Lannisters against Starks, Baratheons versus Targaryens: If you need a reminder of who's who in Westeros, this gallery will jog your memory and get you ready for season six of "Game of Thrones."
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Intrigue, sex and dragons in 'Game of Thrones'
Lannisters against the Starks, Baratheons versus Targaryens. Never heard these names before? If you want to catch up on "Game of Thrones" before the final season begins, here's a high-speed, spoiler-filled review.
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The northern warrior
Jon Snow (Kit Harington), the lord commander of the Night's Watch, was stabbed and left to die by his own team at the end of the fifth season — but he survived. In the fictional "Game of Thrones" world of Westeros, the Night's Watch defends the seven kingdoms against supernatural dangers that lurk beyond The Wall to the north. The season 7 finale confirmed that Jon was born Aegon Targaryen.
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The strong princess
Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner), long believed to be Jon Snow's half-sister, has already suffered quite a bit in her short life. She was forced to watch as her fiancé executed her own father. Then, their marriage was dissolved and Sansa was married to another member of the ruling Lannister family. It's not easy being a princess in Westeros…
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The angry girl
Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) is Sansa's little sister. After the death of their father, she fled the royal court and disguised herself as a boy. Since then, she's been wandering through Westeros with one thing in mind: revenge for her father's death. Meanwhile, she's fallen in with a sect and gone blind. Sometimes, "Games of Thrones" can seem like a soap opera with medieval costumes.
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The evil queen mother
What would a soap opera be without a mean stepmother? In this case it's not a stepmother, but a queen mother named Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey). She's a master of intrigue, and goes to all ends to have influence over the Lannister clan. For her immoral behavior, she's was sent to the dungeon and got a punishing makeover. She then had to sport a modern short hairdo against her will.
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The charming twin
One of Cersei's ugly secrets is her incestuous relationship with her twin brother Jamie (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau). He's the father of her three children, a fact that has always been officially denied by the palace. Jamie is the commander of the Kingsguard and keeps out of the political intrigue in Westeros. He's nevertheless a villain — but a charming one.
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The witty outsider
Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) is Cersei's and Jamie's unpopular younger brother. The wine-loving dwarf is the secret star of the series. Tyrion compensates for his physical shortcomings with his wit, and "Game of Thrones" fans like to quote his wisecracks.
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The powerful mother of dragons
Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) comes from the old dynasty of the Targaryens. She helped three dragons hatch — the first for centuries in Westeros — and aims to use them to recapture the throne for her bloodline. In season seven, she ends up having sex with Jon Snow: neither of them are aware that Jon is actually her nephew.
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+++ Spoiler alert! This picture gallery is meant to refresh your memory of the last five seasons of "Game of Thrones." If you haven't watched them yet, but plan to, read no further. +++
On Sunday, the sixth season of "Game of Thrones" starts in the US. The fantasy saga is set in the fictional world of Westeros, which bears a strong resemblance to the Middle Ages in Europe and features a touch of magic and supernatural figures.
"Game of Thrones" features strong characters and political power games revolving around the Iron Throne of Westeros. The series has shocked its fans with many surprising plot twists - including unexpected assassinations.
"Game of Thrones" has achieved record ratings for broadcaster HBO. In its five seasons it's been awarded 26 Emmys, including last year's prize for outstanding drama series.
Though those involved with the show have been tight-lipped about the new season, one rumor has been making the rounds. Apparently, the first episode picks up right where the last season ended - and starts off at a breakneck pace.
