A Song of Ice and Fire Fan Theories...

[Lady Grey]

Fan Theories in the A Song of Ice and Fire Universe

THIS THREAD CONTAINS SPOILERS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! 

Jon Snow's Parentage:

Spoiler

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:

Spoiler

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?

[Jubal]

Very sceptical about the Syrio theory, I think he's dead and gone. The Jon Snow theory seems extremely likely though.

There's all the debate about who is going to ride each of the three dragons. Dany/Tyrion/Jon seems a likely trio, though Aegon and Bran are both possibilities...

The "did Jeyne sneak away with Robb's baby" seems to have been put to rest by the TV version, that's the only other one I can think of for now.

[Pentagathus]

Well there's the question of who is Azor Azhai (or whatever) reborn, if anyone is.

[Lady Grey]

Yeah, the Syrio theory is more of a vain hope

I feel like Jon being a Targaryen (Rhaegar and Lyanna's son) is canon really... But it seems so obvious that it might turn out to be something totally different...

I hope the three heads of the dragon are Dany, Jon and Bran (by warging into one)

I'd kind of like Dany to turn out to be Azor Ahai reborn... She was born on Dragonstone, she could destroy the Others (with dragons) but, end of ADWD... I'm not sure entirely how it'll all work out for her :/

[Jubal]

[Lady Grey]

^ xD

What do we say to the Windows update?

[Othko97]

I like to think Syrio escaped, but isn't a Faceless man. I think he used his wits and guile to escape, taking a ship to Braavos, where he continues being the First Sword of Braavos!

I have to say, Jon is probably Rhaegar/Lyanna, and is a likely candidate for dragon riding xD

[Clockwork]

I thought Jon was now the same kind of beast as Coldhands? Though I've not quite got that far yet. I also assumed that Jon was Lyannas though I wouldn't be certain of Rhaegar being the father. Other possible but less likely candidate could be Tywin. Tywin because I interpreted from reading that he didn't hate the Starks and was at least respectful of Ned unlike others of his house, which I had though might be because of Brandon's actions but could also have been due to Lyanna. I know it's not the same thing and there is no real reason why but I like to think that it's possible

[Jubal]

Moved.

[Gmd]

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

Spoiler

He already declined to be warden of the north under Stannis in ADWD. 

The only surviving member of the tower of joy is now Howland Reed making him the only living person to know of Jon Snows true parentage, my theory is he will turn up soon and tell him.

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

Spoiler

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.

Spoiler

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)

[Ochilles]

Spoiler

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."

[Jubal]

Huh, that's a fairly good point. Though it begs the question of how resurrection is going to work here?

(Bear in mind I'm not keeping up with the TV series, so it may be ahead of the books on this one by now!)

Also, welcome to Exilian 

[comrade_general]

The Lord of Light.

[Gmd]

Ye lord of light 100%. As Mel is there. Whether or not he accepts that this ends his vow to the nights watch will be interesting.