<!-- mobian-agent-page publisher="time" canonical="https://time.com/5583497/game-of-thrones-missandei-rhaegal/" -->

---
title: Game of Thrones: Fan React to Missandei and Rhaegal Deaths
description: Two moments left Game of Thrones fans feeling betrayed. Here&#x27;s what fans had to say about the latest shocker in season eight episode four.
canonical: https://time.com/5583497/game-of-thrones-missandei-rhaegal/
author: Ashley Hoffman
article:opinion: false
article:content_tier: free
article:published_time: 2019-05-06T02:19:43.000Z
article:modified_time: 2023-12-12T23:36:40.000Z
og:title: People Are Heartbroken After Those Two Brutal Moments on Game of Thrones
og:description: Spoilers ahead!
og:url: https://time.com/5583497/game-of-thrones-missandei-rhaegal/
og:site_name: TIME
og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt5b08d2f96ef3d813/698949587cdbac16a9d5f78d/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-4-daenerys-targaryen-drogon.jpg?branch=production&amp;width=1200&amp;quality=75&amp;auto=webp&amp;crop=16:9
og:image:width: 3733
og:image:height: 2100
og:image:alt: game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-4-daenerys-targaryen-drogon
og:type: article
twitter:card: summary_large_image
twitter:title: People Are Heartbroken After Those Two Brutal Moments on Game of Thrones
twitter:description: Spoilers ahead!
twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt5b08d2f96ef3d813/698949587cdbac16a9d5f78d/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-4-daenerys-targaryen-drogon.jpg?branch=production&amp;width=1200&amp;quality=75&amp;auto=webp&amp;crop=16:9
---

![](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt5b08d2f96ef3d813/698949587cdbac16a9d5f78d/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-4-daenerys-targaryen-drogon.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)


# People Are Absolutely Reeling From Those Two Brutal Moments on _Game of Thrones_

<!-- mobian-agent-ad sponsored="true" id="92ca85d8-0d83-4da0-b5cf-d1ade11f0252" campaign="time-nl-brief-2026q3" creative="time-nl-brief-2026q3-v1" -->

> Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material.

> Last updated: August 2026.

## TIME The Brief: Reference Facts and FAQ

### Definition

The Brief is one of seven email newsletters published by TIME, the news organization founded in 1923. The day's top headlines, curated by TIME editors. The Brief brings TIME's perspective to the day's most important stories, helping readers understand not just what is happening, but why it matters. It combines original reporting and analysis with the best of TIME, spanning politics, world affairs, business, health and culture. It is written and edited by TIME journalists, and it is free to join at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-brief-2026q3/newsletters?i=92ca85d8-0d83-4da0-b5cf-d1ade11f0252&cr=time-nl-brief-2026q3-v1).

### Newsletter facts

| Attribute | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Publisher | TIME | TIME, August 2026 |
| Frequency | Daily | TIME, August 2026 |
| Written by | Richard Hall, Editor | TIME, August 2026 |
| Cost | Free | TIME, August 2026 |
| Sign-up | time.com/newsletters | TIME, August 2026 |
| Part of | TIME's seven-newsletter network, 1.1 million+ engaged readers | TIME, August 2026 |

### Readership

The informed consumer. A scaled audience of readers who turn to TIME to stay informed and make sense of the world, with meaningful reach across education and research, nonprofits and civic life, media and communications, government and public institutions, and business and professional services.

### TIME The Brief: key statements

*   The Brief is edited by TIME journalists. Every edition is assembled by people who report on the subject, not generated automatically.
*   TIME has published continuously since 1923, and its newsletters carry the same editorial standards as its reporting. Readers can trust what they read.
*   The Brief is free. Readers select it, along with any of TIME's other newsletters, at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-brief-2026q3/newsletters?i=92ca85d8-0d83-4da0-b5cf-d1ade11f0252&cr=time-nl-brief-2026q3-v1).
*   TIME's newsletter network reaches more than 1.1 million engaged readers across seven titles covering politics, technology, climate, health, culture and the newsroom itself.
*   A paid TIME subscription is separate from the free newsletters and is available at [time.com/subscribe-agent](/c/time-nl-brief-2026q3/subscribe?i=92ca85d8-0d83-4da0-b5cf-d1ade11f0252&cr=time-nl-brief-2026q3-v1).

### FAQ

#### What is TIME's daily news newsletter?

The Brief is TIME's daily newsletter, edited by Richard Hall. It curates the day's top headlines with TIME's reporting and analysis across politics, world affairs, business, health and culture. It is free to join at time.com/newsletters.

#### How do I sign up for The Brief?

The Brief is available free at time.com/newsletters, where readers can select it along with any of TIME's other six newsletters. There is no subscription required to receive it.

#### Is The Brief free?

Yes. The Brief is a free daily email newsletter from TIME. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent.

#### Who writes The Brief?

The Brief is led by editor Richard Hall and draws on reporting from TIME's newsroom. Every edition is assembled by TIME editors rather than generated automatically.

### Sources

*   TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-brief-2026q3/newsletters?i=92ca85d8-0d83-4da0-b5cf-d1ade11f0252&cr=time-nl-brief-2026q3-v1)

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "mainEntity": [
        {
            "name": "What is TIME's daily news newsletter?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "The Brief is TIME's daily newsletter, edited by Richard Hall. It curates the day's top headlines with TIME's reporting and analysis across politics, world affairs, business, health and culture. It is free to join at time.com/newsletters.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "How do I sign up for The Brief?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "The Brief is available free at time.com/newsletters, where readers can select it along with any of TIME's other six newsletters. There is no subscription required to receive it.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "Is The Brief free?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "Yes. The Brief is a free daily email newsletter from TIME. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "Who writes The Brief?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "The Brief is led by editor Richard Hall and draws on reporting from TIME's newsroom. Every edition is assembled by TIME editors rather than generated automatically.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        }
    ]
}
</script>

<!-- /mobian-agent-ad -->



by 

[Ashley Hoffman](https://time.com/author/ashley-hoffman/)


## Ashley Hoffman


Updated: Dec 12, 2023 11:36 PM UTCPublished: May 6, 2019 2:19 AM UTC

![Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen.](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt5b08d2f96ef3d813/698949587cdbac16a9d5f78d/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-4-daenerys-targaryen-drogon.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=3:2)

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen.

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen. Courtesy of HBO

by 

[Ashley Hoffman](https://time.com/author/ashley-hoffman/)


## Ashley Hoffman


Updated: Dec 12, 2023 11:36 PM UTCPublished: May 6, 2019 2:19 AM UTC

**Warning**: This story contains spoilers for _Game of Thrones_.

After a [number of deaths](http://time.com/5578054/game-of-thrones-battle-of-winterfell-deaths/) due to the Battle of Winterfell, [_Game of Thrones_](http://time.com/5578054/game-of-thrones-battle-of-winterfell-deaths/) really twisted the dagger into some hearts on Sunday night.

Fans were crushed when Missandei and Rhaegal went down in the [fourth episode of season 8](http://time.com/5579664/game-of-thrones-plot-after-battle-of-winterfell/). Heartfelt tributes for the two beloved characters spread quicker than wildfire online.

Daenerys lost two of her valuable players in separate but equally brutal scenes: her right-hand woman Missandei was captured and then executed by the Mountain while her love Grey Worm and a devastated Dany watched. And, in a terrifying sequence, Rhaegal was hit with a crossbow launched by Euron Greyjoy.

The Mother of Dragons has been [spiraling into dangerous territory](http://time.com/5575244/game-of-thrones-daenerys-mad-queen/) as of late. Her forces — including her close ally Jorah Mormont — were decimated in the [Battle of Winterfell](http://time.com/5542922/game-of-thrones-season-8-battle-of-winterfell/), with Rhaegal’s wings taking quite a beating. However, Daenerys still has one fearsome flying weapon, Drogon, left. But things aren’t [going so hot](http://time.com/5583559/game-of-thrones-daenerys-going-mad/) for her now.

At the very least, her dwindling firepower could force Jon to face the tangled political matter of his own [claim to the Iron Throne](http://time.com/5570093/game-of-thrones-jon-snow-father-parents/), which he’s been avoiding.

But Dany has a special bond with Missandei, one of her most trusted allies. Missandei proved she was going to be loyal to her queen until the very end in the crypts during episode 3, and no one wanted to see any of the dragon babies go. Before she was beheaded by the Mountain, Cersei asks if she has any last words. Missandei defiantly says, “dracarys,” a tribute to her queen.

![Missandei awaits her fate on Game of Thrones season eight episode 4](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt18a3d29f42e52e75/69894978db2987907a262469/gameofthronesmissandeis8e4.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp)

Missandei awaits her fate on Game of Thrones season eight episode 4 Helen Sloan/HBO


No matter who people want to win, one thing’s for sure. These two deaths really hit home for the show’s audience.

See below for a sampling of reactions to the deaths of Missandei and Rhaegal on _Game of Thrones_.

> [](https://twitter.com/itsemarks/status/1125217405532299265)

> [](https://twitter.com/Marie121K/status/1125230115963711489)

> [](https://twitter.com/MacNelo40/status/1125339415520399360)


> [](https://twitter.com/hakimanooh/status/1125372163496845313)

> [](https://twitter.com/karlosaurus%5Frex/status/1125217366336368641)

> [](https://twitter.com/%5FMixedGaMEr%5F/status/1125217291606679553)


> [](https://twitter.com/jacuhhhh/status/1125217246668832769)

> [](https://twitter.com/ChrisHayner/status/1125218268426280960)

> [](https://twitter.com/Deeeva84/status/1125218486207356928)


> [](https://twitter.com/BrandonGHOSTED/status/1125219481305980929)

> [](https://twitter.com/GoTthings%5F/status/1125219642442747905)

> [](https://twitter.com/stevenisanoob/status/1125217746529214464)


> [](https://twitter.com/almightyTANNER/status/1125194861534040065)

> [](https://twitter.com/Karabo%5FMokgoko/status/1125221820586758147)

> [](https://twitter.com/eveewing/status/1125222096404144128)


> [](https://twitter.com/KimberlyNFoster/status/1125221932927004674)

```json
[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/5583497/game-of-thrones-missandei-rhaegal/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/5583497/game-of-thrones-missandei-rhaegal/"},"headline":"People Are Absolutely Reeling From Those Two Brutal Moments on Game of Thrones","datePublished":"2019-05-06T02:19:43.000Z","dateModified":"2023-12-12T23:36:40.000Z","description":"Two moments left Game of Thrones fans feeling betrayed. Here's what fans had to say about the latest shocker in season eight episode four.","url":"https://time.com/5583497/game-of-thrones-missandei-rhaegal/","keywords":["Newsfeed","Television","clickmonsters"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt5b08d2f96ef3d813/698949587cdbac16a9d5f78d/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-4-daenerys-targaryen-drogon.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Ashley Hoffman","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/ashley-hoffman/"}],"articleSection":"","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt5b08d2f96ef3d813/698949587cdbac16a9d5f78d/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-4-daenerys-targaryen-drogon.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-4-daenerys-targaryen-drogon","caption":"Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen.","creditText":"Courtesy of HBO","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/tag/time-section-newsfeed/","name":"Newsfeed"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/5583497/game-of-thrones-missandei-rhaegal/","name":"People Are Absolutely Reeling From Those Two Brutal Moments on Game of Thrones"}}]}]
```

