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

Minnesota: Brienne of Tarth

Brienne of Tarth is hard to miss. For one thing, she’s physically imposing. She’s very tall and doesn’t conform to the feminine styles that are popular with ladies in the Seven Kingdoms. In addition, she has a moving story arc that will suck you in. When we first meet her, she’s following Renly Baratheon. From there, she joins up with Catelyn Stark, escorts Jaime Lannister across the country, acts as guardian for the Stark girls, and even avenges Renly’s death by killing a king. It’s a great ride!

Such a dynamic character deserves to be matched with an equally dynamic state. According to Wallet Hub, Minnesota was ranked as the “best state for women” in 2018, due to female citizens’ economic and social well-being as well as their general health and safety. Brienne has always been a bit of a pioneer for women in Westeros, thanks to her ability to defend herself, her progressive relationships with men and her willingness to train younger women to follow in her example. (Remember that sword fighting scene between her and Arya?) She’ll find friends in Minnesota.

Additionally, Minnesota will give Brienne a chance to make use of all that athleticism. The state has a ton of lakes, beautiful forests and prairies, and vast hunting grounds. Swordplay may be out of fashion, but I’m sure Brienne would enjoy making do by trucking through all that Minnesota wilderness.