30 Behind-the-Scenes ‘Game of Thrones’ Facts Only Hardcore Fans Know

As “Game of Thrones” nears its finale, fan fervor has only gotten more intense. But do you know what language the White Walkers speak? Or how many actors have actually played Ned Stark? Unless you’re a true fan, the answer is no — until now.

Hand of the King

Sean Bean, who played Ned Stark, Hand of the King to Mark Addy’s Robert Baratheon in season one, actually knew the actor longer than anyone else on set.

According to an interview Addy did with Access, “We were at drama school at the same time — same drama school, same time, different years, so we sort of go back, oh, longer than most of us can remember.”

The Turnip

Lena Headey’s short-hair wig on the series was her absolute least favorite, leading her to nickname the wig The Turnip. “Can’t wait to be rid of her,” she told Vulture. “End of that.

Did not bring that one home with me.”

Hunting Skills

Charles Dance, who plays Lannister patriarch Tywin, was really committed to his role. According to CinemaBlend, the stag Tywin skinned when he was first introduced to audiences in season one was absolutely real, as was the process of Dance actually skinning it.

Fake Fur

You’d think the costumes on the show would be as authentic as the stags its actors are skinning, but you’d be wrong. At a 2016 speaking engagement at Los Angeles’ Getty Museum, costume designer Michele Clapton revealed the furs are actually cut and shaved Ikea rugs.