In the second season, the coveted Iron Throne is occupied by cruel young Joffrey Baratheon, counselled by his conniving mother Cersei and his uncle Tyrion, who has been appointed Hand of the King. However, the Lannister hold on the Throne is under assault on many fronts.

Robb Stark seeks autonomy in the North and has taken Cersei’s brother Jaime prisoner in battle. Daenerys Targaryen looks to shore up her depleted power in the East with her three newborn dragons. Stannis Baratheon rejects Joffrey’s legitimacy and aligns with a powerful priestess to raise a naval attack while his brother Renly has maintained his own claim since fleeing King’s Landing.

All the while, North of the Wall a new leader is rising among the wildlings adding new perils for Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch.