The Hound, whose real name is Sandor Clegane, is a skilled warrior and bodyguard of Joffrey Baratheon in the HBO series Game of Thrones. Sansa Stark is the eldest daughter of House Stark who is betrothed to Joffrey. Throughout the early seasons, the Hound is often tasked with escorting and protecting Sansa. This close proximity leads some viewers to speculate if the Hound developed romantic feelings for the young Sansa.
The Hound’s Protectiveness and Care for Sansa
There are several instances in the show where the Hound demonstrates a certain protectiveness and care for Sansa that could be interpreted as attraction:
Stopping the Mob from Assaulting Sansa
During a riot in King’s Landing, the angry mob turns on Sansa and tries to assault her. The Hound steps in and fights them off, even lifting her over his shoulder to carry her to safety (Season 2, Episode 6). This shows his instinct to protect her from harm.
Offering His Cloak to Sansa
When Sansa is being humiliated and stripped by Joffrey, the Hound sees her distress and offers her his cloak to cover herself (Season 2, Episode 1). This small act of kindness reveals his empathy for her.
Comforting Sansa after Learning of Her Family’s Deaths
Upon hearing of her brother Robb’s death, Sansa goes to the godswood to mourn. The Hound seeks her out and gently wipes her tears, comforting her in his own gruff way (Season 4, Episode 2). His attempt to console her hints at a deeper caring.
Pleading with Sansa to Leave King’s Landing with Him
During the Battle of Blackwater, the Hound offers to take Sansa home to Winterfell, telling her she wouldn’t be safe if she stays in King’s Landing (Season 2, Episode 9). His concern for her safety shows he wants to protect her away from those who would harm her.
Moments of Tension Between Sansa and the Hound
However, there are also uncomfortable moments of tension between Sansa and the Hound that complicate viewing him as just her protector:
The Hound’s Drunken Advance in Sansa’s Room
In a drunken rage after the Battle of Blackwater, the Hound bursts into Sansa’s room and holds a knife to her throat, demanding a song. He then collapses onto her bed and makes an advance to kiss her before passing out (Season 2, Episode 9). This aggressive and inappropriate behavior alarms Sansa.
Forcing a Kiss on Sansa
As they descend the Eyrie mountain, the Hound forces Sansa to look at him and kisses her against her will (Season 4, Episode 7). She does not reciprocate, and it is more an assertion of dominance than a romantic overture.
Crude and Violent Language
The Hound frequently uses coarse language with Sansa, even threatening violence and mentioning wanting to rape her sister (Season 2, Episode 2). His crude words seem to scare and repulse her.
The Hound’s True Motives
What is driving the Hound’s behavior towards Sansa? Here are some possible explanations:
1. Basic human decency
The Hound shows glimmers of compassion beneath his tough exterior. His acts to protect Sansa may stem from simple human decency, not affection for her specifically.
2. Disgust with Joffrey’s cruelty
As Joffrey’s loyal bodyguard, the Hound witnesses the king’s vile mistreatment of Sansa up close. His kindness towards her may be motivated by disgust with Joffrey’s cruelty.
3. Seeing her as a pawn
As a member of House Stark, Sansa has value as a political pawn. The Hound may simply recognize this and sees value in keeping her alive and relatively safe.
4. Relating to her suffering
Having suffered terrible abuse from his brother as a child, the Hound may relate to the pain and trauma Sansa endures and wants to spare her some of that suffering.
5. Genuine affection
It’s possible a real bond formed between them through their shared trauma and proximity. The Hound may have developed actual affection or attraction to Sansa.
Sansa’s Perception of the Hound
From Sansa’s perspective, any notion of the Hound having romantic feelings for her is overshadowed by fear and mistrust:
Fear of his volatile temper
Sansa is wary of the Hound’s capacity for explosive rage and violence when drunk or triggered. She cannot feel safe around him.
Disgust with his crudeness
His foul language and lewd comments visibly disturb Sansa, making her view him as crass and uncivilized.
Doubt about his motivations
Sansa suspects the Hound sees her as someone to possess or exploit for gain. She questions whether he truly cares for her.
No signs of physical attraction
Sansa never demonstrates any physical or romantic interest in the Hound. Their relationship remains tense and mired in distrust.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Hound demonstrates some protectiveness and caring toward Sansa, his volatile behavior and assaultive actions negate viewing this as evidence of true romantic affection. Sansa herself perceives the Hound with fear and skepticism, not fondness or attraction. Their relationship remains fraught with tension, trauma, and distrust, rather than genuine care or attachment. While the Hound may have some complex motivations for protecting Sansa, it likely stems more from world-weariness, disgust with cruelty, and basic human decency rather than romantic love or attraction. Sansa remains wary of the Hound’s intentions to the very end, never reciprocating or trusting his overtures.