Gregor Clegane, “The Mountain,” a towering figure of brutality and unwavering loyalty (to the Lannisters, at least), first appears in Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 5, “The Wolf and the Lion.” However, due to recasting throughout the series, the actor portraying him changes, impacting the character’s visual presence throughout the show.
A Mountain of Actors: Tracing Gregor’s Evolution
The Mountain’s appearances are notable not only for the carnage he inflicts but also for the actors who embody the role across the series. Each actor brought a unique interpretation to the character, contributing to his evolving portrayal as a ruthless warrior and ultimately, a silent, undead guardian.
The Early Days: Conan Stevens and Ian Whyte
The initial portrayal of Gregor Clegane was entrusted to Conan Stevens in Season 1. His imposing physical stature immediately established the Mountain’s formidable presence. However, Stevens departed after just two episodes. He was succeeded by Ian Whyte in Season 2. Whyte, also a giant, retained the Mountain’s frightening physical dominance but offered a subtly different performance style.
The Defining Mountain: Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson
From Season 4 onwards, the role was permanently claimed by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, also known as “The Mountain” in real life due to his strongman competitions. Björnsson’s immense size and menacing demeanor perfectly embodied the character, solidifying the Mountain as a truly terrifying figure in the hearts of viewers. His portrayal endured through the series’ dramatic conclusion.
Key Appearances: Moments That Defined the Mountain
Beyond his initial debut, several episodes showcase the Mountain’s power and brutality, impacting the narrative and solidifying his reputation as one of the most fearsome warriors in Westeros.
The Trial by Combat: Oberyn Martell vs. The Mountain
Perhaps the most infamous episode featuring the Mountain is Season 4, Episode 8, “The Mountain and the Viper.” This episode depicts the trial by combat between Oberyn Martell and Gregor Clegane, a scene remembered for its shocking violence and Oberyn’s devastating loss. The episode cemented the Mountain’s status as a brutal killing machine and a symbol of Lannister ruthlessness.
Franken-Mountain: Gregor’s Resurrection
Following the trial by combat, Gregor suffers grave injuries. Qyburn’s “treatment,” revealed in Season 5, transforms him into an undead, almost silent, behemoth. This transformation is a key turning point, drastically changing the character’s physical appearance and purpose. From this point onwards, the Mountain becomes Cersei Lannister’s personal bodyguard, a hulking figure of silent menace.
The Clegane Bowl: A Long-Awaited Confrontation
The final and arguably most anticipated appearance of the Mountain is in Season 8, Episode 5, “The Bells,” during the destruction of King’s Landing. This episode culminates in the long-awaited “Clegane Bowl,” the battle between Gregor and his brother, Sandor “The Hound” Clegane. This cathartic confrontation ends with both brothers falling to their deaths, ending the sibling rivalry in a blaze of fire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Mountain
Here are some frequently asked questions about Gregor Clegane’s role and appearances in Game of Thrones:
1. What is the Mountain’s real name?
His real name is Gregor Clegane.
2. Which House does the Mountain belong to?
He is a member of House Clegane, a vassal house sworn to House Lannister.
3. How did the Mountain get so strong?
His immense size and strength are primarily attributed to genetics and possibly, implicitly, dark arts involved in his “resurrection” by Qyburn. While not explicitly stated, the show suggests his natural physical disposition was enhanced by his transformation.
4. Who played the Mountain after Conan Stevens and Ian Whyte?
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson played the Mountain from Season 4 until the end of the series.
5. In which episode does the Mountain fight Oberyn Martell?
The Mountain fights Oberyn Martell in Season 4, Episode 8, “The Mountain and the Viper.”
6. What is the significance of the fight between the Mountain and Oberyn Martell?
This fight is significant because it is a trial by combat to determine Tyrion Lannister’s fate. More importantly, it is Oberyn’s attempt to avenge his sister Elia Martell, who was raped and murdered by the Mountain during the Sack of King’s Landing.
7. How did the Mountain become undead?
After his near-fatal injuries in the fight with Oberyn, Qyburn experimented on him, using dark arts and alchemy to revive him, albeit in a disfigured and essentially undead state.
8. What is the “Clegane Bowl”?
The “Clegane Bowl” is the fan-coined name for the anticipated and ultimately realized battle between Gregor Clegane (The Mountain) and his brother, Sandor Clegane (The Hound).
9. In which episode does the “Clegane Bowl” take place?
The Clegane Bowl takes place in Season 8, Episode 5, “The Bells.”
10. Why do the Hound and the Mountain hate each other?
The Hound harbors deep resentment towards the Mountain because when they were children, the Mountain burned the Hound’s face for playing with one of his toys. This act of cruelty shaped the Hound’s life and fueled his hatred for his brother.
11. How does the Mountain die?
The Mountain is ultimately defeated by his brother, the Hound, in the Clegane Bowl. Both brothers plunge to their deaths in the fiery destruction of the Red Keep during the attack on King’s Landing.
12. Does the Mountain speak after his resurrection?
No, after his resurrection by Qyburn, the Mountain becomes almost entirely mute. He only grunts and emits guttural sounds, relying on physical actions and his imposing presence to communicate. He is essentially a silent, obedient weapon.