Did everyone watch Game of Thrones season 6 episode 5? If you did, you know that the Hodor death was a sad one. For the three of you who didn’t watch it, you’re probably asking yourself, “How did Hodor die?” Good question, as there were so many time shifts during this episode that things may have gotten a bit fuzzy. But that’s why we’re here, to give you a Game of Thrones season 6 episode 5 recap so you’re caught up on who died, who lived, and whose out for blood. But the thing that’s got everyone talking most is the Hodor Hold the Door scene from the last episode, so we’re here to give you the Game of Thrones Hodor explanation.
Hold the Door, Hodor
We can’t give you a Game of Thrones Hodor explanation without those now infamous words: “Hold the door, Hodor.” That was the phrase shouted by Meera as she escaped with Bran out of their makeshift home with the Three Eyed Raven. They were making an escape after the White Walkers were able to pinpoint the location of Bran and company. And how did that happen, you ask? Well, let us explain.
Bran decided that he wanted to see more of the past and he went into one of his trances without the supervision of the Three Eyed Raven. In his first trip, he was shown that the Children on the Forest were actually the ones who created the White Walkers through some kind of mystical ritual. They did so to protect themselves against humans who were destroying their homes, and they obviously couldn’t predict that the White Walkers would turn out to be the biggest menace to the known world.
On Bran’s second mind/time travel trip, he sees an army of White Walkers looking like they’re ready for battle. It’s a bit frightening, but things turn into all-out horror when Bran notices that the White Walkers can see him too, even though he’s technically not even present. Then the Night King reaches out and grabs Bran’s arm, which effectively gives him access to Bran’s present time location.
All of this leads to Meera having to rush Bran out—with the help of Hodor of course—as the White Walkers quickly surround the Three Eyed Raven and the other Children of the Forest. Hodor is able to sneak them through what appears to be the heaviest backdoor ever created then closes it as the White Walkers pound and claw on the other side. Meera is pleading with Hodor to “Hold the door” in order to give her and Bran enough time to make their getaway.
Bran is still in his trance as all of this is happening and is seeing a past memory of Hodor as a young man falling into a seizure. While Hodor, whose name was Willis at that time, is shaking on the ground, he is echoing Meera’s pleads, repeatedly mumbling, “Hold the door.” That eventually gets shortened to “Hodor,” and the gentle giant as we know him is born on the same episode he passes away.
Other Stuff Happened In this Episode, Too
The Hodor/hold the door scene is definitely the most memorable and heart-wrenching of episode 5. But there were other significant story plots that were just as intriguing. Sansa turned into a badass: she’s ready to lead an army against Ramsey and is working with her brother, Jon Snow, and Ser Davos to make it happen. She even stood up to Littlefinger when he tried to just pop back up into her life.
Yara and Theon are also made some waves this episode. Yara makes her claim to the salt throne and almost convinces a group of unwilling patriots until her uncle—and her father’s murderer—appears and is eventually named king. Yara and Theon want no part of that, and they steal all the ships with a group of men and sail off.
Are you wondering who plays Hodor? Kristian Nairn is the actor who plays Hodor, and he does a damn good job doing it. After an episode like last week’s, it’s only more tension and curiosity for how Sunday’s episode will go down.
