King Robert Baratheon arrives to ask Ned to become the new "Hand of the King" following the mysterious death of their mentor, Jon Arryn.
The episode ends with Ned’s son, Bran, witnessing Queen Cersei and her twin brother, Jaime Lannister, in an incestuous act. To protect their secret, Jaime pushes Bran from a high tower window. Core Themes & Symbolism Episode 1: Winter is Coming
Lord Eddard "Ned" Stark executes Will for desertion, upholding the value that "the man who passes the sentence should also swing the sword". Afterward, the Starks find a dead direwolf with six pups—mirroring the number and genders of Ned’s children, including his bastard son, Jon Snow. King Robert Baratheon arrives to ask Ned to
Three Rangers of the Night's Watch encounter ancient, supernatural creatures known as White Walkers. Will, the sole survivor, flees south but is captured as a deserter. Core Themes & Symbolism Lord Eddard "Ned" Stark
In Pentos, exiled Prince Viserys Targaryen arranges a marriage between his sister Daenerys and Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo to secure an army to reclaim the Iron Throne.