<P> Samwell Tarly, called Sam, is a fictional character in the A Song of Ice and Fire series of fantasy novels by American author George R.R. Martin, and its television adaptation Game of Thrones . </P> <P> Introduced in 1996's A Game of Thrones, Sam is the eldest son of Randyll Tarly, from the fictional kingdom of Westeros . He subsequently appeared in Martin's A Clash of Kings before being a POV character in the later novels . </P> <P> Sam is portrayed by John Bradley West in the HBO television adaptation . </P> <P> Samwell Tarly, called Sam, is the elder son of Lord Randyll Tarly of Horn Hill . Ten chapters throughout A Storm of Swords and A Feast for Crows are told from his point of view . In spite of his self - professed cowardice, Sam is highly intelligent, resourceful, and loyal . Randyll, renowned as one of Westeros' finest military commanders, tried to groom Sam as a worthy heir when he was young, but Sam's complete lack of martial abilities and his interest in scholarly pursuits ultimately forced Randyll to raise Sam's younger brother Dickon to take Sam's place instead . Randyll refused to let Sam join the Citadel to become a maester, but instead forced him to join the Night's Watch, implying that he would have Sam killed and his death staged as a hunting accident if he refused . Sam agreed to join the Night's Watch . </P>

Who plays little sam in game of thrones