Olly, the young boy who became a figure of both sympathy and intense hatred among Game of Thrones fans, meets his end in Season 6, Episode 4, titled “Book of the Stranger.” His execution, alongside Alliser Thorne and others who betrayed Jon Snow, marks a significant turning point in the series, solidifying Jon’s departure from the Night’s Watch and setting the stage for future conflicts.
The Precipitating Events: Betrayal and Mutiny
Before delving into the specifics of Olly’s demise, understanding the events leading up to it is crucial. Olly’s path to becoming a hated figure stems directly from his tragic past. He witnessed the massacre of his family by wildlings and, as a result, harbored an intense animosity toward them. This animosity was skillfully exploited by Alliser Thorne, who manipulated Olly’s grief and fear to fuel the mutiny against Lord Commander Jon Snow.
Following Jon’s controversial decision to allow wildlings safe passage through the Wall, Thorne saw an opportunity to seize control. He orchestrated a plot to assassinate Jon, and Olly played a key role, delivering the final, heartbreaking stab that seemingly killed Jon. This act of betrayal, delivered by a boy Jon had taken under his wing, ignited a wave of anger among viewers, cementing Olly’s position as one of the series’ most disliked characters.
The Execution: Justice or Vengeance?
“Book of the Stranger” sees Jon Snow resurrected by Melisandre, giving him a new lease on life and a profound crisis of faith. He confronts the men who betrayed him, including Thorne and Olly. While initially hesitant to pass judgment, Jon realizes that as Lord Commander, he is obligated to uphold the laws of the Night’s Watch.
The sentence for mutiny is death, and Jon reluctantly carries it out. He orders the execution of Thorne, Olly, and their co-conspirators by hanging. The scene is fraught with tension and emotion. While many viewers celebrated Olly’s death as a form of karmic justice, others argued that executing a child, even one who had committed such a heinous act, was morally questionable.
Olly’s last moments are marked by a chilling silence and a blank stare. There’s no remorse, no plea for mercy, only a stoic acceptance of his fate. This further fueled the debate surrounding his character. Was he a victim of circumstance, manipulated by Thorne? Or was he truly irredeemable? The episode leaves this question unanswered, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Aftermath: Jon’s Departure and the Dissolution of Order
Olly’s execution serves as a catalyst for Jon’s ultimate decision to abandon the Night’s Watch. Having fulfilled his duty by upholding the law and punishing the mutineers, Jon feels that his watch has ended. As he states, “My watch has ended.” This resignation is a direct consequence of the trauma he experienced, the betrayal he suffered, and the moral compromises he was forced to make.
By leaving the Night’s Watch, Jon effectively breaks his vows and is free to pursue other paths, ultimately leading him to embrace his Targaryen heritage and become a key player in the fight against the White Walkers. Therefore, Olly’s death, though seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of the series, played a crucial role in shaping the narrative arc of one of its central characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Olly’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Olly’s character and his death, offering a deeper understanding of his role in the Game of Thrones saga:
Why did Olly kill Jon Snow?
Olly killed Jon Snow primarily due to his deep-seated hatred of the wildlings, fueled by witnessing their brutal slaughter of his family. Alliser Thorne exploited this hatred to manipulate Olly into participating in the mutiny, convincing him that Jon’s decision to allow the wildlings through the Wall was a betrayal of the Night’s Watch.
Was Olly a good or bad character?
Whether Olly was a “good” or “bad” character is subjective and depends on one’s perspective. He was undoubtedly a tragic figure, shaped by trauma and manipulated by others. While his actions were reprehensible, his motivations were rooted in grief and fear, making him a complex and morally ambiguous character.
Did Olly show any remorse for killing Jon Snow?
Olly displayed no visible remorse for killing Jon Snow. His final moments before execution were marked by a stoic silence, suggesting either a hardened resolve or a complete lack of understanding of the gravity of his actions.
What was the reaction to Olly’s death among Game of Thrones fans?
The reaction to Olly’s death was overwhelmingly positive among Game of Thrones fans. He was one of the most hated characters in the series, and his execution was seen by many as a form of justice for his betrayal of Jon Snow.
Did the actor who played Olly receive hate mail?
Yes, the actor who played Olly, Brenock O’Connor, received a significant amount of hate mail and online abuse due to his character’s actions. He handled the situation with remarkable grace, often joking about the hatred directed towards his character.
How old was Olly when he died?
Olly’s exact age is never explicitly stated in the series, but it is generally believed that he was around 12-13 years old at the time of his death.
Was Olly’s death necessary for the plot?
Olly’s death, while seemingly minor, was essential to Jon Snow’s character arc. It served as the final straw, pushing Jon to abandon the Night’s Watch and pursue his destiny as a Targaryen heir.
What happened to Olly’s parents?
Olly’s parents were killed by wildlings during an attack on his village. This traumatic experience fueled his hatred of the wildlings and ultimately led to his involvement in the mutiny against Jon Snow.
Did Olly kill Ygritte?
No, Olly did not kill Ygritte. Ygritte was killed by Olly’s father during the battle at Castle Black. Olly only discovered her body and retrieved her bow later.
Was Olly in the books?
No, Olly is not a character in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series. He was created specifically for the television adaptation.
Did Jon Snow feel guilty about executing Olly?
Yes, Jon Snow clearly felt a great deal of guilt about executing Olly. He hesitated before carrying out the sentence and appeared visibly distressed throughout the process. He recognized that Olly was a victim of circumstance and manipulation, but ultimately felt obligated to uphold the law.
How did Olly’s death impact the Night’s Watch?
Olly’s death, along with the execution of Alliser Thorne and others, severely weakened the Night’s Watch. It further eroded morale and contributed to the overall decline of the organization’s effectiveness as a defense against the White Walkers. Jon’s departure compounded these issues, leaving the Night’s Watch vulnerable and ill-prepared for the coming threat.