It’s no secret that HBO’s Game of Thrones made significant changes to George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels. From key events and central characters to an ending where none yet exists on the page, the groundbreaking adaptation altered more of its source material than most attempts to bring a beloved fantasy series to screen ever dare.

While book purists found plenty to criticize, not every change was for the worse. Several moments that were altered, or invented entirely, elevated Game of Thrones beyond the novels , giving characters richer motivations, deeper humanity, and more cinematic power. From quiet conversations to shocking battles, these are the scenes that the show simply did better.

Cersei Tells Catelyn Stark About Her Stillborn Son

Cersei’s Confession

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