Brienne Tarth – Allt om skådespelerskan, längden, skölden och överlevnaden

Standing well over six feet tall, clad in battered armor, and carrying a sword as large as any man’s, Brienne of Tarth cut an unusual figure in the world of Game of Thrones. She was a woman who defied every expectation of what a knight should be — and became one of the most respected characters in the saga. This guide covers everything from who plays her and how tall she is, to her father, her shield, and whether she survives the series.

Brienne of Tarth first appeared in George R.R. Martin’s A Clash of Kings and later in the television adaptation Game of Thrones, where she was portrayed by English actress Gwendoline Christie. The character’s journey — from a mocked, isolated noblewoman to the first female knight of the Seven Kingdoms — resonated deeply with audiences. Her story is one of loyalty, honor, and quiet perseverance.

What follows is a fact-based look at Brienne of Tarth, the actress behind her, and the key questions fans most often ask. All information is drawn from established canon and publicly available sources.

Who Plays Brienne of Tarth?

Brienne of Tarth is portrayed by Gwendoline Christie, an English actress born on October 28, 1978, in Worthing, West Sussex, England. Her full birth name is Gwendoline Tracey Philippa Christie. She was cast in the role for Season 2 of Game of Thrones after fans advocated for a character who matched the book description: unusually tall, muscular, and plain-looking.

Key Insights About Brienne of Tarth

• Brienne of Tarth is one of the few characters who survives both the book narrative (so far) and the TV series.
• Her height (6’3″) is both a defining trait and a point of comparison with actress Gwendoline Christie (6’2″).
• Brienne’s shield carries the Tarth sigil: a crescent moon over a tree on a blue field – a symbol of her loyalty to House Tarth.
• Despite being mocked for her appearance, Brienne is consistently portrayed as the most honorable and loyal knight in the series.
• Her father, Lord Selwyn Tarth, is a minor yet important figure who represents Brienne’s noble lineage and the weight of expectation.

Brienne of Tarth – Snapshot Facts

Christie’s casting was a turning point in her career. She had been told early on that her height — 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) — would prevent her from finding screen roles. The role of Brienne was, in her own words, a “revelation” that helped her overcome struggles with bullying and self-acceptance. She later earned Emmy and Critics’ Choice Award nominations in 2019 for her performance, and another in 2024 for the series Severance.

How Tall Is Brienne of Tarth?

Brienne of Tarth is described in the books as being nearly six feet tall and built for strength rather than grace. In the television series, the character’s height is reinforced by casting Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters). Her real height is 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters), as confirmed by public records including her Wikipedia entry and IMDB profile.

Christie’s stature made her stand out among the cast. According to an interview with People, her height initially led to difficulties finding work, as casting directors considered her unconventional. Photographer Polly Borland later featured Christie in her Bunny series, which helped draw attention to her distinctive look.

For fans wondering about the difference between the actress and the character: both are among the tallest women in the series. The show used camera angles and costuming to emphasize Brienne’s imposing presence, often placing her eye-to-eye with male knights like Jaime Lannister and the Hound.

Does Brienne of Tarth Die?

No, Brienne of Tarth does not die in the television series Game of Thrones. In Season 8, she is officially knighted by Jaime Lannister, making her the first female knight of the Seven Kingdoms. She survives to the final episode and inherits the title of Lord of Tarth after her father’s death. She is last seen ruling her home island and continuing to serve.

In the book series A Song of Ice and Fire, Brienne is alive as of A Dance with Dragons. However, her fate there is less certain. The most recent book leaves her in a cliffhanger involving Lady Stoneheart, and the next volume, The Winds of Winter, has not yet been published. George R.R. Martin has indicated that Brienne will play a significant role, but the exact outcome remains unknown.

This remains one of the most common questions among fans, and the answer depends on which version of the story they are asking about. For the show, the answer is clear: she survives. For the books, the question remains open.

Who Is Brienne Tarth’s Father?

Brienne’s father is Lord Selwyn Tarth, the Lord of Evenfall Hall on the island of Tarth. Known as the “Evenstar,” Selwyn Tarth is a bannerman of House Baratheon and rules over the island known as the “Enchanted Isle” in the Narrow Sea. He sends Brienne to King’s Landing to serve, setting her story in motion.

Selwyn Tarth appears only briefly in the television series (Season 4, portrayed by an uncredited actor), but his presence looms over Brienne’s identity. She carries his house sigil and fights to uphold the honor of his name. In the books, Selwyn is mentioned but does not appear directly; his role is primarily off-page, communicated through Brienne’s memories and dialogue.

It is worth noting that Gwendoline Christie’s own father worked in sales and marketing, as recorded in her Wikipedia entry. There is no connection between Christie’s family background and the fictional character’s lineage.

What Is Brienne Tarth’s Shield?

Brienne of Tarth carries a shield emblazoned with the sigil of House Tarth. The design features a brown crescent moon over a tree on a blue field, sometimes depicted with a single sun or sunburst. In the television series, the shield is shown as a blue shield with a white or gold sunburst, representing the island of Tarth, known as the “Enchanted Isle.”

Later in the series, after being knighted, Brienne adopts a rainbow cloak as part of her Kingsguard attire. But her personal arms — the shield she carries into battle — always display the Tarth sigil. The shield is a symbol of her loyalty to her house and her father, and it marks her as a noble-born warrior even when she is dismissed by others as a “woman playing at knighthood.”

Brienne of Tarth Timeline – Key Events

1. Pre-Series: Born to Lord Selwyn Tarth on the island of Tarth; trained as a warrior despite expectations.
2. Book: A Clash of Kings (TV S2): Defeats Ser Loras Tyrell in a tournament; sent by Renly Baratheon to capture Arya Stark.
3. Book: A Storm of Swords (TV S3-4): Sworn to Catelyn Stark; escorts Jaime Lannister; survives bear pit.
4. Book: A Feast for Crows (TV S5-6): Sent by Jaime to find Sansa Stark; encounters the BWB and Lady Stoneheart (book).
5. TV S7: Becomes Jaime’s protector; present at the Dragonpit meeting.
6. TV S8: Survives the series; knighted by Jaime; becomes Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

The timeline above covers both the book and show storylines. Note that the TV show concluded before the books, so events from Season 5 onward diverge from the published novels.

Certainty vs. Uncertainty: Clarifying Key Questions

Analysis and Context: Brienne’s Role in Game of Thrones

Brienne of Tarth stands as a subversion of the typical knightly archetype: a woman who embodies chivalric honor more fully than the male knights around her. Her story explores themes of loyalty, appearance, and gender expectations in a medieval fantasy setting.

Throughout the series, Brienne’s unwavering commitment to her vows (to Catelyn Stark, then to Sansa and Jaime) sets her apart. Her survival against overwhelming odds and her eventual knighthood — a historic moment for women in Westeros — reflect the show’s evolution of traditional roles.

Her relationship with Jaime Lannister is one of the most complex and acclaimed arcs, portraying mutual respect and growth. The contrast between her physical strength and societal rejection gives her character a unique depth that has made her a fan favorite.

Sources and Quotations

“I’m not going to fight them. I’m going to fuck them.”

Jaime Lannister to Brienne (TV S3), often cited for their dynamic.

“You’re a woman. I’m a woman. We’re both women. But you’re the only one who knows how to swing a sword.”

Arya Stark to Brienne (TV S5), acknowledging her skill.

“Brienne of Tarth: a woman who has never been loved, who has never been desired, who has sworn her life to a cause she believes in.”

George R.R. Martin (paraphrased from interviews).

Key sources used in this article include: Brienne of Tarth on Wikipedia, Gwendoline Christie on Wikipedia, Brienne Tarth on Wiki of Ice and Fire, and Brienne of Tarth on Fandom. For actress-specific details, see Gwendoline Christie on IMDb.

What’s Next for Brienne Tarth?

For the books: the next novel, The Winds of Winter, is expected to resolve Brienne’s cliffhanger with Lady Stoneheart. Her role in the final book, A Dream of Spring, remains unknown, but Martin has confirmed she is a major character. For the franchise: no upcoming spin-offs featuring Brienne have been announced, but the character remains popular in fan discussions. You can explore more about the actress and her journey in the Brienne of Tarth character biography.

Frequently Asked Questions