Fan Theories in the A Song of Ice and Fire Universe
THIS THREAD CONTAINS SPOILERS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! :P
Jon Snow's Parentage:
I believe, like many ASoIaF fans that I'm aware of, that Jon Snow's parents are Rhaegar Targaryen, and Lyanna Stark, and that these characters were lovers. Lyanna was not kidnapped, but lived willingly with Rhaegar, and her death was caused by childbirth. Ned Stark was obviously aware of this, but would never reveal this truth to anyone, not even his wife Catelyn, as this information would fatally damage his good relationship with Robert Baratheon, and tarnish his sister's reputation forever. Lyanna's last words to Ned 'Promise me', is her asking him to take in her child, and keep her relationship with Rhaegar secret, as she knew what the consequences of her secret being leaked to others would be. This shows an almost unseen side to Ned's character, as he seems to put the good of the Kingdom before his own honour.
Syrio Forel/Jaqen H'ghar:
So, Syrio Forel appears to meet his end at the time of Ned's arrest in King's Landing, as he tells Arya to run. He himself refuses to run, despite being armed with only a broken wooden sword as Arya leaves. Despite having barely a chance of surviving this, we never see his dead , nor is it mentioned (unusual for Game of Thrones).
In Clash of Kings/Series 2, Ayra meets Jaqen H'ghar, who, after assassinating people on Arya's request, reveals he is a Faceless Man of Braavos, and changes his face in front of her.
Syrio, as we know, (he mentions it enough) is from Braavos. It may only be circumstantial, but this leads to two (similar-ish) theories:
A: Syrio is Jaqen, he was not murdered, but imprisoned, and somehow killed the original Jaqen in prison.
B: Syrio is a Faceless Man, but is not Jaqen H'ghar. He could've managed to kill, or render unconscious his opponent after Arya left, and then, in order to go into hiding, killed any one of the soldiers that had come to take Arya away and taken their place.
I personally prefer the 'B' theory. I'd like for Syrio to somehow return to the series (even if it's a bit of a vain hope).
Thoughts, maybe? Any other theories that you like? :D
Jon Snow’s parentage is considered fact by most and i always think GRRM might just change it for the sake of it as its almost considered fact at this point, but i would find it hard to take if it wasn't true. I love that this put him first in line for the throne in the Targaryen line, although it is now Stannis’ from right of conquest. I could see Stannis giving up the throne for Jon as he wouldn’t want him dead as Robert would of. But it would be hugely out of character for Jon to give up his nights watch vows to become king. Book spoilers here He already declined to be warden of the north under Stannis in ADWD.
I do not believe Syrio is Jaqen, but I believe Syrio is not dead and will return later in the series. Basically i believe he managed to knock Meryn Trant out then escape, Meryn would of said he killed him to Cersei who never states the dancing master died only that he interfered with Arya's capturing.
Now i agree with a different theory about jaqen which contains spoilers for AFFC and ADWD below
I believe the theory that Jaqen is infact now in oldtown as in the prologue chapter for AFFC Pate is killed by a alchemist with who is described similarly to Jaqens appearance after he changed his face when he left Arya. Jaqen then uses pate as his new face and is then met in Sam’s chapter later and introduces himself as "Pate the pig boy" a name by which the real pate hates being called, hugely hinting that this is not the real Pate but a faceless man imposter to the reader. In my opinion this is 100% a faceless man, but whether or not it is Jaqen i am not sure as the description of the Achemist is only partially described with matching features such as a hooked nose and gold tooth. Another hugely interesting question is what is Jaqen/the faceless men doing at the citadel and what do they want within the vaults? One theory i read which is interesting is that they are after a book in the vaults which explains how to kill dragons effectively as it was the maesters of the citadel who killed the last of the Targaryen dragons according to Archmaester Marwyn.
Also another theory i absolutely love is the Dornish master plan theory. Spoilers for all non book readers here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TBfdd_xNVo
I love how complex it is and how well explained the video of it is backed up with evidence from the books for every statement. The only plothole i find is that the whole plan revolves around Oberyn being close to the sellsword companies of Essos which is only vaguely mentioned in the books. The videos also touches on the “cleganebowl theory” which I believe aswell, stating that Sandor and Gregor Clegane is not dead, but Gregor is sir Robert Strong and Sandor is the gravedigger Brienne runs into now loyal to the seven and will fight for the high sparrow in Cerseis trial beating Gregor and exposing Cersei and completing her prophecy of being killed a "valonqar” (little brother). Love to know what you all think of this theory, as it is the one I find the most interesting. (its a long video series of four 10minute videos, make sure to watch them all)
Jon Snow had to die, it's the only way he could be freed from the Knights Watch.
"Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall wear no crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the shield that guards the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night's Watch, for this night and all the nights to come."