The unique character played by Gwendoline Christie in "Game of Thrones," Brienne of Tarth is becoming a fan favorite. Hence, the author of the book where the HBO hit series is based on, George R.R. Martin told the backstory of the high-born lady in a recent science fiction convention in Baltimore which revealed she is not just about mockery and misery.
In his rare public appearance at Balticon, Martin also read a chapter from his long-awaited next book, "Winds of Winter," Vanity Fair reported. From the history of Westeros, where Brienne's ancestry can be drawn, the Maid of Tarth is a descendant of Ser Duncan the Tall.
Seven-foot Duncan is among the most popular knights of Westeros more than a century prior to "A song of Fire and Ice." He was famous for his swordsmanship, valor and chivalry.
Duncan was mentioned by King Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) in Season 4. The late king, who is the most hated character of the series was reading the history of Westeros and discussed about the knight with Jaime Lannister.
Duncan is the protagonist in Martin's spinoff novel, "Dunk and Egg," a story about Dunk, a nobleman and his journey with his man Egg, in Flea Bottom. The Egg is another moniker of Aegon Targaryen, Mad King Aery's father who unified the seven kingdoms.
Swordswoman Brienne wants to be a knight and she opened up about her life in "Game of Thrones" season 5. She lost her siblings and mother while her father tried to get her married but all her three engagements did not materialize.
Brienne has been rejected, scorned and smocked. Only Renly Baratheon, who is not interested in women, showed her kindness and called her "Brienne the Beauty." Talking about Baratheon, Brienne told Podrick Payne what Baratheon called her was a big joke as she considers himself the ugliest girl alive.
However, Brienne adds to the appeal of a wildling Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju), who seems to be romantically interested in her. Kristofer Hivju talked about his character's new role as a wildlings leader, the brewing North war, next episode and Brienne. With regard to his romantic goals, Hivju said Brienne is part of Giantsbane's appeal.
"That's part of what's so great about it. It's like, nobody has exactly seen Tormund flirt with anybody," Hivju told The Hollywood Reporter. While people only expected Giantsbane to grumble and fight, it is nice Hivju's character shows another side of him.
Hivju previously learned that his character was a bachelor kind of guy. Hence, when he read the scenes with Brienne, he said, "Finally! There's a love interest! Of course, Brienne is the perfect match for Tormund Giantsbane."
The following video features Brienne of Tarth and Giantsbane.