In Westeros, the Lannister family, led by the shrewd Tywin, struggles to maintain control of the Iron Throne. His son, Jaime, a skilled warrior, grapples with his loyalties, while his dwarf son, Tyrion, seeks respect and justice. Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen, a claimant to the throne, liberates slaves in Essos, and Jon Snow defends the Wall against wildling threats.

The season's central conflict erupts with the shocking poisoning and death of King Joffrey at his own wedding. This event triggers a cascade of betrayals and trials. Tyrion is falsely accused and faces a brutal trial by combat, where his champion, Oberyn Martell, is gruesomely killed. The season culminates in Tyrion killing his father, Tywin, before escaping Westeros, while the Night's Watch suffers heavy losses defending the Wall.

Season 4 of Game of Thrones covers episodes 1-10. Here's everything that happened:

Season 4, Episode 1: Two Swords - Tywin Lannister melts down Ned Stark's greatsword, Ice, forging two new Valyrian steel blades. He gives one to Jaime, who refuses to leave the Kingsguard. Prince Oberyn Martell arrives in King's Landing seeking vengeance for his sister's death. Meanwhile, Arya Stark reclaims her sword, Needle, and kills Polliver, while Jon Snow faces judgment at the Wall. The episode concludes with Arya and the Hound riding off, having exacted their revenge.

Season 4, Episode 2: The Lion and the Rose - The wedding feast of King Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell is marred by Joffrey's cruel taunts towards Tyrion and Sansa. The festivities take a dark turn when King Joffrey is poisoned and dies during the reception. The episode concludes with Tyrion being accused and arrested for the king's murder by a distraught Cersei.

Season 4, Episode 3: Breaker of Chains - Tyrion is imprisoned and faces trial for Joffrey's murder, while Sansa Stark escapes King's Landing with Littlefinger's help, only for Dontos to be murdered by Baelish's men. Tywin offers Oberyn Martell a position on the Small Council and a chance for justice against the Mountain. Daenerys Targaryen arrives at Meereen and launches broken chains into the city, symbolically freeing the slaves.

Season 4, Episode 4: Oathkeeper - Littlefinger reveals to Sansa that he orchestrated Joffrey's death with Olenna Tyrell. Jaime tasks Brienne with finding Sansa, giving her his Valyrian steel sword, "Oathkeeper." Daenerys crucifies the masters of Meereen in retaliation for the crucified children. The episode concludes with a glimpse of the Night King transforming a baby into a White Walker.

Season 4, Episode 5: First of His Name - Tommen Baratheon is crowned king, while Cersei and Margaery cautiously align. Daenerys decides to remain in Meereen, and Jon Snow leads an attack on the mutineers at Craster's Keep, resulting in the deaths of Karl Tanner and Locke. The episode concludes with Craster's Keep being burned to the ground.

Season 4, Episode 6: The Laws of Gods and Men - Tyrion's trial for Joffrey's murder begins, with Shae's false testimony devastating him. Yara Greyjoy's attempt to rescue Theon fails, as he refuses to leave Ramsay Bolton, now calling himself Reek. Stannis secures funding from the Iron Bank of Braavos. The episode concludes with Tyrion, enraged and betrayed, demanding a trial by combat to prove his innocence.

Season 4, Episode 7: Mockingbird - Tyrion's hope for a champion dwindles as Jaime cannot fight and Bronn declines. Oberyn Martell agrees to be Tyrion's champion against the Mountain. Arya and the Hound are attacked, leading to Arya killing one of her former captors. In the Eyrie, Petyr Baelish pushes Lysa Arryn through the Moon Door after she threatens Sansa. The episode concludes with the Hound succumbing to his wound, and Arya tending to him.

Season 4, Episode 8: The Mountain and the Viper - During Tyrion's trial by combat, Oberyn Martell fights Gregor Clegane, seeking vengeance for his sister Elia's murder. Oberyn gains the upper hand, but Oberyn's desire for a confession leads to his brutal death as the Mountain crushes his skull. This results in Tyrion being sentenced to death, and the episode concludes with Ramsay Bolton being legitimized as a Bolton.

Season 4, Episode 9: The Watchers on the Wall - The Night's Watch faces an overwhelming wildling assault on Castle Black. Jon Snow leads the defense, battling valiantly against the invaders. The episode culminates in the tragic death of Ygritte, shot by Olly, and the devastating loss of Grenn and his men who held the inner gate against a giant. The battle ends with the wildlings repelled, but at a heavy cost.

Season 4, Episode 10: The Children - Tyrion Lannister strangles Shae to death and then kills his father, Tywin, with a crossbow before escaping King's Landing with Varys. North of the Wall, Bran meets the Three-Eyed Raven, while Daenerys is forced to chain her dragons. Arya encounters Brienne, but ultimately chooses her own path. The episode concludes with multiple characters fleeing Westeros.