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

Pennsylvania: Barristan Selmy

If you read the Song of Ice and Fire novels before watching Game of Thrones, you may have been shocked to see the kindly knight Barristan Selmy killed by the Sons of the Harpy in season 5. In the novels, he’s still alive and well, and it was difficult watching him fall.

While living, Barristan was revered for his skill with a sword as well as his strong sense of duty and honor. It was this sense of loyalty that compelled him to join with Queen Daenerys Targaryen after King Joffrey kicked him off the Kingsguard. Barristan is a patriot who cares more about doing what’s best for the nation than who’s ruling it.

These traits fall in line with the Pennsylvania state motto: “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence.” Barristan the Bold can identify with that; he’s a free-thinker who always tries to do the right thing.

If Barristan became a Pennsylvanian, I think he’d be happy to learn that the state is famous for manufacturing steel; where did you think the Pittsburgh Steelers got their name from? That’s plenty of material with which to craft new swords, and swords are Barristan’s area of expertise. They may not be made of Valyrian steel, but Barristan will make it work.