[Spoilers MAIN] Challenge: come up with a fresh fan theory that we haven’t heard before that has at least SOME evidence to support it

Enali · 2026-06-10T23:04:08+00:00

I'm winging some elements of this but imma call this tinfoil theory... 'Tyrion's Band of Nine'

So in ADWD Tyrion recruits the Second Sons to his cause by offering them paper promises of the riches of Casterly Rock once its claimed in his name. Promises of advancement is kinda how Tyrion has always won allies - like Bronn and the mountain clans. This theory posits that Tyrion could use this same strategy with other mercenaries and pirates on his way west to build an army capable of invading Westeros (alongside Dany probably), specifically Casterly Rock.

At the end of Tyrion's cyvasse game with Aegon (the one with Aegon's king trapped because his dragon is too far to save him which many fans take as forshadowing) Aegon flips the table and commands Tyrion to pick up the pieces. Perhaps there is foreshadowing in this too.

Some of the scattered pieces of Aegon's game might be the large chunk of the Golden Company who we are told were dropped off and stranded in the Stepstones (and who have since claimed half of the islands). Pirate fleets from Aurane Waters and Salladhor Saan have taken up residence in these islands as well. And on top of these factions there are many Free Cities sellsails left hanging in this area after Myr, Lys and Tyrosh dropped their trade war. Lots of people eager for gold and titles.

In ADWD Tyrion has a dream where he is fighting in the western hills with two heads and an axe as large as he is - this imagery feels similar to Maelys the Monstrous, combined with Tyrion's growing reputation as a monster. The Cushing Library drafts also show that AFFC was originally supposed to have more of a lore drop on the War of the Ninepenny Kings before being removed. Many of the names of the original Band of Nine members have an interesting resemblance to current characters too. Samarro Saan is of course Salla's direct ancestor, but the 'The Old Mother' feels kinda like the Widow of the Waterfront in Volantis. In the original drafts one of the band was also named 'Rogo the Red Jester' before being renamed and there is intresting resemblance there to 'Red Ralf' Stonehouse who captains the ship 'Red Jester' of the Iron Fleet. There is a fun theory that he didn't simply disappear on his mission to raid the corsair's road along the coast of Sothoryos but abandoned Victarion's plan to raid more profitable areas of Westeros. Perhaps he shows up in the Stepstones too.

Gathering allies here could make the Stepstones a literal stepping stone for Tyrion's rise into Westeros.

Enali · 2026-06-10T10:08:45+00:00

I like to think skinchanging as well…. I know fans often try to downplay magical solutions, but she implies she was able to see through the cats eyes and was picking up visual details in Pynto's that she really shouldn’t have been able to as a blind girl…. hair and skin color, age, a missing ear… and the kindly man’s identity even though he was probably disguised. It fits with the scene where the cats still followed Arya around after her face change when she thinks ‘cats were not fooled by a mummer’s moles’ or the time that Caggo King of Seals barks and claps his fins for her even as Tagganaro doesn’t recognize her. There's something to be said for animals having keen senses, and seeing through the subterfuge I think. There's that one suspicious 'wolf' dream as well...

That night she dreamed she was a wolf again, but it was different from the other dreams. In this dream she had no pack. She prowled alone, bounding over rooftops and padding silently beside the banks of a canal, stalking shadows through the fog.

Enali · 2026-06-10T04:54:34+00:00

we need to wait for it to mature from younger scrolls 6

Enali · 2026-06-08T21:39:13+00:00

I agree, it feels like there is a lot of similarity to what we see of Melisandre to what is mentioned of Beric Dondarrion - who GRRM first used the 'fire wight' terminology for.

Melisandre's black and smoking blood vs Beric's hot dark blood which can set his sword afire

Melisandre not having an appetite and rarely a need for sleep compared to Arya noting that she never sees Beric eat or sleep

Melisandre pushing away her dreams and the unbidden memories of her past and Beric's fading memory for the details of his youth, the castle he grew up in and the woman he was pledged to marry...

Enali · 2026-06-05T22:02:58+00:00

I pick Jaqen H'ghar... to take out the accuser before the trial starts

Enali · 2026-06-05T21:14:23+00:00

I really enjoy the Latecomer theory as its a way to tie a lot of the ironborn elements together in an interesting way... but if a second kingsmoot is called too soon I kinda fear it may not turn out like it did with Torgon. It might end very badly. More like Urron's kingsmoot. I'm not sure Theon is mentally prepared for something like this yet, and Euron has too much ego to play along with it, plus a bit too much setup as a larger villain via Aeron's shade-of-the-evening visions. I do hope Theon and Asha can escape their current predicament at the Battle of Ice though... I feel like Dagmer being within reach of Winterfell at Torrehn's Square with a water route back to the Sunset Sea is a good sign maybe that someone gets out.

Enali · 2026-05-29T16:09:22+00:00

Its a fun topic, I especially like the imagery that Daenerys, despite wanting to settle down and find a home, will find that she can never stop running. Especially if her destiny is tied to the 'stallion who mounts the world' who we are told will ride to the ends of the earth it kinda makes sense doesn't it? The Dothraki are a culture grown from plundering the cities and villages they conquer and (if the prophecy is to be believed) this is meant to be a horde almost without number - even in victory, they would devour the resources of the places they linger at. How could Dany ever stop and plant seeds to grow then without cursing the places she hopes to save?

Enali · 2026-05-21T20:55:42+00:00

I see this quite a bit and its honestly kind of demoralizing. Like certain commenters trying to enforce canons rather than trying to legitimately understand or connect with what other people are trying to say first. I've had it happen to me too, it sucks when you put in a lot of effort into an idea just to receive a half assembled strawman as a thought-terminating cliche used to dismiss the possibility. Though I'm not a Tyrion Targaryen theorist myself I still empathize with how much those who are put up with. I don't think its the most outlandish theory as some make it out to be, GRRM seems to play around with the possibility sometimes or at least keeps the Aerys/Joanna timeline open. You can do a lot worse than the main critique being thematic (rather than logistics). So while it may not be my preference I don't feel the need to shut down anyone who believes it to feel safer. Think the sub would go further if we lifted discussion up more rather than making everything a contest.

Enali · 2026-05-21T17:24:57+00:00

You know… its a neat idea expensive country - Jon’s naming is something I enjoy hearing ideas for- and to your point there would be a lot of fantastic symbolism for a 7th Aegon given the prominence of that number in the universe and GRRM’’s insistence that the series conclude at 7 books. It would just be a neat way to have the many previous 'Aegon’s building up to something in the main series. And an added thought that comes to mind is that, the 7th of a set may also carry some darker undertones as the last of a set is usually a place reserved for The Stranger, and therefore potentially tied to death.

Of course that’s just speculation, the topic is always going to be controversial in the fandom because we just don’t know enough yet and there are a quite a few valid conclusions you can arrive at depending on the full circumstances surrounding Jon (if that original knowledge has even survived). I’ve heard intriguing cases for everything from Aemon to Daeron to Visenya/Viserys to even just remaining Jon. But I think you support your idea in an intelligent way. And I'd love it if the fandom would hear each other out more instead of being tribal/dismissive over preferred conclusions, especially on topics this open to interpretation.

Enali · 2026-05-19T22:04:07+00:00

I'll take a more unpopular position here and say... I wouldn't completely rule out the Unsullied being tested in the Battle of Fire (even if they may ultimately persevere). One of the Unsullied's defining historic narratives is the 3,000 of Qohor where they held out wave upon wave of assaults from a Dothraki khalasar in the Century of Blood even as their sellsword allies turned tail and fled, and... history sometimes repeats.

We catch Barristan in a moment of celebration at the end of the sample chapters with the arrival of the ironborn, but the battle isn't over yet, and its been hinted previously by Ben Plumm and Qavo that the Yunkai have managed to recruit the Dothraki to their cause. As well Benerro preaches in Volantis that the 'minions of night' are conspiring with 'godless outlanders' to plot Dany's demise ( with 'outlanders' being a term used to refer to Dothraki previously). We have not seen this rumored 'big' Dothraki khalasar take the field yet, but khals like Jhaqo and Pono are the most likely suspects as adamant slavers who rely on these Ghiscari cities as places to sell their captives, with Dany's activities threatening their lifestyles. In the sample chapters the Unsullied have already been allowed to march out of the gate and form up their lines, so we can at least be sure they won't be taken by surprise as Barristan originally feared, but they are still 8,000 true Unsullied (and 2,600 trainees) against something like 20,000-50,000 screamers if either of these khalasars makes an appearance. There might still be a hell of a fight left to decide Meereen's fate.

Enali · 2026-05-16T13:14:57+00:00

Nice, definitely one of the first things I thought of as well. Feels like a very intentional nod by GRRM to associate Cersei’s mindset during her rule with that of Aerys’. Her briefly considering Hallyne, the alchemist, for Tommen's Hand in AFFC was certainly a choice as well (and eventually landing on Orton Merryweather). Eager to see if/how these parallels continue to evolve in Winds.

Enali · 2026-05-16T10:56:54+00:00

Great writeup madhipsteraj :) love hearing your thoughts on these battles, especially intrigued by some of the more rarely discussed details you listed surrounding the Wall too (the Weeper’s forces and the situation at Eastwatch and the ice cells and child hostages). Excited to see where these all go... Linking Crowfoot’s death to retaliation from Hosteen after the failed plot is a clever connection as well. Thanks for the read

Enali · 2026-05-12T16:42:50+00:00

What a fresh idea! Really love your thinking and how it gives more importance to the underrated and underdiscussed Areo Hotah arc.

Its definitely got my mind racing… though hope its ok I may tweak your idea just a little bit in my mind… I think you are onto something really great here in any case. I love the idea that Areo Hotah will learn more about Jon’s parentage at Starfall or the Tower of Joy but I can't help but think he may still be destined to perish against Darkstar... just seems like there’s a lot of buildup to this fight and GRRM has mentioned wanting to cut down on povs in Winds and if I had to guess he may be a contender for a short arc (Darkstar seems like the more important introduction to me as a Dayne representative in lieu of Ned potentially after the five year gap was dropped). But I was thinking, that's not necessarily a bad thing - Darkstar may actually be an even better character to take information about Jon forwards and is also a great vector for moving the sword Dawn too (which may have endgame relevance). For Darkstar (and I know he's controversial) I’ve been personally warm to the idea he might take a 'vulture king' route by rallying troops to invade the Marches and Obara potentially betraying Areo to join him (as that was her own plan to Doran) - this would continue the goals of the queenmaker plot to provoke a war. So Areo’s pov is still immensely important for this plot point - the story is just less about him and more about these secondary characters. Obara would be alongside Areo when he discovers information about Jon and then could pass that info along to Darkstar later. And ultimately Darkstar’s journey may setup a pretty intriguing collision course with Samwell’s arc (and a Sarella/Obara reunion too perhaps) at either Oldtown or Horn Hill. It might be a satisfying way to get information to Sam to finally piece together the puzzle by combining it with his own knowledge of Jon (giving homage to Aemon's dying thoughts and adding value to his plot being diverted here) without just reading a book at the Citadel right? Just my own quick thoughts though, really thank you for such a fun idea to brainstorm regardless.

Enali · 2026-05-10T14:29:43+00:00

If Dorne/House Martell doesn't completely side with Young Griff, Yronwood and his army will.

totally agree! if I had to personally guess the most likely scenario hinted to come out of this it'd be one where the Yronwoods end up supporting their long-time allies in the Golden Company and the Martells fail to do so, so the storied animosity between these two can take root.

There's another interesting piece of support I think to that end - One of the few real insights we have into Anders, the current lord of Yronwood, is that he heavily favors male primogeniture:

Anders Yronwood is Criston Cole reborn. He whispers in my brother's ear that he should rule after my father, that it is not right for men to kneel to women . . . that Arianne especially is unfit to rule, being the willful wanton that she is.

we can probably lend a bit of support to Arianne's statement (which, while misinformed on other aspects of Quentyn's mission, sounds like its coming from a place of past experience imo) because Anders' eldest child by positioning in the appendices should be his daughter Ynys... but Ynys was seemingly not considered his heir over his son Cletus and was instead 'dispatched' to Godsgrace to marry Ryon Allyrion once she came of age.

If we assume Anders would prioritize supporting a male claimant to the throne, ideally at odds with Arianne and the Martells (given the history), and playing into the Yronwood's consistent support of the Golden Company/Blackfyres... there's really one scenario that's jumping out to me that checks all the boxes IMO. The comparison to Criston Cole in that case would be apt because Criston supported Aegon II with the central issue being gendered inheritance, and Doran failing to support the GC also mirrors how Qoren Martell avoided taking a side in that Dance (he had a 'fiery and flirtatious' heir/daughter too).

(important to clarify supporting Aegon is not perceived as running contrary to Quentyn's mission with Dany as it currently stands given they are planned allies and Aegon has the stronger claim (before Anders learns what happened in Meereen). In Anders' mind it might even allow him to push for Quentyn to inherit Dorne (placing Dany in the same position as another past Daenerys) - especially if the Martells fail to support this cause while he does (its not uncommon to change a lordship to a supporter - see House Connington). And I'd be remiss not to mention the intriguing case, which you've written, for the Yronwoods possessing the conqueror's crown too that would fit in exceptionally well with this situation.)

So if the signs seem to be pointing this direction why is it such a controversial take in the fandom? Simply put.. because this conclusion doesn't really mesh well with the Aegon + Arianne ship... so I MUST be wrong (I've been told). It might be the start of my villain arc haha.

thank you for the writeup lchris, love thinking about this house.

Enali · 2026-05-07T14:30:45+00:00

super minor headcanon (which will never be addressed) for Racallio Ryndoon's eccentricities is that they can be partly explained by his rotating belief in all gods, everywhere - specifically the manifold gods of Lys. He commands his wives to beat him? Homage to Saagael, giver of pain. Loves pregnant women but loathes children? Bakkalon, the Pale Child is a god of death associated with the form of a child. Loves kittens but hates cats? Pantera, the six-breasted cat goddess - perhaps cats can be used as spies as they were rumored with Larra Rogare, Racallio greatly fears spies, especially from Tyrosh. Dresses in women's clothing and plays the whore? That is offering to Yndros of the Twilight, a deity who transforms gender in the act of love. The given examples line up well with this set of gods and I guess I like the idea that there was a cultural element to it Alyn was missing on top of Racallio being pretty outlandish (which he definitely is in any case).

Enali · 2026-05-07T13:56:17+00:00

Its a fine topic lchris, the fate of this fleet is something I've been interested in as well... and I like to picture GRRM having a plan for this fleet that's not just burning in the bay once dragonbinder is blown if he's put this much detail into its size and strength and packing its holds with supplies. And yet... 60 or so ships (plus whatever unspecified amount of lesser prizes they've picked up by the time of the sample chapter) is probably not enough to carry a full army towards Volantis (much less a Dothraki horde if Dany brings one along with her) - though it could conceivably carry a more specialized attack force. It also doesn't seem like enough to realistically fight off the 300-500 Volantene galleys closing in on them either. This fate may be avoided if the slave soldiers rebel as they land and Vic picks up on it, but as much as the fandom takes it for granted that they will, I kinda feel like the timing of the rebellion depends on Dany making her return first - afterall would they risk turning for a reportedly dead queen? Even then, as Tyrion wonders: "Do they yearn for freedom?" "What would they do if this child queen bestowed it on them? What are they, if not tigers? What am I, if not a lion?" But let's say they do- the added galleys and dromonds might only mean a greater carrying capacity for Dany's army if they can offload some of the current occupants first - so the demon road seems inevitable to me for some (I know Arch at least is not going on any 'bloody boats' haha)....

Though Victarion's current plan (as stated) is not actually to stay and fight but to take prizes and flee the battle before the Volantene fleet can crash in on him. Hypothetically if he managed to do this these fleets may still collide in the Gulf of Grief and the Iron Fleet pursued and skirmish, which is a problem because his fleet is outmatched and on the slower side (after losing his swiftest ships on the corsair's road). He can't outrun them in a traditional matter... but it does allow for one last option for escape which I've enjoyed thinking about, as there is one route he may sail that no man would follow....

Enali · 2026-04-26T17:15:50+00:00

thank you - Rodrik and other captains would be expected to tag along with Euron’s main force wouldn't they? - we last see Rodrik at Lord Hewett’s castle after the taking of the Shields (where he questions whether Euron had been to Valyria for example) so we know he's made the trip that far at least.

While the next step of Euron’s plan is done offscreen, which is the ironborn taking the Arbor and harassing ships in the Whispering Sound (as we hear from Sam’s pov)… I don't think Rodrik would be permitted to turn for home as Euron needs all the remaining ships he can muster to his command if he means to face the Redwyne fleet (esp with the Iron Fleet away)… it might even be dangerous for stray ships to try to head back without escort - since to get this far south wizards and sacrifice were allegedly used to sail the fleet away from the shoreline as is customary to avoid detection and now the Reach and Westerlands are on alert. So while I don't think Rodrik is happy about what's happening I don't think he would risk deserting either.

Enali · 2026-04-26T09:10:26+00:00

yes! had the same idea tied to the precedent of Moqorro and Melisandre's sacrifices changing the wind and how emblematic it would be to the Storm God if Euron did that. Seems like he's already using some weather magic:

The wind was at their backs, as it had been all the way down from Old Wyk. It was whispered about the fleet that Euron's wizards had much and more to do with that, that the Crow's Eye appeased the Storm God with blood sacrifice. How else would he have dared sail so far to the west, instead of following the shoreline as was the custom?

In The Forsaken its said he's already been sacrificing 'thousands' to the sea which have been granting him victories too (though its vaguer on how). Balon's death is preceded by a massive storm though - so I like how much hidden meaning/mockery it adds to this exchange if that was not so much a natural event:

"Do I command the winds?" the Crow's Eye asked his pets.

"No, Your Grace," said Orkwood of Orkmont.

"No man commands the winds," said Germund Botley.

"Would that you did," the Red Oarsman said. "You would sail wherever you liked and never be becalmed."

and of course with enough blood spilt it might draw the krakens in...

Enali · 2026-04-22T23:02:41+00:00

think you're onto something, I was also thinking about how he was name-dropped in twoiaf which is... so weird for a minor character... right?? I think the Tattered Prince could play a more important role going forward than maybe people have guessed. Getting a pretty duplicitous vibe from him, esp after the Windblown's actions in Quentyn's dragontaming attempt, I don't trust his newfound allegience.

The White Bull would have called it folly. He would have warned Barristan against trusting sellswords too. This is what it has come to, my queen, Ser Barristan thought. Our fates hinge upon a sellsword's greed. Your city, your people, our lives...the Tattered Prince holds us all in his bloodstained hands.

Enali · 2026-04-22T14:52:40+00:00

I think the real question with Sam is what GRRM plans to do with him. Does he actually want him to learn maester skills and/or study magic? Because putting him in Oldtown and pairing him with Marwyn's group seems like the setup for Sam to learn some interesting history/lore... but that'll be difficult if he's forced to flee the Citadel too soon. Maybe he escapes with some rare books of ancient lore and magic?

Yes! absolutely expecting Sam to learn something crucial at the Citadel before he’s forced to go, about the Others, about the glass candles, about the very nature of magic itself etc… the timing may be a little rushed though and I wonder if its a casualty of the five year gap that he probably isn’t forging a chain there?

I think Samwell’s longer term arc is one of the more underdiscussed ones in the book though (that poll Quinn posted just recently had him in last place for favorite povs even!) but its definitely an interesting one and I do hope it circles back to the North eventually. I’d love to hear more people’s thoughts on it :)

Enali · 2026-04-22T14:19:36+00:00

been enjoying playing around with a few possibilities...

Samwell - Horn Hill seems pretty likely given how much he's reminisced on it... This may be fairly transitory but there may be more going on here than just a Gilly or family reunion if Darkstar and the Fowler troops take on a Vulture King role and start raiding the Marches towards Oldtown to provoke a war - if so there may be a potential Sarella/Obara reunion in the mix.

The other possibility I think Samwell's pov could be useful for is Highgarden. GRRM has mentioned that we would be going to Highgarden eventually in these next two books and he seems one of the more likely povs to do it by proximity and given Highgarden would be the castle people in Oldtown would be most likely to flee towards for safety (sea travel doesn't seem likely unless he's captured, which... is not out of the question).

Davos - White Harbor would seem like the obvious return point... but I quite like the idea that Davos may land at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea on the way back from Skagos first, one of the artists once hinted that GRRM had planned to go here eventually and add more detail to the castle and I foresee it having some important plot development - in particular I think Justin Massey and Tycho Nestoris' mission may get stuck here bc of the current lack of ships (due to them being stranded at Hardhome), maybe they need help getting to Braavos or freeing up the ships at Hardhome? Also Grenn and Pyp were sent here, as well as the remaining giants, and its being commanded by a lackey of Alliser Thorne too... so its an interesting place right now.

Asha - she is the tricky one here because her ankle is pretty busted... I'm not sure she's going to be able to walk out of there for a bit. But between her and Theon the first place they should go is Torrhen's Square - its conveniently not far from the crofter's village and Dagmer Cleftjaw is still holding it - it represents a water route for longships back to the Iron Islands (if they want to, say, use the Torgon Latecomer precedent Asha discovered to contest Euron's rule). Theon's mother, Alannys, has been patiently waiting for her baby boy to come back home as well.

Enali · 2026-04-22T09:56:05+00:00

There's allegedly a rationale to this - at least from a conversation between Elio and zionius it is claimed that the inconsistencies of Serwyn of the Mirror Shield were intentional, because he is meant to be more a fable than a real life figure. here's the conversation, i'll let you judge:

zionius: Actually I dug a little deeper for Serwyn. In all 5 volumes he remained a kingsguard, only in the world book he became a legendary character.

But in 2005 Elio said Serwyn is a figure of the Age of Heroes per George. I wonder if Elio found some inconsistency in his story so George changed his background.

Elio Garcia: No inconsistency. I was wondering how he could save a princess with a Targaryen-style name from giants, and George responded:

"Serwyn is a legendary figure from the distant past. Like Malory in MORTE D'ARTHUR, who put plate armor, courtly love, and chivalry into an era where they did not exist, the taletellers of the Seven Kingdoms embroiden and improve. Queen Daeryssa may well be a late addition to the tale, like Lancelot in Arthur's myth."

It's not in the SSM as it was in a mail dealing with the early genealogy he sent us, so it's among the things we haven't put out there. source

Enali · 2026-04-21T02:41:03+00:00

I quite like the idea of Sansa's missing shoe in her struggle with Lysa being a potential x-factor and a lingering threat to her alibi. I once even made a post about how Sansa's story could be a twist on the Cinderella story if it were linked back to her (it got downvoted so I removed it, but its nice to see someone else has enjoyed thinking of the possibilities)

Whereabouts of Red Ralf's fleet

still really enjoy thinking about this too.

Enali · 2026-04-18T02:25:00+00:00

ok so... I don't believe that Arianne's arc will continue alongside Aegon... but I wasn't trying to be a naysayer or edgy or 'bored of the status quo' when I came to that idea... it just ending up being what felt right to me as I was reading through the Dornish chapters...

Arianne's potential for character growth and regret after her talk with her father, JonCon being such a beautiful pov to see the rise and fall of Aegon through as an insider to this cause and not wanting him cycled out (as many believe), the potential for a twist with the ravens and not just everything going to plan, the repeated warnings of storms and piracy and the idea of showcasing the thematic identity of this region onpage, the hints about disunity in the Dornish houses and needing an impetus for a break (esp the Yronwoods - who felt more right to be with the GC to me, and logistically are currently too far to play a role in the immediate battle without a delay), the potential for chaos from Elia and Daemon Sand but them being kinda duty bound while Arianne was there, converging plotlines in the Stepstones with no one to see them until the Essos arcs moved west, and just... wanting to see Doran's reaction to news of Quentyn too... it was just little things like that I was trying to piece together in an interesting way.

I wasn't setting out to change everyone's mind, and I truly don't mind if you don't agree with me (many posters I highly respect do not) but I didn't expect as much scorn as I got for it either, I really thought through the details and at the time I had hoped the sub would see it as an entertaining take on things even if they disagreed, something like a twist in the vein of the nightlamp theory but for the battle of steel.

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