During Game of Thrones season 6, a fierce new character showed up and immediately stole our hearts — not to mention every scene she was in.
Lyanna Mormont, the teeny-tiny HBIC of Bear Island and vital ally to House Stark, was everyone’s favorite new face in Westeros this year, whether she was schooling adults three times her age on the meaning of Northern loyalty, or sending her army of 62 men (it’s not the size that counts, people) to aid Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) and Jon Snow (Kit Harington) in the battle to retake Winterfell. And now, HBO has released an official interview with Bella Ramsey, the 12-year-old actress who plays Lyanna, that makes it abundantly clear why she’s the greatest girl in the seven kingdoms … or anywhere else.
Here are five fun facts, straight from Ramsey herself.
First Thing’s First: She’s Totally a Lyanna Fan
“Lyanna is strong about what she believes, and wants to keep her family and island protected; she wants to be treated like an adult,” Ramsey said. “She’s strong, and firm when she needs to be, and wants the best for her house and the North.”
She’s Seen the Show — But Only the Age-Appropriate Parts
“When I knew I got the part, I was allowed to watch a few suitable snippets,” she explained. In other words, she’s probably one of the lucky few not to have Oberyn Martell’s death forever burned in her memory. (Sob.)
Her Favorite Lyanna Mormont Moment? Also YOUR Favorite
“I loved the script for episode 10 [“The Winds of Winter”] — how she doesn’t care that she is the youngest person in the room, and proceeds to shame the three leaders.”
She Covets Her Character’s Wardrobe — and Is Excellent at Naming Bears
“I would wear Lyanna’s costume every day,” said Ramsey. “The bear around her neck just made it. I called him Boris.”
And Yeah, She’s Kind of a Big Deal
“It took me a while to realize it,” she said, of her character’s importance. “I actually woke up one morning, and the first thing I thought was, ‘Wow, I really am integral to the story line.'”
