While Game of Thrones may be better known for shocking deaths, there are also plenty of partnerships in the series that are just as intriguing.

Here are five of our favourite surprising alliances…

(Contains spoilers for Seasons 1-3.)

 

5) Melisandre and Stannis

The red priestess has become a permanent fixture by Stannis’s side, and now she is integral to the sole surviving Baratheon brother’s ambitions.

While Stannis may be under the impression that he and Melisandre have a partnership, she has managed to manipulate him into committing dishonourable acts, although the two do appear to share a common goal of seeing Stannis on the Iron Throne.

 

4) Samwell and Gilly

We all knew Samwell Tarly had it in him to be a hero, right? He has come a long way since he would yield at the sight of another man’s sword, and a lot of that is thanks to Gilly.

Both of them would have little chance of surviving alone north of the wall, but together they have proved to be a very likeable team capable of anything from starting fires to killing White Walkers. Not bad skills to have in Westeros.

 

3) Tyrion and Bronn

And the award for wittiest partnership goes to…

By far the most quotable duo in Westeros, Tyrion and Bronn’s exchanges have made them two of the most entertaining characters in the series. They have formed a strong friendship that has proved pivotal to the fate of Westeros, their teamwork at the Battle of Blackwater Bay was key to the Lannister victory. Their dynamic combination of brawn and brains will be vital if they are to stay alive.

 

2) Jaime and Brienne

Jaime and Brienne’s time together was a very eventful road trip. Originally setting out to King’s Landing as prisoner and escort, Jaime and Brienne’s bond was forced upon them as they took on common enemies.

We already had a lot of respect for Brienne, but these encounters gave us a new outlook on Jaime. His confession to Brienne about the truth surrounding his nickname of ‘King slayer’ and his rescue of her from the bear pit were enlightening moments.

 

1) Arya and The Hound

Each of the other duos could be described as friends in one way or another, but is very difficult to use that word to describe Arya and The Hound.

Over the course of the series, their relationship has gone from hatred to slightly less hatred which is what makes their partnership the least likely of these five.

The Hound originally saw Arya as no more than a bargaining tool for wealth, but events have led him to realise there is more to the youngest Stark daughter than he first thought, and they have become very effective as a team, even if Arya has threatened to ram a blade through his eye.

 

What’s your favourite unlikely partnership in the show? Let us know below…