A new season of Game of Thrones® means new characters, and the show’s return does not disappoint. Only four episodes in, and already we’ve seen quite a few new faces – and there are more to come! But we don’t want to spoil it for you – although, if you haven’t watched until the end of Episode 4, you'll have to stop reading this now. We mean it!
New faces don’t necessarily mean new stories, but they do mean added tension, excitement, and death. We’re taking a look at the new characters in Season 6 so far, new versions of characters (you’ll see what we mean) and faces that have been missing for too long.
The Three-Eyed Raven
The return of Bran to the multi-stranded Stark storyline means the return of the three-eyed raven. Previously incarnated as said bird, the character was first personified in Season 4, with a brief appearance by actor Struan Rodger. In Season 6 the role has been taken over by the eerily prescient Max von Sydow, leading Bran through a series of intriguing visions of the past.
Ned Stark
Speaking of the past, these flashbacks allow us to see a beloved and long-gone character again, Ned Stark – albeit a much younger version. Played by Robert Aramayo and Sebastian Croft, glimpses of the past let us see how Ned became the man he is…um, was.
Bran Stark
Still on the Stark front, Bran returns after his absence from Season 5. Visibly older, his enlightening visions will hopefully lead to some fascinating insights into the history of the seven kingdoms.
Rickon Stark
Another Stark to return to the fold is Rickon. Along with Osha, the youngest Stark split from Bran, Hodor and the Reed siblings to seek help from their compatriots in the north. Actor Art Parkinson has portrayed the character since Season 1, but since we haven’t seen him since Season 3, he is now a tall, gangling teenager. Seeing him all grown up will surprise his siblings as much as it surprised us…that is, if they ever reunite.
Osha
Having fled for safety with Rickon, we have also not seen Osha since Season 3. Unfortunately her return to the series is short-lived.
Smalljon Umber
As soon as something bad happens to the characters we love, we want to vent our fury on someone. While Ramsay Bolton may be to blame for Rickon and Osha’s fate, we really should be pointing fingers at Smalljon Umber. Played by Dean S. Jagger, Umber is introduced in Season 6. Seeking refuge from men they supposed loyal to the Starks, Rickon and Osha arrive at the House of Umber, only to be betrayed by Smalljon.
Hodor
While Osha looked after Rickon, the lovable, possibly half-giant Hodor was placed in charge of Bran and the Reed siblings (although the three teens have enough skill and talent amongst them to make this a team effort). Season 6 sees Kristian Nairn return to the role, with Sam Coleman playing young Hodor in a flashback, which reveals his true name, Wylis, and an ability to say more than “Hodor”.
Robin Arryn
Just looking at his cheeky little face and recalling his malicious temper from previous seasons makes us feel like the little Lord of the Vale could very well be another Joffrey Baratheon – cruel, spoilt and creepy. Lino Facioli returns to the role, having played Robin since Season 1 (although the character did not appear in Seasons 2 and 3), but, like Art Parkinson, is notably older.
Euron Greyjoy
In Episode 2 Balon Greyjoy took a plunge into a watery grave, thanks to his younger brother Euron (played by Danish actor Pilou Asbaek) . This is Game of Thrones, so it’s stating the obvious that Euron is seeking power and glory – in his case, ruling the Iron Islands. However, he’ll have his niece and nephew, Yara and Theon, to contend with – and the latter’s newfound humility and long-lost greedy ambition make him determined to place his sister on the throne.
Khal Moro
Let’s admit it. The Dothraki can be brutish, but they’re still pretty cool to watch, and Season 6 sees their prominent return. Most notable amongst them is Khal Moro, played by New Zealand actor, and former rugby player, Joe Naufahu. Although Khal Moro seems calm and affable enough, he certainly gave Daenerys Targaryen a hard time, much to his detriment.
High Priestess of the Dosh Khaleen
While the Khal may have mocked and derided Daenerys, the high priestess senses the power of the young, widowed khaleesi, even defending her to the rest of the widows. Played by Souad Faress, the actress was born in Ghana, making her one of the only actors on the show born in Africa.
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