*Warning: important Game of Thrones spoilers ahead!*
The third episode of Game of Thrones'sfinal season was the largest, longest battle in film history.
As the massive army of the dead bore down on all of our heroes, however, there was a smaller scene unfolding by Winterfell's weirwood tree, where Bran offered himself up as human bait to draw out the Night King.
He was defended by Theon Greyjoy and the Ironborn who decided to follow him to Winterfell to defend the north.
Theon's journey has had many twists and turns—he's been an adopted brother, a traitor, a captive and a savior.
In a final act of self-sacrifice, however, he gave up his life to defend Bran from the Night King even as all seemed lost.
Alfie Allen, the actor who plays Theon, couldn't help but get a little emotional on Instagram following the episode, posting a picture of his character's empty armor with a simple broken heart caption.
The picture made Game of Thrones fans everywhere feel way more than they expected:
Alfie Allen saying goodbye to Theon on Instagram has me sobbing this morning— you’re a good man Theon Greyjoy (@you’re a good man Theon Greyjoy) 1556549794.0
Alfie Allen on Instagram RIP theon Greyjoy what is dead May never die #gameofthrones ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/yMVUxqS0YC— Kate Elizabeth (@Kate Elizabeth) 1556508506.0
Alfie Allen’s instagram post got me crying again 💔💔💔💔 and Pilou and Gwendoline in the comments #GameofThrones— Rashmi ⚔️ GoT spoilers (@Rashmi ⚔️ GoT spoilers) 1556534072.0
Other fans who hadn't manage to see the new episode yet were a little bit annoyed with Allen for posting the spoiler so soon.
HOLY SHIT I JUST SAW A FREAKING SPOILER FROM ALFIE ALLEN HIMSELF ON INSTAGRAM. I’ve read the caption na, and then I… https://t.co/OFvjRtX857— c 🔥 (@c 🔥) 1556549657.0
Thank you Alfie Allen for spoiling one GOT death on Instagram! And thank you @PilouAsbaek for confirming that blood… https://t.co/UrEKV79fFT— Mehrac ALIYARI (@Mehrac ALIYARI) 1556530938.0
Many of Theon's fans stood up for him: if anyone deserves to post a spoiler, it's him.
@M_L_A_Z @PilouAsbaek Please... #Theon died like a hero. He redeemed himself. He should be able to sploil all he wanted.— ANA MARIA GUTIERREZ (@ANA MARIA GUTIERREZ) 1556547471.0
@M_L_A_Z A man has dedicated 10 years of his life to a show. Please let him be emotional about it...and please let… https://t.co/bT8bZHXJNi— Pilou Asbaek (@Pilou Asbaek) 1556535047.0
A few people held out hope that Theon, against all odds, was going to get a happy ending.
@anitaynato @PilouAsbaek Nooo! Theon deserved a happy ending sailing into the sunset! He had already redeemed himse… https://t.co/UNjCKTU71U— Mehrac ALIYARI (@Mehrac ALIYARI) 1556547796.0
Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark on the show, also posted a tribute to her character's adopted brother on Instagram:
The last word's spoken to Theon were said by Bran, the same Stark he drove out of Winterfell and tried to kill all those seasons ago.
The message: you're a good man, Theon.
@madisaur_rex @Maisie_Williams Me respect shown for Theon tonight— Kevin Brozi (@Kevin Brozi) 1556506127.0
"You are a good man, Theon. Thank you." #GameOfThrones https://t.co/NDkzOiumbU— Jon Snow (@Jon Snow) 1556542820.0
shout out to alfie allen. no matter how you feel about theon, we all can agree on one thing: his acting was somethi… https://t.co/7Oq2BuaThG— ellie (@ellie) 1556546396.0
Theon will not soon be forgotten.
The North remembers, The North forgives and The North honors you Theon Greyjoy. You're a STARK through and through.… https://t.co/tngKvJ7OMU— Nur (@Nur) 1556537925.0
«Everything you did brought you where you are now. Where you belong: home.» #gameofthrones #theon https://t.co/mnKSBN8Xhe— Peregrina Tuc of House Greyjoy🦑 (@Peregrina Tuc of House Greyjoy🦑) 1556542883.0
He was born a Greyjoy, but he died a Stark.
Also, I don't care what anyone says, Theon had the ultimate redemption arc. He's one of the most flawed, and comple… https://t.co/vQriCpquJt— clintonklein_ (@clintonklein_) 1556542454.0
I didn’t care about him at first I liked him when he saved Bran and Robb I hated him when he betrayed Robb I fel… https://t.co/GdhoWA1Rog— The Jedi From Westeros (@The Jedi From Westeros) 1556536951.0
Goodbye, Theon, we will miss you!