7 Unforgettable Facts About Bella Ramsey's Iconic Lyanna Mormont Role In Game Of Thrones And Her Recent Reflections

The fierce, uncompromising Lady of Bear Island, Lyanna Mormont, remains one of Game of Thrones' most beloved minor characters, and the story behind the young actor who brought her to life is just as compelling. As of this writing in December 2025, Bella Ramsey, the now-acclaimed star of HBO's *The Last of Us*, continues to reflect on her breakout role that began when she was just 11 years old, offering fresh, honest insights into the experience that launched her career into the stratosphere. Her performance was a masterclass in commanding presence, proving that true authority comes not from size or age, but from conviction and an unwavering spirit.

Bella Ramsey’s journey from the halls of Winterfell to the apocalyptic landscape of a fungus-ridden America is a testament to her undeniable talent. The role of Lyanna Mormont, though brief, cemented her as a formidable force in the acting world, leaving an indelible mark on the epic fantasy series and setting the stage for her subsequent global success. This article dives deep into the iconic character, the actor’s retrospective thoughts, and the legacy of the smallest, yet fiercest, warrior in Westeros.

Bella Ramsey: A Comprehensive Profile

Bella Ramsey, whose full name is Isabella May Ramsey, has rapidly become one of the most talked-about actors of her generation. Her career trajectory is marked by a series of roles that showcase her ability to portray complex, strong-willed young characters.

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• Full Name: Isabella May Ramsey
• Born: September 25, 2003
• Birthplace: Nottingham, England
• Gender Identity: Non-binary (uses they/them pronouns)
• Breakthrough Role: Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones (2016–2019)
• Major Roles: Ellie in The Last of Us (HBO), Mildred Hubble in The Worst Witch, and the voice of Hilda in the Netflix animated series *Hilda*
• Awards & Recognition: Won a BAFTA Award for Best Children's Performer for *Hilda* in 2019
• Career Span: Began professional acting in 2016.

The Unforgettable Impact of Lyanna Mormont

Lyanna Mormont was not a character from George R.R. Martin’s original novels, but a creation for the television series, first appearing in Season 6. Despite being a minor character with limited screen time across three seasons (6, 7, and 8), the Lady of Bear Island became an instant fan favorite. Her impact far outweighed her age or physical size, demonstrating a steely resolve that shamed many of the older, more powerful lords of the North.

1. She Was Cast at Just 11 Years Old

When Bella Ramsey first stepped onto the set of the massive HBO production, she was only 11 years old. She was still in school when her mother delivered the news that she had secured the role. This young age made her ability to command the screen, particularly in scenes opposite seasoned actors like Kit Harington (Jon Snow) and Liam Cunningham (Ser Davos Seaworth), all the more remarkable. Ramsey’s natural confidence shone through, making the portrayal of the fierce Lyanna Mormont believable and captivating.

2. Her First Scene Was a Masterclass in Authority

Lyanna Mormont's introduction in the episode "The Broken Man" is legendary. Facing Jon Snow, Sansa Stark, and Davos Seaworth, the 10-year-old Lady of Bear Island—which only has 62 fighting men—refused to be patronized. She delivered a blistering, concise speech, questioning the motives of the older leaders and ultimately pledging her small but loyal force to House Stark. This scene immediately established her as a character who would not be belittled and who embodied the true fighting spirit of the North.

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3. She Became a Symbol of Female Strength in Westeros

In a world dominated by male power struggles, Lyanna Mormont stood out as a beacon of female strength and unwavering resolve. She was a young woman who consistently stood up to men, delivering "savage on-screen takedowns" and demanding respect. Her commitment to her house, House Mormont, and her refusal to back down from any challenge, whether political or military, resonated deeply with audiences and made her a powerful feminist icon within the series.

The Epic Finale and Bella's Fresh Reflections

Lyanna Mormont’s time on Game of Thrones culminated in one of the most memorable deaths of the entire series, during the epic battle against the White Walkers in "The Long Night." Bella Ramsey has recently spoken about her experience filming the show and her feelings about the character’s definitive end.

4. Bella Ramsey Was "Very Pleased" With Lyanna's Giant Death

Lyanna Mormont met her end in Season 8, Episode 3, "The Long Night," during the Battle of Winterfell. In a heroic, final act, she was crushed by a wight giant but, in her last moments, managed to stab the creature in the eye with a dragonglass dagger, killing it and saving countless others. Ramsey herself has expressed satisfaction with the scene, stating she was "very pleased" with her character’s epic, defiant death. It was a fittingly badass end for the young warrior who defied all odds.

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5. She Finds Watching Her Game of Thrones Performance "Cringe" Now

In recent interviews, Bella Ramsey has offered a remarkably candid reflection on her early work. She admitted that watching her performance as Lyanna Mormont now makes her "cringe" a little. This feeling is not a criticism of the role or the show, but a common sentiment among actors who revisit their early work. Ramsey noted that she was an 11-year-old on her first-ever set, and while she believes the small, impactful role was "perfect" for her at the time, her perspective and skills have naturally evolved since then.

6. The GoT Role Was a Perfect Stepping Stone

Ramsey has often reflected on how the limited screen time of Lyanna Mormont was ideal for her introduction to the industry. The role allowed her to gain invaluable experience on a massive production without the overwhelming pressure of being a lead. The character’s instant popularity gave her a platform, but the limited commitment allowed her to pursue other projects like *Hilda* and eventually secure the lead role as Ellie in the critically acclaimed *The Last of Us* on HBO. The transition from the passionate fanbase of Game of Thrones to the dedicated following of *The Last of Us* has been seamless, largely due to her undeniable talent.

7. Lyanna Mormont's Legacy Endures in The Last of Us Era

Even as Bella Ramsey garners global praise and awards buzz for her complex, nuanced portrayal of Ellie in *The Last of Us*, the shadow of Lyanna Mormont remains a touchstone for her career. Fans often cite the fierce determination and emotional resilience she showed as the Lady of Bear Island as a precursor to the grit and survival instinct she brings to Ellie. The two characters, separated by entirely different worlds, share a core trait: they are underestimated young women who possess a will to survive and protect their loved ones that is unmatched by anyone around them. Her work on Game of Thrones was more than a debut; it was the definitive proof of a star in the making.