*Spoilers ahead for Game of Thrones season 8, episode 3*
"The Long Night," which was arguably the most anticipated episode in Game of Thrones history, premiered on Sunday, April 28. In addition to featuring the epic Battle of Winterfell, it also marked the longest episode in the series' history, clocking in at 82 minutes.
Fans were already expecting a handful of major deaths to take place at the battle, and while there weren’t as many as we feared, we did say goodbye to a few favorite characters. We’ll be mourning the loss of Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen), Lyanna Mormont (Bella Ramsey), and even Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen)—who ultimately proved himself to be loyal to the Stark family and Winterfell—for years to come. But beyond all of the intense events and upsetting moments, there are a few details you might’ve missed on the first watch. Here are just a few of them.
1. The dagger that killed the Night King could have also killed Bran.
The most unexpected moment in "The Long Night" occurred when Arya Stark came out of seemingly nowhere and stabbed the Night King, just as he was approaching an unguarded Bran Stark. Just like that, she defeated the undead leader and all of his army fell with him. But the best part of it all was what she used to kill him: the Valyrian steel dagger that was once supposed to kill Bran all the way back in the season 1. Fans have, of course, suspected this weapon would be incredibly important in the final season, and it was.
2. Melisandre knew what was going to happen all along.
Arya was surprised to see Melisandre, who repeated the same prophecy she told her in season 3. In the third season episode “The Climb,” Melisandre told a young Arya: “I see a darkness in you. And in that darkness eyes staring back at me—brown eyes, blue eyes, green eyes. Eyes you'll shut forever. We will meet again.” While this seemingly made no sense to Arya back then, or to viewers, hearing it again from Melisandre in tonight’s episode sealed the deal. The blue eyes were the Night King’s. She knew it was Arya’s duty.
3. There was religious symbolism in Beric’s death.
Many fans were expecting Beric Dondarrion to meet his demise in the final season, but that didn’t make his death tonight any less upsetting. The character has been killed and brought back to life by the Lord of Light numerous times, which had us all theorizing what his purpose would be. Turns out, it was to save Arya so that she could defeat the Night King. Beric’s death was also quite symbolic: As he was stabbed, his arms were outstretched in a doorway, creating a Christ-like image.
4. There was some potential foreshadowing for Sansa and Tyrion.
While down hiding in the crypts, Sansa Stark and Tyrion Lannister shared a few sweet moments together. While reminiscing on how Tyrion was the least terrible of Sansa’s husbands, it's suggested that they should have stay married. This seemingly foreshadows their relationship progressing in further episodes, hinting at a fan theory which puts the two together on the Iron Throne. Sansa also said the only thing in their way would be the Dragon Queen, which might mean Daenerys will actually become her true enemy. (Cue the “Daenerys is the real villain" theories.)