Valar Morghulis

"Valar Morghulis" is the tenth and final episode of the second season of HBO's medieval fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and the 20th overall. The episode was written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss and directed by Alan Taylor. It first aired on June 3, 2012. The episode concludes many storylines featured throughout the second season, such as Tyrion Lannister's position as Hand of the King, Stannis Baratheon's impending invasion, and Sansa Stark's betrothal to Joffrey Baratheon. In the episode, citizens of King's Landing deal with the aftermath of Stannis's failed attack on the city, with Tywin Lannister being named Hand of the King in Tyrion's stead; Sansa's engagement to Joffrey is annulled, and Margaery Tyrell is betrothed in her place; and Stannis broods in defeat at Dragonstone. Other plotlines include Brienne of Tarth escorting Jaime Lannister south, Jon Snow earning the trust of the Free Folk, and Daenerys Targaryen reuniting with her dragons in the House of the Undying. The episode's title is a code phrase spoken by Jaqen H'ghar to Arya Stark, but its meaning, "all men must die," is not explained until the next season. "Valar Morghulis" received positive reviews from critics and viewers, with many praising the writing, development, and the final scene. It achieved a viewership of 4.20 million during its initial airing in the United States, setting a new record for the series. At the 64th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, the episode won the award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects and was nominated for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup. The episode marks the final appearance of Jason Momoa (Khal Drogo).