understand the character’s depth and how her own experiences of being judged for her height made Brienne deeply personal. The physical similarity between actress and character adds an authenticity that fans have long appreciated.

Key differences between the book and show versions of Brienne include her timeline (the show compresses much of her book journey), the presence of Lady Stoneheart (cut from the series), and the timing of her knighthood. The show chose to give her a definitive, uplifting ending, while the books leave her story dangling. Fans of the books will have to wait for The Winds of Winter to see where Martin takes her.

Authoritative Sources and Quotations

“Brienne of Tarth always embodied the values of a knight — and after this touching moment, the realm could officially call her one.”

YouTube video description (official HBO clip)

“Brienne of Tarth is a knight of House Tarth and the only daughter of Lord Selwyn Tarth. She was the first woman of the Seven Kingdoms to become a knight.”

Wiki of Westeros

The following sources were used to compile this article:

• Wikipedia – Brienne of Tarth
• Wikipedia – Gwendoline Christie
• Wiki of Westeros (Fandom) – Brienne of Tarth
• A Wiki of Ice and Fire (Westeros.org) – Brienne Tarth
• HBO’s Game of Thrones official site (archived)
• People – Gwendoline Christie’s struggles before Game of Thrones

What’s Next for Fan Interest?

With the television story complete, fan attention now turns to Martin’s next book, The Winds of Winter, which may finally reveal Brienne’s fate in the novels. No announced spin-off series directly features her character, but the upcoming Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (Dunk and Egg) shares thematic parallels. Meanwhile, Gwendoline Christie continues to appear in popular shows such as Wednesday and The Sandman, keeping the actress in the public eye. For fans of the character, the legacy of Brienne of Tarth – as a symbol of honour, courage, and breaking barriers – remains deeply influential.

For more on related characters, read our Sansa Stark – Complete Biography and Key Facts guide. If you are interested in another powerful female British actress, see our Hayley Atwell – Biography, Movies and Personal Life Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions