The Weight of Mountain: Exploring Gregor Clegane in 'Game of Thrones'

In the world of Game of Thrones, characters are often larger than life, embodying strength and imposing presence. One such character is Gregor Clegane, also known as the Mountain That Rides. Played by Haftór Bj?rnsson, Gregor’s on-screen persona is undeniably intimidating, with a stature that commands attention.

Haftór Bj?rnsson: A Physique of Majesty

Haftór Bj?rnsson, an Icelandic strongman, brought his imposing build and robust physique to the role of Gregor Clegane. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm), Haftór’s legendary strength is well-documented, having competed professionally as a strongman. His weight at peak performance was around 204 kg (450 lbs).

Given the genetic and physical traits associated with such a tall and muscular build, a person of similar stature and muscle mass to Haftór Bj?rnsson would likely weigh within the range of 181 to 227 kg (400 to 500 lbs). However, individual variations in weight can occur based on various factors, including training, diet, and overall body composition.

Gregor Clegane: Beyond the Shadow of the Screen

But what about Gregor Clegane in the books? In George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire, there is no explicit mention of Gregor’s weight. However, the books describe him as a giant, standing nearly 8 feet tall. The actors who have played the role in the TV series stand at heights of 7 feet 1 inch and 6 feet 9 inches, which is significantly shorter than the book’s description.

Regrettably, Martin’s account does not specify an exact weight for Clegane in the books. However, given the height and presumed muscle mass, it is reasonable to estimate that his weight might have been significantly more than 204 kg, potentially reaching or exceeding 400 kg. The books may simply not provide such specifics, making it an open-ended conjecture rather than a definitive measurement.

Comparisons and Real World Analogues

In the real world, people with similar physical attributes often weigh between 250 to 280 lbs. Before Haftór Bj?rnsson, the role of the Mountain was played by Ian Whyte, a tall individual but not as exceptionally muscular or large as Haftór.

When Thor, a famous strongman, achieved a 501 kg (1102 lbs) deadlift, his weight was documented as around 460 lbs. However, he is not naturally a heavy person and could drop weight rapidly to the 350 lb range. If the Mountain were built more like Thor or Haftór, his weight might fall within these benchmarks, but if he had a more dense muscular structure, his weight could be much higher.

Conclusion

Gregor Clegane, as portrayed by Haftór Bj?rnsson, is a perfect example of how physicality can be portrayed on screen. While there is no definitive answer to how much the Mountain would weigh, it is clear that his muscular build and towering height make him a formidable presence. Whether in the books or on screen, Gregor Clegane represents a character whose weight transcends the physical realm, embodying power and dominance.

Stay Strong!