Summary
Throughout eight seasons, many characters were introduced inGame of Throneswho went on to fulfill vital roles within the plot or who served their function in an episode or two with their own story completed.
However, a handful ofGame of Thronescharacters seemed to be set up for greater things but had their time on the show cut short. Whether certain plot lines didn’t pan out as expected or actors could no longer continue, the followingGame of Thronescharacters just disappeared and were never seen or heard from again.
1Ser Ilyn Payne
Last Seen: Season 2, Episode 9
The King’s Justice, Ser Ilyn Payne, was one of the most intimidating characters inGame of Thronesand although he played a minor role in the events that played out in the early seasons, he was the man to take Lord Eddard Stark’s head.
Unfortunately, due to a cancer diagnosis that would thankfully go on to be successfully treated, actor Wilko Johnson had to step back from the role. In the books, Ser Ilyn goes on to have a more prominent role, accompanyingJaime Lannisterin the Riverlands, and serving as his silent dueling partner. Instead of recasting him, the show decided to pair up Jaime with the sellsword Bronn. Unlike some other missingThronescharacters, Ilyn Payne did continue to get mentioned, especially as part ofArya Stark’sinfamous death list.
2Quaithe
Last Seen: Season 2, Episode 7
The early seasons ofGame of Throneswere fairly accurate totheSong of Ice and Firebooksand included many less prominent characters. Unfortunately, because the books remain unfinished, it was unclear what would happen to some of these characters, and individuals such as Quaithe were forgotten.
Hailing from the Shadow Lands in the distant east, Quaithe was a mysterious character who showed up in Qarth while Daenerys was there. She had the power of prophecy and knew things she ought not. While in the books, Quaithe would go on to return to Dany in dreams and other visions, playing a vital role in the decisions of the young queen, she was never seen in the TV show again.
3Daario Naharis
Last Seen: Season 6, Episode 10
Daario Naharis, the former Captain of the Second Sons, would go on to become the lover of Daenerys Targaryen and throughout much tribulation in the region would remain her loyal advisor and protector. However, when Daenerysset sail for Westeros to reclaim her birthright, she made the tough decision of leaving her lover behind.
While Daario was technically leftin control of Meereenand was charged with keeping the Queen’s peace, it was his status as her lover that caused him to be left behind, as she needed to be able to marry or make alliances free of scandal.
4Kinvara
Last Seen: Season 6, Episode 5
Whena new Red Priestess, Kinvara, was introduced in Season 6 ofGame of Thrones, fans were intrigued to see another from the same order as Melisandre. The possibility of these two interacting and vying with each other for power and influence excited fans, but sadly it was not to be, as Kinvara only appeared in one episode.
In fact, Kinvara was not just any Red Priestess, but the High Priestess of the Red Temple of Volantis. Therefore, despite appearing younger, she outranked Melisandre and would likely have had some choice words for her. The scene she appeared in was highly engaging as she debated with Tyrion and Varys in the Great Pyramid of Meereen. What happened to Kinvara after is unknown, despite her acknowledging support for Daenerys.
5Salladhor Saan
Last Seen: Season 4, Episode 6
One character who disappeared fromGame of Throneswithout a trace is the proud and successful pirate Salladhor Saan. The Lyseni pirate and sometimes sellsail first appeared in Season 2, and as an old friend of Davos Seaworth, he agreed to lend his thirty ships to Stannis' cause in trying to take King’s Landing.
After the tragic events ofthe Battle of the Blackwater, Salladhor Saan’s ship finds a stranded and hungry Ser Davos clinging on to life. The pirate offers the former smuggler advice and warns him against trying to assassinate the Red Priestess, but his words unfortunately go unheeded. After this, Salladhor Saan is only seen once more in a Braavosi bathhouse during the events of Season 4. The scene is rather humorous and asks the question of why he was never included in the show again. It is unclear what happened to Salladhor Saan after sailing Stannis' forces to the wall, but in the books, he later abandoned Stannis and returned to piracy.
