Podrick Payne. Just say the name and most fans of the show immediately smirk. Why? Because the pod game of thrones experience wasn't just about dragons or political backstabbing. It was about the squire who somehow outlived almost every king, queen, and knight who looked down on him.
He started as a stuttering, terrified boy. Honestly, nobody expected him to last a season. By the time the credits rolled on the series finale, he was a member of the Kingsguard. That’s a massive arc. It’s also one of the few truly "feel-good" stories in a universe that usually thrives on crushing your soul.
The Squire Who Did Too Much
When we first meet Podrick, he’s basically a non-entity. He’s the distant cousin of Ilyn Payne—the guy who cut off Ned Stark’s head—which isn't exactly a great social starter. He’s assigned to Tyrion Lannister. Tyrion doesn't want him. Podrick doesn't want to be there. But then the Battle of the Blackwater happens.
Most people forget that Podrick Payne saved Tyrion's life. Ser Mandon Moore was about to finish the job when Pod stuck a spear through him. It was a messy, desperate move. It wasn't "knightly." But it worked. This is the core of the pod game of thrones appeal: he does the work nobody else wants to do, and he does it with a level of loyalty that is virtually non-existent in King’s Landing.
That Legend of the Brothel
We have to talk about it. The "magic" of Podrick. After the Blackwater, Tyrion tries to thank him by paying for his time with three women at Littlefinger's brothel.
Podrick comes back with the money.
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They wouldn't take it.
The internet went wild over this. It became a massive meme, but from a writing perspective, it served a real purpose. It shifted Podrick from "that kid in the background" to a character with a "legend." Daniel Portman, the actor who played Pod, has mentioned in interviews that fans still come up to him asking for his "secrets." It gave the character a sense of mystery. Was he just that good? Was it his personality? The show never tells us. It’s better that way.
The Brienne Partnership: A Masterclass in Character Growth
The real meat of Pod’s story begins when he’s paired with Brienne of Tarth. This is where the pod game of thrones journey turns into a genuine apprenticeship. Brienne doesn't want a squire. She definitely doesn't want a Lannister squire.
Their relationship is built on pure, unadulterated persistence. Podrick can't ride a horse well. He can't cook a rabbit properly—remember the scene where he didn't even skin the thing before putting it on the fire? It was hilarious and pathetic. But he stayed. He followed her into the wilderness to find the Stark girls because he believed in her mission.
Eventually, Brienne realizes his worth. She starts training him. We see Podrick go from a kid who can barely hold a sword to a man who can actually hold his own in a scrap. By the time they reach Winterfell and the Long Night begins, Podrick isn't just a helper. He’s a soldier.
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That Voice, Though
Season 8 was divisive. We all know that. But one of the undisputed highlights was "Jenny of Oldstones."
Sitting around the fire before the dead arrive, the atmosphere is thick with "we’re all going to die" energy. Podrick sings. It’s haunting. It’s low, soulful, and perfectly encapsulates the tragedy of the moment. It wasn't just a filler scene. It was the moment Podrick Payne became a man of the people. He gave the heroes their last moment of peace.
The Survival Rate of Podrick Payne
Look at the statistics. In the world of Game of Thrones, being a squire is basically a death sentence. Look at Lommy. Look at the various squires who died in the pits or on the battlefield.
Podrick survived:
- The Battle of the Blackwater.
- The trek through the Riverlands.
- The Battle of the Bastards (in the books/show crossover sense of his general proximity to danger).
- The Long Night against the White Walkers.
How? It wasn't because he was the best fighter. It was because he was adaptable. He knew when to speak and when to shut up. He knew how to serve without losing his dignity. He is the ultimate example of "the meek shall inherit the earth," or at least, a golden breastplate and a spot in the history books.
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Why We Still Care About Pod
In a show filled with nihilism, Podrick was a constant. He represented the "everyman." He wasn't a "chosen one." He didn't have magical blood. He was just a guy trying to do his job well.
He’s the person we’d likely be if we were dropped into Westeros. We wouldn't be Jaime Lannister. We’d be the person trying not to fall off a horse while following someone much scarier than us. His promotion to the Kingsguard under King Bran the Broken wasn't just fanservice; it was a legitimate reward for years of being the most reliable person in the Seven Kingdoms.
Practical Insights for Fans and Rewatchers
If you’re going back to watch the series or reading the A Song of Ice and Fire books, pay attention to Podrick’s eyes. Daniel Portman played him with this constant, watchful energy. He’s always learning.
Key things to notice on a rewatch:
- The Stutter: Notice how it disappears as he gains confidence under Brienne’s mentorship. It’s a subtle bit of character work that shows he finally feels like he belongs.
- The Bows: Podrick’s bows are always just a little too deep, a little too formal. It shows his desperate need to be seen as a "proper" squire despite his lowly status.
- The Combat: Watch him during the Battle of Winterfell. He isn't doing flashy moves. He’s using basic, foundational strikes—exactly what Brienne taught him.
Podrick Payne is the proof that you don't need a crown to be a legend. You just need to show up, save your boss from a Kingsguard assassin, and maybe have some unexplained skills that make brothel workers give you a refund.
Next time you’re debating who "won" the game of thrones, remember the guy in the white cloak standing behind the Small Council table. He didn't just play the game. He outlasted it.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch Season 8, Episode 2 again. Specifically the "Jenny of Oldstones" sequence. It is the peak of Podrick's emotional contribution to the series.
- Compare the book version. In George R.R. Martin's A Feast for Crows, Podrick is much younger (around 12). Reading his chapters gives you a much deeper sense of his vulnerability and why his loyalty to Brienne is so moving.
- Check out Daniel Portman’s other work. If you want to see the "real" Pod, he’s a fantastic Scottish actor who brings a totally different energy to projects like Vigil or The Control Room.