Battle of Winterfell: What the actresses who play Arya Stark, Lyanna Mormont have to say

MANILA, Philippines – The night was long and full of terrors in “The Long Night,” the 3rd episode in the final season of Game of Thrones but what it lacked in proper lighting, it made up for in the abundance of key moments for two fan favorites: the nimble Arya Stark and the ineffable Lyanna Mormont. 

** SPOILERS AHEAD, OBVIOUSLY **

“The Long Night” is about the battle for Winterfell between the living and the Night King’s army. It’s the longest episode in the final season and, it turns out, a warmup for a bigger battle ahead – this time, against Cersei’s forces to win the Iron Throne.

Arya is the true hero of the great battle and is given the honor of finally killing the Night King.

“Just when you think it’s all over, just when you think that Jon Snow is going to be the hero… again, we realize that Arya appears through the mist,” said Maisie Williams, who plays Arya, in a featurette released by HBO. 

Emilia Clark, who plays Daenerys Targeryen, said the cast was “wooping and cheering” during the read-through for the episode.  

“Kit was really fine with it,” said Dave Hill, executive story editor for the episode. 

The featurette then cuts to a deadpan Kit Harington in full Jon Snow regalia. “I was pissed. I was pissed that it wasn’t me killing the Night King. I’d have bet you thousands that year, it’s going to be me,” he said. 

Showrunner David Benioff said that while everyone expected Jon to deliver the final blow, it “didn’t feel right.” He noted that the show had been building Arya up as the Night King’s slayer for nearly 3 years.

Arya, of course, has been training to be a deft killer over several seasons. 

But Arya wasn’t the only impressive female warrior in the episode.

Lyanna Mormont, Lady of Bear Island, dies in the battle but not before slaying a giant wight. 

“When I found out I was dying, it was the best thing really. It sounds strange but I either decided I’d be happy if I ended up on the throne which I thought was very, very unlikely or I had a great death. And the whole giant thing, it wast just really cool,” said Bella Ramsey, who plays Lyanna. 

“I think it’s very fitting for Lyanna to die like doing something like that, stabbing a giant in the eye,” she added. 

Game of Thrones airs every Monday at 9 am in the Philippines on HBO and on demand over at HBO Go. A primetime telecast happens at 10 pm Mondays. – Rappler.com