Winter Is Here: The Night King Approaches In The Latest 'Game Of Thrones' Season 7 Teaser

It's probably the most eagerly-anticipated TV show of the year: Game of Thrones Season 7 will be only seven episodes long, but it's promising everything that fans have come to love. You're talking all the politics, all the bloodthirsty actions, and all the intrigue you could slash a broadsword at. Now, fanning the flames of our excitement, HBO has released this incredible promo — take a look!

Who will claim the Iron Throne?

There are only three major contenders left in the great Game of Thrones, and they're clearly moving towards the endgame. The focus of this teaser is on the battle of wills between these three figures: Jon Snow, Khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen and Cersei Lannister. The teaser is thrilling, focusing in on each of their faces, drawing us into the tension of the moment.

Each has their own kingdom to rule. Daenerys is seated in a stone room, with a throne carved of rock; Jon Snow at Castle Black; and Cersei at King's Landing, seated on the Iron Throne itself. But as she breathes out, the scene changes, the air frosts over, and we're given a chilling reminder: winter is coming.

The White Walkers

For six seasons now, the Seven Kingdoms have focused on their own power struggles. In a world of magic and mystery, where dragons stalk the Earth, they've refused to believe in the monstrous White Walkers. Eight thousand years ago, in a time known as the Long Night, the White Walkers descended upon Westeros:

"In that darkness the White Walkers came for the first time. They swept through cities and kingdoms, riding their dead horses, hunting with their packs of pale spiders big as hounds."

Now, they're returning under the leadership of the Night King — and I doubt any strategist's plans can take their threat into account.

Westeros is locked in a brutal and bloody power struggle, and — divided — it could well be easy prey to the armies of the White Walkers. For all that the lords and ladies of Westeros have struggled with one another for power, they must now set aside their petty rivalries; the whole human race faces a grim and terrifying threat.

We're seven seasons into Game of Thrones, and the three key figures no doubt think they're playing towards the endgame. But now it's time for a game-changer, as a terrifying new threat comes to the forefront. Old rivalries will need to be set aside, lust for power must be replaced by a desperate hunger for mere survival.

Winter has been coming for a long, long time. And now, finally, it's arrived.