It's
the brilliant, award-winning drama series that has gripped audiences all
over the world. But if you haven't watched the first four seasons you
might - rightly - be feeling you've missed out.
And
come 13 April, when Season 5 premieres at 9pm on Sky Atlantic - the
only place to watch the new season - it’s all anyone’s going to be
talking about again.
Thankfully,
if you want to get involved with the gripping story, fascinating
characters and ancient world of Westeros, there’s never been a better
time to tune in as every episode ever of Game of Thrones is available
now with Sky Box Sets.
The new season of Game of Thrones
starts 13 April only on Sky Atlantic but you can catch up on anything
you've missed as seasons 1-4 are available now with Sky Box Sets
From Episode 1, Game of Thrones will have you hooked on the unique storyline of each character and the captivating plot.
The
complex power plays and politics of the Seven Kingdoms attracts
millions of viewers and it has a host of celebrity fans including Zach
Braff, Anna Kendrick, Seth Rogen and Ed Sheeran.
If
you’ve never watched it before, the show - from the brilliant mind of
author George R. R. Martin - revolves around the struggle for power
between several noble families.
Set
in Westeros, friendships and alliances often count for little as the
various Houses vie for control of the Iron Throne, the seat of power at
King’s Landing.
The
show features dozens of characters, ranging from the manipulative queen
of House Lannister, Cersei, to impulsive Robb Stark, the oldest son of
the head of the Stark dynasty, Ned.
'It's
complex and controversial and doesn't take the audience for idiots,'
said Kit Harington, who plays strong-yet-kind warrior Jon Snow, at the
recent premiere for Season 5 of the show.
Daenerys Targaryen, pictured, has not
only a kind heart but the strong personality of a leader that enables
her to draw the support of many friends, and strike fear into her foes
Each
season is full of twists, turns, politics, betrayal, dramatic moments
and more than a few jaw-dropping surprises that will leave you on the
edge of your seat.
The
series has received 42 Emmy Award nominations and two Golden Globe
nominations, with millions of people tuning in for every episode.
The
many stars in the show include the award-winning Peter Dinklage, who
plays one of the most popular characters, Tyrion Lannister, a noble
dwarf who must play the game using his wits in a world where brawn often
prevails.
Sean
Bean plays the honourable Ned Stark - Lord of Winterfell and ruler of
the North who is a favourite of the show’s huge fanbase.
Read on to learn more about the main players in the battle to rule Westeros.
Jon Snow (pictured) takes an oath to join the Night's Watch at The Wall in Season One of Game of Thrones
THE CHARACTERS
In
Game of Thrones, most of the characters are grouped into the various
houses or factions that not only lend them their names, but also dictate
their relationships with others.
Cersei Lannister
The
house with the most power, but hated by many, is House Lannister. The
main player here is the complex, multi-faceted Queen Cersei Lannister,
who hides a shameful secret from her husband King Robert.
Never underestimate the power of a woman, Picture: Cersei at the end of Season One
Jamie Lannister
Jaime,
known as the Kingslayer for killing Aerys II Targaryen, is one of the
best swordsmen in the realm and will do whatever he deems necessary to
get his own way.
Jamie Lannister (left) might be able to hold his own in a fight, but he doesn't half have a mouth on him
Tyrion Lannister
Cersei
detests her younger brother Tyrion - a dwarf - as her mother died
giving birth to him. Tyrion - who seems to be the only member of the
family with any moral compass - also does not garner much affection from
his imperious father, Tywin.
Ah Tyrion. He's the one member of House Lannister you're allowed to like (although maybe Jamie as well)
Eddard Stark
Ned,
head of House Stark and Lord of Winterfell, is beloved by almost all of
his subjects and not a political player which may prove crucial when he
is asked by King Robert to be his right hand man.
The Starks are the perfect contrast to the Lannisters, loved and revered, not least Ned (left) and Robb (right)
Robb, Brandon, Arya and Sansa Stark
Ned's
four children are very different from each other. Robb is a strong and
popular leader and warrior, Brandon is a quiet, sensitive intellect and
Arya, the tomboy, wants to be a warrior rather than a princess. Sansa,
meanwhile, wishes a handsome prince would sweep her off her feet –
something she quickly realises might not be as attractive as it seems.
Giving a girl like Arya a sword, which she calls Needle, might not have been the best idea in the world
Jon Snow
Jon Snow is the illegitimate son of Ned Stark, with an unknown serving girl for a mother.
After
being raised at Winterfell, Jon leaves to join the Night’s Watch – the
army that protect Westeros from outsiders beyond the Wall that marks the
northern boundary of the kingdom.
