Matching 50 Game of Thrones characters with each of the 50 states

Washington: Tormund Giantsbane

A powerful warrior, Tormund Giantsbane fights by Jon Snow’s side as they try and take down the baddies beyond the Wall. His visage is hard to forget. He’s got wild red hair and a big bushy beard. He must feel pretty good about himself, because he famously thinks he has a shot with fellow warrior Brienne of Tarth.

One of my favorite things about Tormund is that he claims to have bedded a she-bear. It doesn’t matter if it’s true; it’s funny and weird and emblematic of what makes Tormund such a great character.

I’ve chosen to match Tormund with the state of Washington. Like Tormund, this state favors colder weather. When it’s not drizzling down chilly rain, it can get real snowy real fast. In fact, Washington is home to the northernmost point in the contiguous United States.

Washington’s most famous city, Seattle, is a cultural hotspot that would fit well with Tormund’s personality. This city has a little something for everyone, from the colorful wares in Pike Place Market to the exotic art in the Chihuly Glass Garden to the natural beauty of Puget Sound. Tormund claims to a worldly man, and it’s safe to bet he’d find the city plenty entertaining.

But my favorite connection between Tormund and Washington? The Evergreen State is one of the only places in the U.S. with grizzly bears. Yes, Tormund would be right at home here.