The eighth season of “Game of Thrones” starts next month and whether or not you’re ready for it, this is the final season. So get your vegan survival kit ready.
Does this mean we’ll finally know who will sit on the Iron Throne? Will the Night King and the impending war-against-the-undead-with-a-zombie-ice-dragon kill all of our favorite characters?
Spoilers for this season have been fairly air-tight and “A Song of Ice and Fire,” the book series by George R.R. Martin that the Emmy award-winning HBO show is based on isn’t even complete yet, so not even this book fan could anticipate what will happen.
What we do know so far is that at six episodes, the final season of GoT will be the shortest yet, but according to Winter Is Coming, four of those will be 80 minutes long, so dry those tears. The season eight kicks off next month on April 14, so here’s everything you need to survive the end of GoT (sob).
Here’s the Vegan ‘Game of Thrones’ Survival Kit You’ll Need for the Final Season
1. Game of Thrones Oreos
Because, why not? The iconic cookie company teased the launch of the GoT-themed Oreos last month. According to a spokesperson, we can expect to find the special-edition cookies in stores sometime next month — hopefully before April 14. Instagram account Candyhunting, these are just regular Oreos in special packaging, so they’re vegan.
Pray to your Westeros, Essos, or Sothoryos deity-of-choice that you find them before other fans do because these vegan babies are (probably) going to be a collector’s item in the near future.
2. House Targaryen Vegan Leather Bowler Bag
If you ever wanted to show that you’re firmly on Team Dany, this stylish vegan leather bowler bag by ThinkGeek is your chance to do it. This GoT-themed bag features double handles and an adjustable, removable strap so you can carry it by hand or throw it over your shoulder on your way out the door.
It’s embellished with the red three-headed dragon — the sigil of House Targaryen, black studs, a red patch baring the “Game of Thrones” logo, and a faux leather patch that looks like dragon skin. According to ThinkGeek, “no dragons were harmed in the creation of this bag” and it’s the perfect size for traveling.
Check it out here.
3. ‘Game of Thrones’ Beer
Cooperstown, New York-based indy brewery Ommegang makes six GoT-themed beers. The brand confirmed with LIVEKINDLY that all varieties are vegan. King in the North is a barrel-aged imperial stout; Queen of the Seven Kingdoms is a blend of sour and pale ales; Hand of the Queen is a barleywine ale; For the Throne is a strong ale fermented with Pinot Grigio and Viognier grape juice; and Mother of Dragons is a smoked porter and kriek ale blend.
Check it out here.
4. Tyrion Cardboard Cutout
Fandom can be beautiful, in all of its weird quirks — like this lifesize Tyrion cardboard cutout featuring everyone’s favorite vegan GoT star, Peter Dinklage. While the GoT world is filled with fur, leather, meat, cheese, and violence, Dinklage has been a vegan since 2014. Prior to that, he was a vegetarian for 15 years.
Dinklage has partnered with a number of animal advocacy groups over the years, including Farm Sanctuary, Cruelty Free International, and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). He’s also spoke up about the importance of adopting dogs over buying from a breeder when huskies surged in popularity, thanks to the Stark children’s direwolves. And shoutout to the other vegan cast members, Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei) and Jerome Flynn (Bronn), who have also both used their platforms to advocate for animals.
Check it out here.
5. House Lannister Vegan Leather Wallet
ThinkGeek’s vegan leather wallet features the House Lannister lion on the front and the unofficial motto of Casterly Rock — “A Lannister always pays his debts” — on the back.
“We don’t all have deep pockets like the Lannisters. We can’t write blank checks and call in astoundingly huge favors like they can, but the least we can do is pay back our roommate for our share of pizza we had last night. You need a wallet for those moments. One that reassures them they won’t be waiting an uncomfortable amount of time for just ten dollars,” says the website.
Protect your debt-paying cash and card in this red faux leather wallet, which features four slots for cards, one for your ID, and a larger pocket for paper cash.
Check it out here.
6. Johnnie White Walker
Johnnie White Walker, made by iconic scotch whiskey brand Johnnie Walker, is inspired by the terrifying humanoid monsters of GoT — and it’s vegan. Containing 41.7 percent ABV, this powerful drink is “chill-filtered for an extraordinarily smooth and approachable flavor, Johnnie Walker White Walker Blend Scotch Whisky offers incomparably rich seasonal flavors of vanilla, red fruits and orchard fruits that are perfect for sharing at the next premier, finale, or any occasion.”
Sip this neat, with a few drops of water (which can open up the flavors, according to Johnnie Walker), over ice, with a mixer, or even in a cocktail — how you enjoy your GoT-themed scotch whiskey is all up to you. Johnnie Walker recommends using a high-quality short glass tumbler with a heavy bottom if you’re drinking it near or with ice. If you’re planning on sipping for the duration of an 80-minute episode, go for a taller highball glass.
Check it out here.
7. ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ Books
GoT may be coming to an end, but “A Song of Ice and Fire” still has two more books on the way. Fans like to joke that author George R.R. Martin releases a new book only when he feels like it, but there’s truth in humor. The series started in 1999 with “A Game of Thrones” and the fourth book, “A Dance with Dragons,” came out in 2011, a long six years after the third book. This box set has all of the books that have come out so far.
The books provide insight into character psyche and details of the world Martin’s epic fantasy series takes place in that any fan would appreciate. Martin has a knack for details, from the color of the thread on Sansa’s dress to the food, which is what helped the GoT showrunners make the fantasy world have such a touch of realism. You might just have to wait more than a few years for the series to come to an end. Bonus points if you can find it used — ThriftBooks is a good source.
Check it out here.
8. ‘A Girl Has No Name’ Pin
Show Arya Stark some love with this cute enamel pin from HBO. The youngest Stark daughter was finally reunited with Sansa and Bran last season but we knows that they’re in for a time once those White Walkers make it to Winterfell. GoT has a history of killing off people’s favorite characters, so one can only hope that Arya will survive the final season. HBO also makes other limited-edition pins that would look fab on a thrifted acid-wash jean jacket.
Check it out here.
9. Mother of Dragons Insulated Tumbler
If you think Dany, the Mother of Dragons, should sit on the Iron Throne at the end of it all, then this sleek tumbler by Tervis is for you. Made from BPA-free plastic, it features a wraparound red design with Dany’s title and the House Targaryen sigil on the front and a larger, faded three-headed dragon on the back.
It’s ideal for both hot and cold drinks and features double-wall insulation that keeps your beverage at its ideal temperature. There’s also one for House Stark, if you’re firmly on their team. Or there’s a Tyrion beer glass, decorated with his famous quote, “I drink and I know things,” which you could pair with the vegan-friendly GoT-themed Ommegang beers above.
Check it out here.
10. ‘Game of Thrones’ House Sigil Mug
Everyone needs a big mug for their morning coffee or tea and this GoT mug by Rabbit Tanaka is just the size. It features the sigils of Westerosi houses Targaryen, Lannister, Stark, Greyjoy, Martell, Tyrell, and Bolton on a distressed background.
Able to hold up to 20 ounces of beverage, it’s also just the right size for catching your tears, which, let’s be honest, when don’t you need something like this while watching GoT? Or you could use it for vegan beer — you do you. Made from high-quality ceramic, this Rabbit Tanaka mug also both microwave and dishwasher safe.
Check it out here.
11. GoT Milk Tee – Packed Apparel
All hail Lord Cow, First of their name, Slayer of the enslavers. Maybe cows surprise us all and take over the throne. It could happen. Either way, you’re going to turn a lot of heads with this t-shirt from Packed Apparel – the same people who brought you the must-have Greggs vegan sausage t-shirt.
Check it out here.
