10 Plausible Theories About The Winds of Winter

Article Overview

"R+L=J" is the most famous ASOIAF theory, and it seems likely to be confirmed in The Winds of Winter.

The Northern lords are collaborating to unite Stannis against the Boltons and Freys in pursuit of Northern independence. The theory of Jon Snow's resurrection and potential warging into his direwolf, Ghost, is widely supported by clues in the books.

After a gap of more than a decade between volumes, the long-awaited release of The Winds of Winter has sparked widespread speculation, with Game of Thrones serving as a partial reference point for fans. Since the publication of A Dance With Dragons in 2011, anticipation for the next installment in the A Song of Ice and Fire series has become a major talking point in the world of fantasy literature and pop culture. Although the TV adaptation has already concluded, book readers are still eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated penultimate book in the beloved series.

Game of Thrones may have addressed some popular theories, but differences between the books and the series leave room for potential divergences. Notably, storylines such as the Greyjoys and events in the North have major discrepancies in the books, giving rise to complex and intricate fan theories. While numerous far-fetched ASOIAF theories abound, several are surprisingly credible and could potentially come to fruition in The Winds of Winter.

10. R+L=J

The classic Jon Snow parentage theory.

The theory "R+L=J" from A Song of Ice and Fire has gained widespread popularity, proposing that Jon Snow's true parents are Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Although there are other intriguing theories, Game of Thrones has strongly hinted that this is the truth. The question of whether Rhaegar abducted Lyanna remains unanswered in the books, but it is likely that Bran's visions in The Winds of Winter will provide clarity. It is expected that the revelation of Jon's Targaryen lineage will take a different path in Martin's novels.

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9. Aegon Isn't A Real Targaryen - But Still Takes The Iron Throne

Young Griff could be a Blackfyre, but it doesn't matter.

Debuting in A Dance With Dragons under the alias of Young Griff, a mysterious young man is eventually unveiled as Aegon Targaryen, the purportedly deceased son of Rhaegar and Elia Martell from the time of Robert's Rebellion. With the backing of Varys, Illio Mopatis, and the powerful Golden Company, Aegon has successfully seized a stronghold in the Stormlands of Westeros. Despite the prevailing belief that Aegon may actually be a Blackfyre rather than a true Targaryen, this has not hindered his potential to conquer King's Landing and lay claim to the Iron Throne, especially amidst the chaotic state of affairs in Westeros.

8. Jojen Is Already Dead (& Bran Ate Him)

"Jojen Paste" theory.

Speculation about which Game of Thrones character is most likely to meet their demise in The Winds of Winter centers around Jojen Reed. His last appearance was up north with Bran, and he had a vision of his own death before disappearing towards the conclusion of A Dance With Dragons. The "Jojen Paste" theory suggests that he may have already been killed and consumed by Bran, who drank a strange sap-like liquid resembling blood. This theory posits that Bloodraven and the Children of the Forest are utilizing blood magic to enhance Bran's greensight by having him ingest another greenseer.

7. Tyrion Will Become Dany's Advisor - And Push Her To Become Darker

Book Tyrion isn't as rational as HBO's version.

In the world of Game of Thrones, Tyrion eventually makes his way to Daenerys Targaryen and becomes a voice of reason for her as she launches her campaign in Westeros. In the books, he is still en route to meet her and offer his counsel, but Tyrion's journey takes a much darker turn in the literary version. Following the killings of Tywin and Shae, and the revelation about Tysha, Tyrion is in a somber, despondent state, and evolves into a far more morally ambiguous character. While the television adaptation portrays Tyrion as advocating for peace with Dany, George R.R. Martin's Tyrion harbors much more sinister intentions towards his sister, Cersei.

6. The Grand Northern Conspiracy

Northern lords are actively pitting Stannis against the Boltons.

The Grand Northern Conspiracy revolves around the idea that the Northern lords, including Houses Manderly, Umber, Mormont, and Karstark, are collaborating to turn Stannis against the Boltons and Freys in order to liberate the North and install a Stark King. While Game of Thrones overlooked minor houses, they play a significant role in A Song of Ice and Fire, and the Northern houses appear to be leveraging the region's political chaos to strive for Northern independence. Jon Snow is seen as the most probable contender to be crowned as the King in the North.

5. Jon Snow Will Be Resurrected - And Warg Into Ghost

Jon warged into Ghost after being stabbed to death in a Dance with Dragons.

In A Dance With Dragons, the character Jon Snow was last seen being stabbed after opening the Pink Letter, similar to what happened in the TV series. In the show, Melisandre brought him back to life, and there's a possibility that a similar event could occur in Martin's novels, especially since she is still at Castle Black. In the books, Jon is a warg like Bran, which has led many fans to speculate that he may warg into his direwolf Ghost after his death. His final thoughts seem to hint at this: "'Ghost,' he whispered. Pain washed over him... When the third dagger took him between the shoulder blades, he gave a grunt and fell face-first into the snow. He never felt the fourth knife. Only the cold."

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4. Euron Greyjoy Summons A Kraken

The Greyjoy king may have some secret weapons.

In the comparison between the Euron Greyjoy in the books and the Euron in Game of Thrones, there are notable differences. His character in A Song of Ice and Fire is much more developed due to his extensive experiences and travels, providing him with strategic advantages in the ongoing war. For instance, the dragon horn is a significant tool that he possesses, potentially granting him the ability to control a dragon. Additionally, there is speculation that Euron has the ability to summon a Kraken through blood magic, which he could use to devastating effect against the Redwyne fleet in the Reach. While some may view this theory as far-fetched, it remains an entertaining concept to ponder.

3. Mance Rayder Wrote The Pink Letter

The language indicates Ramsay didn't write the letter.

The authorship of the Pink Letter in A Dance with Dragons has sparked various theories, with the most compelling one pointing to Mance Rayder, who is still alive and present at Winterfell. The linguistic inconsistencies in the letter align with terms previously used by Mance, providing the primary evidence for his involvement. Mance's potential motivation for sending the letter could be to goad Jon into leading the free folk southward. Other speculations about the sender of the letter include Stannis, Melisandre, and Asha Greyjoy.

2. Tommen And Myrcella Will Die (Because The Maggy The Frog Prophecy Is Coming True)

Cersei's children aren't long for this world.

1. The Gravedigger Is The Hound (& Cleganebowl Can Still Happen)

Similar to the situation in Game of Thrones, Cersei received a prophecy from Maggy the Frog predicting the demise of her children: "Gold shall be their crowns and gold their shrouds." With Tommen being a target while he sits on the Iron Throne, and Myrcella facing danger in Dorne after already suffering physical harm, the threat looms large. The prophecy also foretells Cersei's death by strangulation at the hands of "the valonqar," meaning little brother. This could potentially refer to either Jaime or Tyrion.

The Hound could have survived A Storm of Swords.

In A Storm of Swords, Sandor Clegane and Arya engage in a skirmish at the crossroads, where Polliver and others leave him gravely wounded. In A Feast for Crows, Brienne discovers a large, unidentified gravedigger on the Quiet Isle, often speculated to be the Hound. This echoes the Hound's return in Game of Thrones season 6. Similarly, the Mountain undergoes a deadly trial by combat with Oberyn and is revived by Qyburn as Ser Robert Strong. Both characters have miraculously survived deadly encounters, potentially setting the stage for a future confrontation between the two.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am eagerly anticipating the release of The Winds of Winter, the long-awaited sixth installment in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. The series has captivated readers with its intricate plot lines, complex characters, and epic battles, and I am excited to see how the story will unfold in the upcoming book.

I am particularly interested in the theories surrounding Jon Snow's parentage and the fate of Cersei's children. The theory that Jon Snow is actually the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark has been circulating for years, and I believe there is strong evidence to support it. I am also curious to see what happens to Cersei's children, Tommen and Myrcella. In the TV series, they both meet tragic ends, but I am not sure if Martin will follow the same path in the books.