See How The Game of Thrones Cast Has Changed Since Season One

As characters, everyone on Game of Thrones has been through some real rough shit. From beheadings (multiple), to wars, to death and back—it's been a long King's Road from Season One to Season Eight. Thankfully, despite less-than-ideal filming conditions, the real world has been much easier for these actors—some of whom have gone from fresh faces to bona fide stars since the series began. As we say goodbye to Game of Thrones this year, let's look back at where it all began in 2011, with these photos of the cast members whose characters have survived to the final season.

Alfie Allen, who plays Theon Greyjoy

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Carice van Houten, who plays Melisandre

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Conleth Hill, who plays Varys

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Daniel Portman, who plays Podrick Payne

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Emilia Clarke, who plays Daenerys Targaryen

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Gemma Whelan, who plays Yara Greyjoy

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Gwendoline Christie, who plays Brienne of Tarth

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Hannah Murray, who plays Gilly

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Iain Glen, who plays Jorah Mormont

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Isaac Hempstead-Wright, who plays Bran Stark

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Jacob Anderson, who plays Grey Worm

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Jerome Flynn, who plays Bronn

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Joe Dempsie, who plays Gendry

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John Bradley, who plays Samwell Tarly

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Kit Harington, who plays Jon Snow

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Lena Heady, who plays Cersei Lannister

Liam Cunningham, who plays Davos Seaworth

Maisie Williams, who plays Arya Stark

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who plays Jaime Lannister

Peter Dinklage, who plays Tyrion Lannister

Rory McCann, who plays Sandor "The Hound" Clegane

Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark

This story originally appeared on Esquire.com.

* Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.