It is understandable why Gregor Clegane is one of the most feared characters in the hit series 'Game of Thrones.' The brother of the Hound, Sandor Clegane, has famously burned his younger sibling's face when they were children. Gregor, also known as the Mountain, was also responsible for the murder of the Targaryen Royal Family and crushing Oberyn Martell's skull during a trial by combat.
The actor who plays the Mountain is less sadistic, but possibly more powerful than the character. Hafthór Júlíus Björnsson has been named Iceland's Strongest Man once again. The 6'9" former professional basketball player has defended his title for five years in a row.
In addition to being an actor, Björnsson has competed in several Icelandic strongman competitions since 2011. He has also competed in the Arnold Strongman Classic, Europe's Strongest Man and the Strongman Champions League.
A photo posted by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Jun 20, 2015 at 1:28pm PDT
Björnsson is also a true modern-day Viking. In January this year, the 397lb strongman competitor beat a 1,000 year old Norwegian record originally set by Orm Storolfsson at the World's Strongest Viking competition. Björnsson walked a total of five steps carrying the mast of the legendary Viking ship Ormrinn Langi, which weighs 1,430lbs.
Storolfsson only managed to take three steps before the weight of the 33ft mast broke his back.
Björnsson is also the only actor to play the Mountain in two consecutive seasons. The character was previously played by Conan Stevens in the first season, and by Ian Whyte in the second season.
The Mountain was killed in the fourth season of 'Game of Thrones' when Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal) stabbed him with a poisonous spear. However, he has been revived by Qyburn (Anton Lesser) for Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), who may be planning to have the revived Gregor Clegane kill several people who have wronged her.
'Game of Thrones' Season Six will return to HBO in 2016.
