What Does 'Winter Is Coming' Mean? The Viral 'Game Of Thrones' Meme From Ned Stark Explained

Depending on how long you've been tuned into pop culture, you may remember the time when Game of Thrones really did take over entire years of dialogue between friends and co-workers, as well as online memes and references.

During the early years of the once-hit TV series, one particular character, Ned Stark, had one of the most memorable lines uttered, and over a decade later, people are still referencing his iconic quote, "Brace yourselves, Winter is coming."

But what does this statement even really mean, why did it become so prevalent online and how is it used in memes?

Unlike the highly controversial ending of GoT, we won't leave you feeling unsatisfied, so let's get started on explaining the so-called "Imminent Ned" meme.

Where Does 'Brace Yourselves, Winter Is Coming' Come From?

The phrase, which was even the name of the pilot episode of Game of Thrones, is one that was repeated often by characters associated with House Stark of Winterfell.

The character, Ned Stark (played by actor Sean Bean), is often viewed by fans as the lynchpin of the series (at least early on), and as such, his prominence in marketing and the show itself is what leads to it being primarily associated with him.

In the book series A Song of Ice and Fire, the first time we see the Stark catchphrase comes from this passage in book one, coincidentally titled A Game of Thrones (which is where the show's name comes from).

The words gave her a chill, as they always did. The Stark words. Every noble house had its words. Family mottoes, touchstones, prayers of sorts, they boasted of honor and glory, promised loyalty and truth, swore faith and courage. All but the Starks. Winter is coming, said the Stark words. Not for the first time, she reflected on what a strange people these northerners were.

This initial introduction to the Stark words and the concept of "house words" in general implies that the Stark words are different from other houses in the universe. Unlike others, they aren't meant to be a threat or boast. Instead, they are a warning to be prepared.

How Do You Use 'Brace Yourselves, Winter Is Coming' In Memes?

Online, the meme has found itself to have two different uses, primarily as an image macro format, which each references the original meaning of the Stark words used in the books and show — albeit a bit less dire.

With the actual season of winter being a thing, the meme is commonly used as a way to warn for the literal winter, such as preparing with emergency supplies, prepping for cold weather or being wary of the impending return of Mariah Carey.

Another way that the meme is used is with the first part of the catchphrase from the show, "brace yourselves," by declaring that something troubling is soon to be on its way, usually being said when there is a significant cultural moment about to happen, like United States elections or crunch times at school.

For the full history of Winter Is Coming, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.