While Sam may not look or think like your typical warrior, he encounters a number of battle situations in the fourth season. During the wildlings attack on the Wall, he defends Castle Black's southern gate with Pypar (who ultimately dies in his arms) and kills the villainous free folk warrior Thenn warg with a bolt to the head. The fight leaves the Night's Watch in ruins, which prompts Jon to propose a radical solution for putting an end to the wildling threat — assassinate their leader, Mance Rayder. Sam attempts to stop his friend from heading beyond the Wall alone, but Jon makes his decision to depart and leaves his sword Longclaw with Sam.