George R.R. Martin Playfully Knights Fan at NYCC 2025

Introduction

At New York Comic Con 2025, fans were treated to a heartwarming and humorous moment when George R.R. Martin, the legendary author of A Song of Ice and Fire, knelt with a prop sword to knight a fan. The interaction, captured by IGN, highlighted Martin’s playful engagement with his audience and his deep connection to the lore of Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin is reminded that Brienne of Tarth was knighted with the title of Ser and responds "Not in the books, yet!" #NYCC pic.twitter.com/7GMUbuiEUw

— IGN (@IGN) October 12, 2025

The Event: Ser Catherine is Born

The highlight of the video shows Martin asking the fan, Catherine, whether she would prefer to be "Sir" or "Lady." Catherine boldly requests, "May I be a sir?" and Martin responds enthusiastically, dubbing her "Ser Catherine."

He quips, “That’s good enough for Brienne,” referencing Brienne of Tarth, whose knighthood was a landmark moment in the TV adaptation but hasn’t appeared in the books yet. The audience erupted with cheers, making this spontaneous moment memorable.

The Significance of Brienne’s Reference

Brienne of Tarth, portrayed by Gwendoline Christie, represents honor, courage, and loyalty in the Game of Thrones series. Martin’s comment links the fan moment to this beloved character, blending reality and fantasy seamlessly. The playful reference sparked debates among fans about the differences between the books and the TV show.

Fan Reactions and Audience Energy

The crowd’s excitement in the video reflects how much fans appreciate these unscripted interactions. Catherine’s knighting wasn’t just a playful gesture—it symbolized the enduring magic of Game of Thrones and the personal connection fans feel with Martin’s universe.

Why This Moment Matters

• Bridges Books and Screen: Connects TV show events with the books.
• Fan Engagement: Shows Martin’s willingness to interact and have fun with fans.
• Memorable Experience: Highlights the unique energy of live conventions.
• Cultural Impact: Sparks discussion about knighthood, character arcs, and fan participation in fantasy worlds.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Ser Catherine?
Ser Catherine is a fan knighted by George R.R. Martin at NYCC 2025, inspired by Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones.

Q2: Did this happen in the books?
No, Martin jokingly noted, “Not in the books yet,” acknowledging the TV show’s creative liberties.

Q3: Where can I watch this moment?
IGN shared the video online on October 12, 2025, featuring the full fan interaction.

Q4: Why is Brienne of Tarth referenced?
Brienne’s knighthood is iconic in the TV series and symbolizes honor, making it a fun parallel for the fan’s knighting.

Conclusion

George R.R. Martin’s playful knighting of Ser Catherine at NYCC 2025 is more than just a fun convention moment—it’s a testament to the enduring connection between authors and their fans, the blend of fiction and reality, and the ongoing fascination with Game of Thrones. Events like these show that the legacy of Martin’s storytelling transcends books and screens, offering fans moments of joy, reflection, and discussion that resonate deeply.