Ralph Ineson notably played the iconic Galactus in the new Fantastic Four movie, but most fans have probably forgotten he was in Game of Thrones, too—he played the Ironborn reaver Dagmer Cleftjaw. He appeared in only five episodes in Season 2, but his part was no small one.
In fact, Dagmer played a major role in The Capture of Winterfell, in which Theon Greyjoy betrayed House Stark and seized the undefended castle. It was also he who inspired the brutality in Theon by convincing him to kill two innocent boys out of desperation.
Ralph Ineson’s Dagmer Cleftjaw Was Crucial to The Capture of Winterfell in Game of Thrones
Loyal to House Greyjoy, Ineson’s Dagmer Cleftjaw introduced himself to the viewers in Season 2’s The Ghost of Harrenhal. As Theon took command of a new ship, he found his crew unruly, and Dagmer told him that the men would not respect him until he had proven himself.
These words left Theon contemplating a plan to raid Torrhen’s Square, which would leave Winterfell undefended since the Stark army would be forced to relieve the siege in the castle forty leagues southwest of Winterfell.
After Theon successfully seized the castle and proclaimed himself the Prince of Winterfell, he convinced Bran Stark to yield his home in order to spare the lives of his companions. The Stark brothers were later imprisoned, but that same night, Osha slept with Theon, which also gave her a chance to free the children.
Waking up to the bad news that the captives were gone, an enraged Theon went on a futile search party with his men. Dagmer then convinced him to kill two farm boys and present their corpses as the bodies of Bran and Rickon.
This wasn’t the worst thing the Ironborn reaver did in the show—he also betrayed Theon as the latter rallied his men to fight Ramsay Bolton. It didn’t end well for Dagmer despite viewers not seeing him anymore in Season 3. It was revealed that Dagmer and his men were also betrayed and killed by Ramsay.
What Will Happen to Dagmer Cleftjaw in GRRM’s The Winds of Winter?
Readers will know that George R.R. Martin’s The Winds of Winter has a lot of catching up to do. Yes, Dagmer is still alive in the books and has a future story to tell.
As per the events in A Dance With Dragons, Dagmer and his Ironborn men continue to hold Torrhen’s Square. Asha Greyjoy (Yara in Game of Thrones) and her men planned to leave Deepwood Motte to help Dagmer, but they were captured by Stannis.
Asha offered to help Stannis take Torrhen’s Square from Dagmer via surrender, but it seemed like he had other plans. At this point, we know that Dagmer’s future in the books will be determined based on the results of the upcoming Battle of Ice.
So far, Martin has no update on the progress of the book. The author revealed that he continues to work on it, although he doesn’t shy away from admitting his struggle.
Do you remember Ineson’s Dagmer Cleftjaw from the show? Share your thoughts below!
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