Direwolves: Where are they now? We catch you up on the Stark family pets
By Corey Smith
In the very first episode of the series, “Winter Is Coming,” fans were introduced to the enigmatic direwolves, animals we were told had not been seen south of the Wall for many years. Stumbling across a litter left stranded after their mother dies, Ned Stark is initially wary of the orphaned pups. Despite being the sigil of House Stark, direwolves have a fearsome reputation, and Ned is hesitant to allow his young children to care for the animals. But as the bastard Jon Snow points out, there is a wolf for each child, and perhaps they are meant to raised by the Starks.
Unlike normal wolves, direwolves can grow to enormous sizes, and can develop almost telepathic bonds with their owners. In the A Song of Ice and Fire books, they almost become extensions of the Stark children themselves, although that aspect is downplayed on the show. Still, the direwolves become faithful companions to the Stark kids, which makes it hard when they die.
Unfortunately, that seems to be happening a lot lately. With multiple direwolves appearing in the same season for the first time since Season 4, it’s time to take stock of what’s become of each member of the litter, and look ahead to what might be in store for the ones left.