Game of Thrones: George RR Martin reveals differences between Hodor’s death on show and book

Hodor’s death was one of ‘Game of Thrones’s most heartbreaking moments

George RR Martin has revealed how Hodor’s death will differ in The Winds of Winter to his on-screen end in Game of Thrones.

Hodor’s (Kristian Nairn) death in season six of the HBO series remained one of its most heartbreaking moments, after Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) wargs into him, taking control of his body and allowing him to use his strength to hold back the White Walkers.

This creates a link between Hodor’s past and present self, with young Hodor – then called Wylis – having a seizure and repeating the words “hold the door” until they merge into “Hodor”, the only thing he says throughout the show.

Discussing Hodor’s future in James Hibberd’s book Fire Cannot Kill A Dragon, author Martin explained that, while the show executed the scene well, there would be some small differences in the forthcoming books.

“They did it very physical – ‘hold the door’ with Hodor’s strength,” Martin said. “In the book, Hodor has stolen one of the old swords from the crypt. Bran has been warging into Hodor and practicing with his body, because Bran had been trained in swordplay.”

Hodor (Kristian Nairn) holds the door (HBO)

He continued: “So telling Hodor to ‘hold the door’ is more like ‘hold this pass’ – defend it when enemies are coming – and Hodor is fighting and killing them. A little different, but same idea.”

The Winds of Winter is the sixth book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, following on from 2011’s A Dance with Dragons.

It is not currently known to what extent the remaining books will divert from the final seasons of Game of Thrones, which finished in 2019.