Ep. 220: - Samwell IV | A Storm of Swords | "Open your eyes"
From Bend the Knee: A Song of Ice and Fire Podcast by Game of Thrones
April 18, 2026 · 1h 0m
About this episode
The episode discusses Samwell's experiences and dilemmas at Castle Black, including his relationships and the political tensions surrounding the Night's Watch.
At Castle Black , Gilly is nursing both her own son as well as Mance Rayder 's, as Dalla died giving birth. Sam and Gilly have recently returned to Castle Black, meeting up with Ser Denys Mallister and the men from the Shadow Tower . They also joined with Dywen , Edd and Giant , survivors from the Bridge of Skulls where Bowen Marsh held back the Weeper 's advance. Sam is happy to be reunited with Jon , although he is wary of King Stannis 's army being present at Castle Black. It was the king who defeated the wildlings , scattering their remnants back into the haunted forest . Val wants to bring her sister's baby to Mance, but Jon tells her that only Maester Aemon is permitted to see the imprisoned wildling king. Alone, Sam asks Jon, "Could there be honor in a lie, if it were told for a good purpose?" Sam is considering sending Gilly and her son to Horn Hill , with a letter claiming that he fathered the boy. Jon reveals that Slynt still considers him a traitor, because he did not kill Mance as he was sent to do. Sam remembers swearing to Bran and Jojen Reed not to reveal to anyone, even Jon, that Bran is still alive. Coldhands ' last words to Sam were, "Let the world believe the…
Topics covered
- Castle Black
- wildlings
- Night's Watch
- honor
- leadership
- loyalty
Keywords
- Samwell
- Gilly
- Mance Rayder
- Castle Black
- Night's Watch
- King Stannis
- A Storm of Swords
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: A Storm of Swords
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