Summary
An upcoming Game of Thrones prequel could confirm a theory about Hodor's ancestry, connecting him to Ser Duncan the Tall and Old Nan.
The theory is supported by the physical resemblances between Hodor and Ser Duncan, as well as Bran's vision in A Dance with Dragons. Confirming the Hodor-Ser Duncan connection would add more meaning to Bran's vision and further explore Hodor's ancestry, seamlessly linking the prequel to Game of Thrones.
An upcoming Game of Thrones prequel may uncover Hodor's ancestry, potentially confirming a well-known theory from A Song of Ice and Fire. Hodor first appeared in Game of Thrones as a kind and loyal stable hand for House Stark, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to protecting Bran Stark. However, the revelation of Hodor's "hold the door" origin and the impact of Bran warging into him tragically transformed the young boy Wylis into someone who could only utter "Hodor."
The transformation of "hold the door" into Hodor remains one of the most shocking and heart-wrenching plot twists in Game of Thrones. Despite this revelation, there are still unknown aspects of Hodor's past, including his parentage and the reasons for his presence at Winterfell. However, a prevailing theory suggests a connection between Hodor and the upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight.
Is Ser Duncan The Tall Really Hodor’s Great-Grandfather? Game of Thrones Theory Explained
Hodor, from the A Song of Ice and Fire books, is believed to be the great-grandson of Old Nan, the long-serving wet nurse of the Starks at Winterfell. Old Nan's affection towards Hodor is evident, as demonstrated in Game of Thrones season 6 when she rushes to aid and shows deep concern for the young Wylis, who resembles a younger version of Old Nan herself. While not much is known about Hodor's family, it is speculated that he may be connected to Ser Duncan the Tall. Both Hodor and Ser Duncan share striking physical resemblances, particularly their remarkable height. The strongest evidence linking them comes from a vision experienced by Bran in A Dance with Dragons, where he witnesses a knight as tall as Hodor sharing a kiss with a woman, widely believed to be (Young) Old Nan. Old Nan often includes Ser Duncan in her stories, and this encounter may explain her attachment to him.
How A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Can Make The Hodor/Ser Duncan Theory Canon
Ser Duncan the Tall is set to be one of the main characters in HBO's upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff, Game of Thrones: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight. The show, based on George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk & Egg books, will focus on Ser Duncan's adventures throughout Westeros. He will be accompanied by his squire, Egg, who eventually becomes King Aegon V Targaryen. Although it has not been written yet, the next installment in the Dunk & Egg series is expected to be called The She-Wolves of Winterfell. In this story, Ser Duncan and Egg will journey to Winterfell and encounter a group of Stark wives, widows, and more, known as the "She-Wolves." Additionally, there may be a succession crisis occurring at the time. With the show's timeline taking place several decades before the events of Game of Thrones, it would make sense for Old Nan, possibly over 100 years old, to be present in Winterfell during this period. With all these elements coming together, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has the potential to confirm this theory, and a brief romance in Winterfell would align well with the lighter tone of the show.
Why Confirming Hodor’s Duncan the Tall Link Would Be Good For Game Of Thrones
Bran's vision holds significant meaning, particularly in relation to Old Nan and Ser Duncan the Tall. It adds depth to the history of Westeros that Martin is portraying and serves as a seamless transition to the upcoming novella. However, considering Martin's current focus on The Winds of Winter and various other projects, it may take a considerable amount of time before the book is completed. In such a scenario, the TV show has the opportunity to effectively portray this significance.
Furthermore, this revelation also establishes a stronger foundation for the eventual Hodor twist in the books by exploring his lineage in greater detail. Additionally, it presents an enjoyable way to connect the prequel to Game of Thrones. This approach would naturally integrate the storyline, avoiding the pitfalls of solely setting up future events, and instead enriching the narratives of Winterfell's notable supporting characters.