itsinthetrees:

This was perhaps the longest-anticipated casting news for season two!
Ygritte is a spearwife of Mance Rayder’s wildlings, the Free Folk who live beyond the Wall in the North. A witty, liberal and skilled warrior “kissed by fire” (her red hair is perceived as lucky), Ygritte becomes a vital mentor, guide and love interest to Jon Snow.
Rose Leslie is a Scottish actress most noted for her recent turn as Gwen, a housemaid who aspires to be a secretary, in series one of Downton Abbey.
YAYAYAY! We finally have our Ygritte!
Another Downton Abbey/Game of Thrones crossover (cf. Iain Glen) — I’m quite pleased with this casting; Leslie has the right coloring and the right look for Ygritte. She was absolutely darling on Downton; she probably won’t show up until the latter part of GoT’s next season, but, well, you know nothing, Jon Snow. :)