The Iron Throne is contested, sparking war across Westeros. Robb Stark, the young King in the North, fights to avenge his father and secure independence. Meanwhile, Stannis Baratheon, brother to the late King Robert, claims the throne with the aid of the sorceress Melisandre. Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen, the last of her royal line, seeks to reclaim her birthright with her newly hatched dragons.

The central conflict escalates as Stannis launches an assault on King's Landing, defended by Tyrion Lannister, acting Hand of the King. Key turning points include the assassination of Renly Baratheon by a shadow creature, Theon Greyjoy's betrayal of the Starks by seizing Winterfell and executing Ser Rodrik Cassel, and the devastating wildfire explosion that decimates Stannis' fleet during the Battle of Blackwater. Tywin Lannister ultimately secures victory for his family.

The season ends with significant shifts: Tywin Lannister replaces Tyrion as Hand of the King, Daenerys reclaims her dragons, and three horn blasts signal the approach of White Walkers towards the Night's Watch, hinting at a greater threat.

Season 2 of Game of Thrones covers episodes 1-10. Here's everything that happened:

Season 2, Episode 1: The North Remembers - As war looms, Robb Stark sends his terms for peace to King's Landing while Stannis Baratheon declares himself the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. Jon Snow encounters the unsettling Craster north of the Wall, and Daenerys struggles through the Red Waste with her dragons. Maester Cressen's attempt to assassinate Melisandre fails, resulting in his own death. The episode concludes with Tyrion Lannister arriving in King's Landing to serve as Hand of the King.

Season 2, Episode 2: The Night Lands - Tyrion Lannister asserts his authority as Hand of the King, exiling Janos Slynt and promoting Bronn. Theon Greyjoy returns to the Iron Islands and faces his father's harsh judgment. Arya Stark continues her journey north, learning that Joffrey ordered the murder of Robert's bastards. Meanwhile, beyond the Wall, Jon Snow witnesses Craster sacrifice a newborn son to a White Walker, ending the episode on a chilling cliffhanger.

Season 2, Episode 3: What is Dead May Never Die - Tyrion cleverly uncovers Cersei's spy on the Small Council, leading to Pycelle's imprisonment. Catelyn meets Renly and Margaery, while Theon Greyjoy faces a pivotal choice. Arya witnesses the death of Yoren and escapes capture by posing as Gendry. The episode concludes with Theon burning a letter to Robb, signifying his betrayal of the Starks.

Season 2, Episode 4: Garden of Bones - Arya and Gendry are captured and taken to Harrenhal, where Tywin Lannister spares them and takes Arya as his cupbearer. Catelyn Stark attempts to broker peace between her brothers-in-law, Stannis and Renly, but fails. Daenerys arrives in Qarth seeking refuge. Melisandre gives birth to a shadow demon, and Stannis orders Davos to smuggle her ashore for this dark ritual. The episode concludes with the unsettling birth of this shadowy assassin.

Season 2, Episode 5: The Ghost of Harrenhal - Arya receives three promised deaths from Jaqen H'ghar, using one to kill the torturer known as "The Tickler." Renly Baratheon is assassinated by a shadow creature born of Melisandre's magic. Brienne of Tarth, devastated, flees with Catelyn Stark and later pledges her service to her. Tyrion learns of Cersei's plan to stockpile wildfire. The episode concludes with Brienne vowing revenge against Stannis for Renly's death.

Season 2, Episode 6: The Old Gods and the New - Theon Greyjoy seizes Winterfell, executing Ser Rodrik Cassel after a botched attempt. In King's Landing, a riot erupts, and the Hound saves Sansa from assault. Beyond the Wall, Jon Snow captures Ygritte. Daenerys discovers her dragons have been stolen in Qarth. The episode concludes with Theon in control of Winterfell, while other characters face dire circumstances.

Season 2, Episode 7: A Man Without Honor - Theon Greyjoy, desperate to prove his worth, hunts for the escaped Bran and Rickon Stark, ultimately presenting two charred bodies as proof of their demise. Jaime Lannister brutally murders his cousin and a guard to escape captivity, only to be recaptured. Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen confronts Xaro Xhoan Daxos and Pyat Pree, who reveal they orchestrated the theft of her dragons and a massacre of the city council. The episode concludes with Theon's horrifying display at Winterfell.

Season 2, Episode 8: The Prince of Winterfell - Robb Stark is betrayed by his mother, Catelyn, who frees Jaime Lannister. Theon Greyjoy's sister, Yara, arrives and scolds him for his cruelty, revealing the supposed Bran and Rickon were actually farmer's sons. Arya escapes Harrenhal with Gendry and Hot Pie thanks to Jaqen H'ghar, who is then named as her final kill. The episode concludes with Robb Stark consummating his relationship with Talisa, and Tywin Lannister marching his army to confront Robb.

Season 2, Episode 9: Blackwater - The Lannister forces, led by Tyrion, defend King's Landing from Stannis Baratheon's naval assault. A massive wildfire explosion decimates Stannis' fleet, but his army breaches the city gates. The Hound deserts his post, renouncing his allegiance, and Tyrion is gravely wounded before Tywin Lannister arrives with reinforcements, securing victory for the Lannisters.

Season 2, Episode 10: Valar Morghulis - The season concludes with multiple storylines reaching pivotal points. Tyrion is removed as Hand of the King and Tywin Lannister takes his place. Daenerys reclaims her dragons after a vision quest in the House of the Undying. Arya receives a coin and the phrase "Valar Morghulis" from Jaqen H'ghar, while Jon Snow proves his loyalty to the wildlings. The episode ends with three horn blasts signaling the approach of White Walkers towards the Night's Watch.