The 50 Best Game of Thrones Characters, Ranked
34. Ser Rodrik Cassel
Here’s a ser who understands the meaning of loyalty. Ser Rodrik Cassel was in it for the Starks until the very end. There were a few of these tough-as-boots old warriors still hanging around Westeros early in the series, and this Master-at-Arms was one of them.
Just by looking at Ser Rodrik’s muttonchops, you know you’re dealing with a guy who doesn’t play around. He was willing to die for the Lady of his House en route to the Eyrie, and was one of the first to proclaim Robb the King in the North. Unfortunately, Ser Rodrik fell for the Ironborn’s feint attack on Torrhen’s Square, which allowed Theon to occupy Winterfell. But Ser Rodrik wasn’t going down without a fight.
Even before his execution, he put Theon in his place, first baiting him by daring him to swing the sword, then spitefully telling him he’s lost. Theon then proves how much he sucks by botching Ser Rodrik’s beheading. It was a terrible way to go—it would have been nice to see what else the stalwart Ser Rodrik Cassel could have done for House Stark.