"Home" is the second episode of the sixth season of HBO's fantasy television series Game of Thrones, and the 52nd overall. The episode was written by Dave Hill and directed by Jeremy Podeswa.
In the episode, the Wildlings arrive at Castle Black and force Alliser Thorne and his allies to surrender, allowing Melisandre to resurrect Jon Snow. Ramsay Bolton seizes Winterfell and the North for himself; Tyrion Lannister unchains the dragons being held in the catacombs of Meereen; Arya Stark proceeds to the next step in her training; and Bran Stark sees the past.
"Home" received high praise from critics, citing the return of Jon Snow, the reintroduction of Bran Stark with the Three-eyed Raven, and the unexpected death of Roose Bolton, as high points in the episode. Filming of the episode's closing scene, the director took inspiration from The Anatomy Lesson. In the United States, the episode premiere achieved a viewership of 7.29 million in its initial broadcast. The episode earned a nomination at the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series.
This episode marks the final appearance for Nell Tiger Free (Myrcella Baratheon), who appears as a corpse after the death of her character in "Mother's Mercy".
Plot
Beyond the Wall
Bran Stark continues his training with the Three-eyed Raven. He witnesses a vision of a young Eddard, Benjen, and Lyanna Stark training together in Winterfell, and also learns Hodor's real name, Wylis. However, the Three-eyed Raven pulls Bran out of the memory, warning him that he risks "drowning" in old memories. Meera Reed stands watch aimlessly outside, though Leaf, the Child of the Forest assisting them, remarks that Bran will soon need Meera's help when he is able to better use his visions.
In the North
After learning the hunters sent after Sansa and Theon were dead, Ramsay deduces Sansa would seek Jon's protection and proposes to storm Castle Black. Roose warns Ramsay such action would turn the entire North against the Boltons. After learning Roose's wife Walda has given birth to a son, Ramsay immediately kills his father, then has Walda and her child mauled to death by his hounds.
While continuing north, Sansa learns Brienne saw Arya alive before losing her in the Vale. Confident that Brienne and Podrick can protect Sansa, Theon states that he intends to return "home".
In King's Landing
As Myrcella's body lies in state in the Great Sept of Baelor, Jaime is approached by the High Sparrow. Jaime threatens the High Sparrow for Cersei's treatment. The High Sparrow, undaunted, responds that the Faith Militant has the power to "overthrow an empire", which unnerves Jaime.
Cersei is forbidden to leave the Red Keep for Myrcella's funeral by Tommen in an effort to protect her from the Sparrows. Tommen later apologizes to her and asks her to teach him how to be strong so he can protect the people he loves.
On the Iron Islands
Balon Greyjoy is assassinated by his brother Euron, who throws him off a bridge to his death. At Balon's funeral, Yara Greyjoy swears vengeance against Balon's killer, but is reminded by her uncle Aeron, a Drowned Priest, that her position as his successor depends on the results of the Kingsmoot, a ceremony where the Ironborn elect their new leader.
In Braavos
Arya continues to duel with the Waif, but still performs poorly. After one particular defeat, Arya is surprised when Jaqen H'ghar appears and attempts to tempt her with food, bedding, and the return of her vision. Arya refuses all of Jaqen's offers, and Jaqen tells Arya to follow him, telling her she no longer needs to live on the streets.
In Meereen
At council with Varys, Missandei, and Grey Worm, Tyrion learns that Astapor and Yunkai have been retaken by the Masters. Knowing that they need the dragons to defend Meereen, Tyrion heads to Viserion and Rhaegal's chamber to free them. While wary at first, the dragons do not attack Tyrion and allow him to undo their shackles before retreating deeper into the chamber.
At the Wall
Davos and the loyalists guarding Jon's body prepare to make a stand against Thorne and his allies, but before a fight can begin the outer gates of Castle Black are breached by the giant Wun Wun, followed by Tormund Giantsbane, Edd, and an army of Wildlings. Outnumbered, the mutineers surrender and are locked in the cells on Edd's orders.