The Hodor meme stems from the tragic reveal of the character's backstory in the 'Game of Thrones' episode 'The Door.' It depicts the gentle giant Hodor sacrificing himself by holding a door shut against an army of wights to save Bran Stark, revealing that his name was a contraction of the phrase 'Hold the door' all along. In the meme world, this template is used to represent heroic yet often futile efforts to keep overwhelming problems, spoilers, or responsibilities at bay. It resonates with fans because it blends the character's ultimate sacrifice with relatable everyday struggles, making it a staple of internet culture since 2016.