The Hound
Sandor Clegane, known as The Hound, is one of the most complex and compelling characters in Game of Thrones. A fearsome warrior with a scarred face and a gruff demeanor, The Hound is driven by a mix of cynicism, pain, and a buried sense of honor. Portrayed by Rory McCann, his journey from a loyal enforcer to a reluctant hero is a fan-favorite arc, marked by brutal honesty, dark humor, and surprising moments of compassion.
Sandor Clegane hails from House Clegane, a minor house sworn to House Lannister. His brutal upbringing, marked by his older brother Gregor (“The Mountain”) burning half his face as a child, shaped his worldview and deep-seated hatred for his sibling. The scars, both physical and emotional, define much of his character, fueling his distrust of nobility, chivalry, and the concept of honor. Sandor’s gruff exterior and penchant for swearing hide a man who, despite his cynicism, grapples with his own moral code. Unlike many in Westeros, The Hound rejects the romanticized ideals of knighthood, despising hypocrites like his brother, who was knighted despite his monstrous actions. Sandor’s blunt honesty and refusal to take a knight’s vows make him a standout figure in a world of deceit.