The ending of last night’s episode of Game of Thrones contained a huge surprise that I suspect few people saw coming. And with it, a popular fan theory ended as well. *SPOILERS* to follow.
Last season, the show confirmed one longstanding theory of fans of George R.R. Martin’s novels, that Jon Snow was actually the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. A corollary to that theory is that Jon was going to join Daenerys as one of three dragon riders who will fly out to defeat the white walkers. The theory stems from a vision Dany has in the House of the Undying at the end of A Clash of Kings (depicted in season two of Game of Thrones), where Rhaegar tells her, essentially, there have to be three heroes because “the dragon has three heads.”
As for the third rider, most of the speculation has surrounded Tyrion, who some believe is also secretly a Targaryen (due to an affair between Dany’s father and Tyrion’s mother). Well, last night this theory went up in smoke – or should I say ice – when the Night King killed one of her dragons. So there’s one less dragon to be ridden by Dany and her crew.
Instead, the Night King has created what promises to be the most destructive force ever to be unleashed since The Long Night. My guess is the first thing this “ice dragon” takes out is The Wall, and I would not be surprised if that happens next episode. Hopefully, Bran saw this whole thing unfold because Winterfell is about to be in some grave danger!
Karin Gastreich
August 21, 2017 - 11:09 am ·You're right – unless Jon Snow is destined to tame ice dragon, which I can see happening – if not this season then the next. While ice dragon is probably intended to melt the wall, I think it'd be much cooler if it spewed ice instead of fire. Hopefully we'll have the answer to that question next week…
Joseph Finley
August 21, 2017 - 6:28 pm ·Karin, thanks for the comment! I think breathing ice instead of fire would be totally appropriate. After all, on the internet, his nickname has already become the "Ice Dragon" (which I prefer to "zombie dragon," btw). Besides, there is no need to melt the wall. The dragon can simply fly over the wall with a few handy wights and just open the gate. But I think you're right – we'll learn the answer next week.
Bill
August 22, 2017 - 4:08 pm ·All I could think at the end – this can't be good!
Although, the theory that either Jon or Daenerys can still exert control over this Ice Dragon has merit.
What in the world is Sansa up to, sending Brienne to King's Landing?
Joseph Finley
August 22, 2017 - 9:14 pm ·I think Sansa so fears King's Landing that she's smart enough to send an envoy. She apparently does not fear Littlefinger, which may prove to be a big mistake (though strangely I think Arya has her back). By the way, from the previews, it looks like they will be meeting at Harrenhal, but maybe I'm wrong.