The dire wolves in HBO’s Game of Thrones are iconic, not just for their fierce appearances but also for their profound connections to the Stark family. These majestic creatures were portrayed by a mix of real dogs and CGI, with Northern Inuit dogs originally taking on the roles of the dire wolves. Let’s take a closer look at the real dogs behind these beloved characters and some interesting facts about the dire wolves.
Ghost: The Dire wolf of Jon Snow
Ghost, the loyal companion of Jon Snow, was portrayed by a then nine year old Arctic Wolf named Quigley in the early seasons. Quigley’s fierce loyalty and silent strength captured the essence of Ghost, making him a fan favorite throughout the series. While Jon Snow was with the wildlings, Ghost became the protector of Sam and Gilly, saving them both from a group of Night’s Watch bullies. Ghost was also the biggest hint to Jon Snow’s resurrection, as he looked over at his corpse just before Snow took his first breaths.
Summer: The Dire wolf of Brandon Stark
Summer was played by a dog named Odin, a Northern Inuit known for his intelligence and agility. Odin embodied Summer’s protective nature toward Bran, showcasing both grace and loyalty in his performances. Unfortunately, Odin died of cancer at the age of 10 in 2020. Owner William Muhall acquired Odin and Thor, the Northern Inuit dog who portrayed Grey Wind, using money he had saved since he was 18. Just weeks after bringing them home, both puppies landed roles in the inaugural episode of Game of Thrones. Since then, they have traveled on tours, supported various charitable causes, and delighted numerous fans. Muhall remarked on his pride in Odin, saying, “Odin’s legacy truly speaks for itself.”
Grey Wind: The Dire wolf of Robb Stark
Grey Wind, the fierce protector of Robb Stark, was brought to life by a dog named Thor. Known for his courageous demeanor, Thor portrayed Grey Wind in several iconic battle scenes, contributing to the character’s reputation for bravery. Both Odin and Thor depicted most of the dogs several times in the series and became celebrities doing tours and raising money for charity till Odin passed away in 2020.
Shaggydog: The Dire wolf of Rickon Stark
Portrayed by a dog named Gipsy, Shaggydog had a wilder appearance, perfectly fitting the untamed personality of Rickon Stark’s direwolf. Gipsy’s portrayal emphasized Shaggydog’s wild spirit and fierce loyalty.
Lady: The Dire wolf of Sansa Stark
Lady, the sweet and gentle companion of Sansa Stark, was played by a dog named Zunni. Zunni’s gentle appearance made her an ideal match for Lady, who was known for her loving bond with Sansa. Later Sophie Turner who played Sansa adopted Zunni. Speaking to reporters, Turner said her family fell in love with Zunni and just had to have her after Lady’s death.
Nymeria. The Dire wolf of Arya Stark
Nymeria encapsulated both loyalty and independence. Her fierce spirit mirrored Arya Stark’s own journey throughout the series. While a few scenes of Nymeria were said to have been played by Indie, the grandson of Zunni, Nymeria was actually more the result of special effects created by filming real wolves. Real wolves were filmed on a green screen in Canada starting in season two. Thereafter a time consuming process called rotoscoping, (where people manually edit each frame of a scene) was used to edit in scenes of Nymeria.
As the series progressed, CGI became more prominent, enhancing the appearance of the direwolves to make them appear larger and more mythical. However, the Northern Inuit dogs that originally portrayed these characters remain cherished by fans for their memorable performances.
Facts About Northern Inuit Dogs
Northern Inuit dogs are a breed known for their striking resemblance to wolves, developed in the 1980s in the UK for portraying direwolves in film and television. Bred from a mix of breeds, including the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and German Shepherd, they possess beauty, intelligence, and trainability. Characterized by thick double coats, erect ears, and expressive eyes, they are friendly and gentle companions. Their high energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation, making them suitable for active families. Their wolf-like appearance and strong human bonds have also made them popular as working dogs in various roles, including search and rescue.
The Dire Wolves Influenced the Demand for Huskies
The popularity of direwolves led to a surge in demand for breeds that resemble them, particularly Siberian Huskies. Many fans started adopting Huskies, believing them to be a fitting tribute to the Stark direwolves. Angelique Miller, president of Northern California-based NorSled, a husky rescue organization revealed how the demand for Huskies from their shelter increased tenfold during the airing of Game of Thrones.
Unique Training
The Northern Inuit dogs used on set underwent extensive training to perform the various stunts and actions required in the series, allowing them to act alongside human characters effectively. Each direwolf closely represents its Stark counterpart’s personality traits. For example, Ghost’s silent loyalty mirrors Jon Snow’s character, while Nymeria’s independence reflects Arya’s journey towards self-discovery.
Cultural Impact
The direwolves have become symbols of House Stark, representing loyalty, courage, and the bond between family members. They resonate deeply with fans and have been featured in various merchandise and fan art.
The dire wolves of Game of Thrones have left an indelible mark on both the series and its viewers. From their real-life canine counterparts to their symbolic roles within the story, these majestic creatures continue to evoke admiration and love from fans around the world.
Hi, I’m Andrew, and I come from India. Experienced content specialist with a passion for writing. My forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, I am obsessed with mountains and love high-altitude trekking. I have been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, a profound experience.
