Warning: spoilers for the second episode of Game of Thrones Season 8 are discussed below.
When it comes to Game of Thrones, there always seems to be a deeper meaning to everything viewers see. Sansa’s necklace is no exception. Game of Thrones’ costume designer revealed there is more to the story regarding Sansa’s trademark necklace than meets the eye. It's actually a tribute to her sister.
At the center of the necklace is the round piece, which a chain loops through. At the end of that chain is a needle. Asked by a commenter what the round portion of Sansa’s jewelry represents, Michele Clapton revealed the answer on Instagram, saying:
I use circles as they represent a positive emotional message of harmony and protection. The circle is often used to represent unity and commitment, they are associated with women’s strength...they also represent community...the chain represents her sense of imprisonment and the needle is her link to the strength of her sister that she previously didn’t understand.
Sansa has found her strength, unity with House Stark, and commitment to her family. It is hard to believe she is the same character once so consumed with thoughts of marrying Joffrey. A lot has changed since then, including between Sansa and her sister Arya. After a rough start on Game of Thrones, the Stark sisters have formed a united front in Season 8.
Now to that Arya-related tribute. As Game of Thrones fans will recall, Sansa was and is quite fond of needlework. As recently as Season 6, she proved she was still quite handy with one. Remember, Sansa made the cloak Jon Snow now wears, which she based off the one Ned Stark used to wear.
Thanks to all of this, you would think that the needle solely has to do with Sansa. Its meaning actually relates back to her sister, who interestingly also has a needle. If you need a frame of reference, here is a full view of Sansa’s necklace from the most recent Game of Thrones episode.
Notice, the needle at the end of the chain below Sansa’s waist and above the table? Unlike Sansa, Arya has preferred a different kind of pointy-ended object: her sword, called "Needle," that Jon gave her way back in Season 1. Upon receiving Needle, Arya said that Sansa could keep her sewing needles, because she had gotten one of her own.
That Sansa connects to the strength Arya has which she had previously not understood is quite moving. The sisters share different strengths, which ultimately complement each other's. Stark sisters unite!
It is incredible how Sansa’s necklace ties to her entire Game of Thrones journey. The stunning piece has gotten more and more pronounced with time. Check it out in its original iteration via Michele Clapton’s Instagram post below:
If you look carefully, you can see Sansa holding the needle portion of the necklace. Sansa’s clothes always tell a story. Find out what becomes of the Stark sisters when Game of Thrones Season 8 continues airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
