Tormund Matagigantes, also known as Tormund or Tormund Giantsbane, is a character from George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, as well as from the series adapted from the HBO television network, Game of Thrones. Tormund became one of the leaders of the Wild Men after Mance Ryder's disappearance and death.
He is regarded as a fierce and deadly man during battle. He demonstrated his skills during the Battle of Castle Black, where he killed multiple members of the Night's Watch in a strong and forceful way. In addition to this remarkable ability, he is known to have a jovial, cheerful and playful character.
He often talks about his sexual encounters and his fierceness in battle. In the books he doesn't have a point of view from the character's perspective, so all that is known about him is through Jon Snow.
Character characteristics
-In the books, Tormund is short and has a wide, long white beard. He also has a broad face and plump cheeks. Similarly, he wears heavy gold bracelets on each hand with inscriptions related to the First Men.
-It is said that he killed a giant and that he remained inside the belly of a giant to protect himself from the cold during the winter.
-In the series, Tormund is rather thin and with a red beard.
-He usually talks about his sexual encounters as well as his ability to drink in large quantities. This is apparently done to boost the morale of his teammates.
-In both cases, his friendly, combative and loyal personality is maintained, which is shown when he becomes a friend of Jon Snow, despite the fact that he initially showed distrust towards him.
Situation in
Tormund first appeared in season three, when Jon Snow mistook him for the king of the Wild Men. After being captured, Jon was sent along with Tormund and Ygritte south of the Wall to attack the Night's Watch.
At this point, Tormund showed some sympathy for Jon although he warned him that he would kill him if he even thought of lying to him.
However, Jon continued to be the subject of questioning until he finally managed to escape. At that point, Tormund realized that Ygritte was unable to kill him because she is in love with him.
Shortly after, the Battle of Castle Black was unleashed, where Tormund's skills in battle are seen to assassinate several members of the Night's Watch with great skill. After wounding Ser Alliser Thorne, he is shot down and taken prisoner.
After Maester Aemon healed his wounds, Tormund confessed to Jon that Ygritte was in love with him.
Other events
This character reappeared in subsequent seasons. Below are the most relevant events during the plot:
-Watched the execution of Mance Rayder by Stannis Baratheon. This was painful for him, as he saw a humiliating death await his friend. Before Mance was burned, Jon Snow murdered him and Tormund considered this honorable. After Mance's death, Tormund became the leader of the Wild Men.
-Jon Snow is appointed as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch and suggests to Tormund to form an alliance that allows peaceful coexistence between the groups.
-The presence of the White Walkers helped to strengthen this alliance, in order to form an army that could combat this threat.
-In the process they make a trip to recruit more people to fight against the same enemy. Although the locals tried to hurt Jon, Tormund took it upon himself to defend him.
-After Jon's murder at the hands of Alliser Thorne, Tormund and a group of Wild Men attack Castle Black.
-When finishing examining Jon's body, Tormund suggested that it be burned as soon as possible; however, he witnessed how the witch Melissandre revived him.
-Sansa Stark arrived at Castle Black with Brienne de Tarth and Podrick Payne. At that moment Tormund is practically hypnotized by Brienne, which prevents him from looking at her.
-During the time he remains in the castle planning the war strategies to fight Ramsey Bolton, Tormund continued his advances towards Brienne.
-Jon and Tormund fight together again in the Battle of the Bastards, considered one of the most important in the plot.
-In addition, Jon's appointment as King of the North became a witness, after the victory over Ramsey Bolton.
Season seven
At this point Tormund's friendship and loyalty to Jon is a key piece; Tormund is a critical support in making the other kingdoms aware of the threat posed by the White Walkers. This threat was more evident in the seventh season.
Tormund rejoined Jon on an expedition to Beyond the Wall, in order to capture a White Walker to take to Westeros and call for help in what would be the most important battle for survival.
Actor
The actor who plays Tormund Matagigantes is Norwegian Kristofer Hivju, who has also served as a screenwriter and television director.
He began his career by making his debut in 2001 on the television series Fox Groland. She has also participated in other productions on the small screen.
He has ventured into the world of theater and cinema in Norway, and in 2013 he was part of the cast of M. Night Shyamalan's film, After Earth. In that same year she joined Game of Thrones, where she participates to date.
Curiosities
-Physically, the character described in the book is plump, good-natured and with a white beard, while in the series, Tormund is thin and has a red beard.
-Kristofer Hivju was nominated for a Screen Actor Guid Award for his portrayal of Tormund. This performance has earned him good reviews from experts and the audience.
-Despite the sympathy that he is capable of expressing, Tormund also displays cruel and ruthless methods towards his enemies.
-The beard and red hair are a couple of the most relevant characteristics of this character; However, a photo of Kristofer Hivju without his famous beard circulated on social media, causing quite a stir among fans.
-Tormund is considered one of the most beloved characters in the series.
References
- Game of Thrones: You will never recognize Tormund Giant Slayer without a beard. (2017). In La Prensa Peru. Retrieved: April 18, 2018. In La Prensa Perú de laprensaperu.com.
- 'Game of Thrones': The actor who plays Tormund talks about his relationship with Brienne. (sf). In E Billboard. Retrieved: April 18, 2018. In E Billboard of ecartelera.com.
- Game of Thrones: An endearing encounter between Tormund Matagigantes and Lyanna Mormont. (2016). In Culture Leisure. Com. Retrieved: April 18, 2018. In Cultura Ocio.Com de culturaocio.com.
- Kristofer Hivju. (sf). On Wikipedia. Retrieved: April 18, 2018. In Wikipedia at es.wikipedia.org.
- Tormund. (sf). On Game of Thrones Wiki. Retrieved: April 18, 2018. On Game of Thrones Wiki at gameofthrones.wikia.org.
- Tormund. (sf). On a Wiki of Ice and Fire. Retrieved: April 18, 2018. On Ice and Fire Wiki by ice and fire.wikia.com.
- Tormund. (sf). On Wikipedia. Retrieved: April 18, 2018. In Wikipedia at en.wikipedia.org.