Rickon’s Game of Thrones death is being praised by an archery expert for its accuracy. HBO’s acclaimed series, based on A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, followed the struggle for power in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, as well as the imminent threat associated with winter. Rickon, portrayed by Art Parkinson, was the youngest child of Eddard and Catelyn Stark, who survived most of the show alongside his brother Bran and Osha. However, in Game of Thrones season 6, he was shot at by Ramsay and eventually killed when an arrow pierced his heart.

In a recent video for Insider, archery expert Grizzly Jim looked at Rickon’s death scene from Game of Thrones and discussed its accuracy, confirming the distance Ramsay shot from was realistic. He explained the form called "clout," in which arrows are shot from long range, and added that Ramsay's bow might have had increased power. Read some of his comments regarding Rickon's death below:

"The bow looked like it had what they call pony limbs, where you've got the basic bow and then you'd have another set of limbs that come off the front, so that limb is attached to that limb and that limb is attached to that limb, and that gives you way more power. So it would be perfect for that kind of, you know, killing dudes running away kind of archery."

Rickon's Game Of Thrones Death Explained

Rickon's fate, potentially foreshadowed by his Stark direwolf Shaggydog, was one of the saddest in Game of Thrones, but some questioned how he was killed. In the video, Jim also made note of the "archer's paradox," which would allow Ramsay to hit the young boy despite pointing his arrow in the opposite direction, something that raised eyebrows from viewers. During that moment in Game of Thrones season 6, it seemed as though the character, an infamous antagonist, knew that he could effectively land a fatal blow, telling Rickon that he was playing a game.

Rickon's death occurred in Game of Thrones season 6, episode 9, titled "Battle of the Bastards." After being captured by the son of Roose Bolton, his life was threatened, though once conflict began, he was set free and instructed to run toward his brother, Jon Snow. However, Rickon soon realized that he was still a target, and while he managed to dodge several of Ramsay's shots, he was eventually murdered.

It's interesting to hear from an expert about the accuracy of that scene, and how the distance was actually reasonable. Rickon might not have a large role in Game of Thrones, but his death was a memorable moment in one of the show's more talked-about episodes. Even if it seemed like he had a chance of reaching his brother safely, his fate was clearly already determined by Ramsay.

Source: Insider