Game of Thrones: New characters, surprise returns

CEBU, Philippines - “Game of Thrones” returned to HBO on Sunday night, introducing a host of new characters, and — as a surprise to those who are sticking to the screen (and not the page) version of the story - the return of at least one character who seemingly perished in the Battle of Blackwater.

With the battle for the Iron Throne continuing, AccessHollywood.com shares our handy cheat sheet on how to keep Season 3, Episode 301’s emerging and surprise returning characters straight.

Mance Rayder (Ciaran Hinds):

How He Was Introduced: Mance was first revealed as he laughed at Kit Harington’s Jon Snow after the young man kneeled before Tormund Giantsbane, a redheaded, bearded wildling he mistook for the King Beyond the Wall. Ciaran’s Mance then put Jon to a test of loyalty, asking the young man why he left the Night’s Watch to join the wildlings. Mance clearly liked Jon’s second answer - “I want to fight for the side that fights for the living” - because he suggested they give him a new cloak.

Characters He’s Tied To: Jon Snow (Kit Harington), Ygritte (Rose Leslie), Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju) a Wildling who was also introduced in the scene, and all the wildlings.

Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham):

How He Was Introduced: Superfans and book readers know full well that Liam’s Davos, aka The Onion Knight, was introduced in Season 2 as the right hand man of Stannis Baratheon (the late King Robert’s younger brother). But, he looked rather differently when he made his Season 3 debut - stranded on an island with a sunburnt face, torn up clothing and unruly hair.

For those who haven’t read the books, Davos’ return may come as a surprise. He was last seen in Season 2, Episode 209, during the Battle of Blackwater. He was blown off his ship as the wildfire exploded in the waters outside King’s Landing. Sadly, his son, Matthos, did not survive the explosion.

Characters He’s Tied To: Another refresher - Davos serves Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), the lone surviving Baratheon brother (King Robert died in Season 1 and that creepy shadow baby birthed by the Red Priestess, Melisandre, killed Stannis’ baby brother, Renly, in Season 2).

Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel):

How She Was Introduced: Translating between her master, Kraznys mo Nakloz (newcomer Dan Hildebrand), and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) in the city of Astapor, as the Mother of Dragons attempted to gain more information about the Unsullied, an 8,000 strong army she has an interest in buying in her quest to take the Iron Throne.

Characters She’s Tied To: Her master and now, Daenerys.

Ser Barristan Selmy (Ian McElhinney):

How He Was Introduced: Not a new character, Ser Barristan was last spotted in Season 1, during the June 5, 2011 episode, when he stormed out in disgust after Cersei Lannister told him to retire from the King’s Guard, and announced her twin brother, Jaime Lannister, would replace him as Lord Commander of the King’s Guard. In disgust, Ser Barristan tossed his sword on the ground and told King Joffrey to melt his sword down “and add it to the others” that make up the Iron Throne. In the Season 3 premiere episode, he saved Dany from the creepy Warlock child.

Characters He’s Tied To: He used to serve under Daenerys Targaryen’s father, Aerys II Targaryen, before serving King Robert Baratheon. After Season 3’s premiere episode, expect to see him tied to Dany as well as Ser Jorah Mormont. (FREEMAN)