ASOIAF Theory: The North Remembers, or, All Your Rivers Are Belong To Us

QuarterMaester Map: quartermaester.info/
Rawrist on Manderly:
• House Manderly: Books ...
• Wyman Manderly's True ...
RadioWesteros on The North Remembers:
• Radio Westeros E19 - T...
Preston Jacobs:
On the North: • North Videos
On Petyr Baelish: • Littlefinger Videos
On The Faceless Men: • Faceless Men

[@DoReMi123acb]

This makes so much sense. Remember the siege of Duskendale? That event all began because of Maritime trade.

[@naughtiusmaximus8339]

+Egie Asemota The Defiance of Duskendale started because Lord Darklyn refused to pay his taxes and wanted Duskendale to receive a town charter.

[@DoReMi123acb]

+Praetorian Gaming yes, it was taxes. they once had a profitable port but Kings landing became more profitable and they had less money to pay taxes.

[@BelieveInUrself93]

I really love the idea that Wyman Manderly watches his weight to not participate directly on the battlefields so he could play to his real strengths. I think that's genius. Great vid, got a subscriber out of me :)

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Alex Park Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@hamarbiljungskile8953]

+AnAmericanThinks Imagine Wyman Manderly pulling an Uncle Iroh and revealing himself to be buff as hell. That'd be fun, as improbable as it is.

[@anamericanthinks472]

Hamarbi Ljungskile LOL.

[@iko5698]

+Alex Park In theory yes but I dunno, that theory does have its downsides. Wouldn't he just be eating himself to an early grave during a fairly peaceful decade after Robert's ascension without any real wars going on, so nothing there to avoid? Unless he saw the war coming beforehand I guess which would support the theory of him working with Littlefinger, but still I don't know, it seems too convenient.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Cocoa99 I guess this depends on whether the people living in this world conceive of personal health in the way we do today where we understand that obesity can lead to a variety of health issues down the road, such as cardiac disease, etc. I'm guessing this is doubtful. Also, wars in this world can spring up from a variety of reasons and it's not like Manderly would have advance notice to start stuffing himself and gain weight so he doesn't have to go to war; he's gotta maintain a certain weight so that he always has his excuse ready.

[@joshuamoberly4974]

House Manderly has to be by far my favorite of the "lesser" noble houses in the series. After giving this a listen, I'm even more convinced of that. You sir, have earned my future viewings.

[@michaelcoulter1114]

Most of the GoT channels seem to watch each others videos for inspiration, but don't cite the other channel as the inspiration for their own video on a subject. You did, citing Preston, then laid out a video that had an original premise, that more channels should take note of - that trade is the most frequent motivation for conflict in any society. Very well done, you've earned a subscriber. Have you considered that Manderly might be intending to marry Sansa to one of his sons, thereby gaining legitimacy in the eyes of the other Northern lords, and gaining the power for his own family without the time limit of a regency? Just a thought 😃

[@datsweetsansabooty]

I'm not to savvy on the books but I don't believe that northerners know that baelish has sansa hidden in the vale as he's parading her as her bastard daughter and she is using a different name. In the show we have yet to see manderly although I've heard he might appear this season and I doubt the show would go in that direction

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Michael Coulter Wyman only has one surviving son, who is married. He does have some granddaughters who could be married to a Stark male. But I think that whatever marriage is negotiated with a ruler of winterfell will be negotiated by whoever ends up being King of the 7 Kingdoms. That's far too powerful of a marriage for the king to not be involved.

[@michaelcoulter1114]

AnAmericanThinks Lol, I'm re-reading the books, and trying to re-watch the shows in preparation for the next season, looks like I'd better get on with it! I've enjoyed both theory videos so far, keep up the good work!

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Michael Coulter Thanks! Glad you're enjoying them.

[@HolasoyMai]

Trade isn't the most frequent motivation for conflict, it is the opposite. That's why European countries stopped warring each other, because they started trading with each other more.

[@kirstenmcintosh5899]

"Running around the north, trying to be king." Best description of Stannis I've heard.

[@DoReMi123acb]

These should be the mottos of ASOIAF: Cash Rules Everything Around Me (CREAM) Knowledge is Power

[@karlbushtheII]

Not north of the wall. Cash has no power there.

[@datsweetsansabooty]

And as cersei told baelish, power is power. Varys also had a great point, power resides where men believe it resides.

[@Markgangzta]

Boring fantasy physical geography can turn into awesome political intrigue real fast. Great video.

[@jimsbox9219]

My thoughts exactly. He did a great job using economics to support his theory. I love stuff like this. It would be really cool if George added some additional economics related info in the next book.

[@DiCleverly]

"Under the sea the mermen feast on starfish soup, and all the serving men are crabs." Excellent analysis +AnAmericanThinks Please make more! :)

[@ramonalejandrosuare]

Is that a patchface riddle?

[@DiCleverly]

Yes indeed Ramon Suarez​.

[@ramonalejandrosuare]

Di Cleverly Wow, Martin is fucking boss. Any other ones I should be on the lookout for?

[@DiCleverly]

I know, right Ramon Suarez​​? GRRM is the best at leaving cluez! Some of Patchfaces prophecies have already happened, like the red wedding one, "Fool's blood, King's blood, blood on the maiden's thigh, but chains for the guest, and chains for the bridegroom, aye, aye, aye" but there is one that Patchface said up at the Wall: "I will lead it! We will march into the sea and out again. Under the waves we will blow seashells to announce our coming". I've no clue what it means, but it sounds like foreshadowing the battle for the Dawn to me. What do you think it could be? :)

[@ramonalejandrosuare]

Di Cleverly Funny, I've been thinking about that particular prophecy after your Sir Manderly/Davos Seaworth post reignited my unhealthy Patchface prophecy obsession (He's the key to the whole thing, damnit!). The quote, "Under the waves we will ride seahorses, and mermaids will blow seashells to announce our coming, oh, oh, oh" makes it seem like the War of the Dawn will he super-epic. But what if its not supposed to be taken literally but figuratively in the way "mermen feasting on starfish soup" isn't really about actual mermen but Manderly's devouring Boltons? In this interpretation an invasion/"coming" of Stannis forces will come with Manderly support on Valeryan (Seahorse sigil) ships? Aurane Waters, a Valeryan bastard, has a nice big naval fleet, thanks to Cersei. He abandoned the Lannisters when he heard she was imprisoned and his house was allied with Stannis in the War of Five Kings....

[@hellstorme]

+AnAmericanThinks This is a good video. I like it a lot, you focused on the economics of the story, rather than making wild leaps in logic and potraying everyone as power-hungry, just as many people in the world of ASoIaF are greedy for money as much as power. Just as many people want to be House Lannister 2.0 rather than House Targaryen 2.0. No offense intended to Preston Jacobs, he catches some things I miss, but when Preston doesn't fill in gaps, he leaps over them to construct his theories. I think the other phrase to remember is something OTHER people said regarding House Stark. From Maester Luwin, to all the vassal houses (besides Bolton), and even Catelyn to Rob, have at least uttered the phrase once 'there must always be a Stark in Winterfell'. My thought process: The North has always been a military threat in the 7 Kingdoms , even during Aegon's conquest. Aegon brought all the other Kingdoms, and all 3 dragons to deal with the North, or convince them to surrender. It worked, but realize what that means. All the other kingdoms combined with 3 giant dragons and 3 (possibly magic wielding) Valyrians with magic swords... For one Kingdom? And only then did they 'bend the knee'? Not only that, but we see that even in times of Chaos that the North can field an army of size and strength that rivals that of the Lannisters and the Stormlands, possibly even combined. (Both Stannis and Tywin were equally intimidated by Rob's army.) Yet the Starks never really leave Winterfell, or seek conquest or glory, not like the Iron Born. The Starks seem content to manage, adjudicate, and 'rule' the North. They are not the wealthiest house, or even that wealthy. They make sure everyone has what they need, and that no one is screwing other people over. I think all the other houses at one time envied house Stark because of that power it grants them, but they see that with the Boltons in power, the 'balance' of power in the North is tilted. I think some people want the status quo back, and want to eliminate one of the houses that attempted to alter it. Sure, at one point Wyman probably thought 'hey I could totally rule the North and make even more money' but then after seeing the Boltons rise to power, and the targets that immediately got painted on their backs because of it, realizes the best way to make money and control power is to not be the guy at the top. Something the Starks probably realized thousands of years ago. Other little hints that come are some of the philosophy of ruling Ned leaks and teaches his sons... 'The man that passes judgement should be the one to swing the sword.' Etc. That concept that ruling, keeping the peace, and keeping the status quo so that no one is really in control over the other houses directly is what seemed to run the North for thousands of years. And it was only the unlawful killing of Starks by Southerners that could rile them up enough to rally behind the Starks. Imagine if Ned/Rob had attempted to call in the banners as soon as they 'figured out' it was Tyrion that had attempted to assassinate Bran, and to march on King's Landing or Casterly Rock. The North would have been like 'um, wtf, no? handle that your damn selves'. But attempting to kill the family that has done a great job ruling the North for thousands of years? 'Oh fuck no son, they let us do what we want, and now we want to fuck you up for fucking with them.' It seems to be a very Libertarian system in the North. And right now, with the Bolton's in power, it is no longer a Free Market based on competition.

[@deleteduser121]

the free market sucks

[@anamericanthinks472]

Hey, sorry I didn't see this until now, these are great comments! Thank you for watching.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+ryler05 Only if you aren't a Manderly.

[@DefinitleyNotATroll]

@ryler05 y

[@idideleven]

+AnAmericanThinks great video looking forward to hearing more from you

[@sormeki5638]

Let's not forget the possibility of Jon as well. Robb did name him as his legal heir in his will before the Red Wedding. Assuming the will made it north, and there is no reason to believe it didn't. Once Jon is revived he is technically Jon Stark, King in the North. At least according to the last will of the previous Stark king, and thereby any house still loyal to the Starks. Such as Umber and Manderly.

[@rebaivs189]

You managed to have me interested when there was mostly just geography and politics involved. Kuddos.

[@donwitt]

Well played Ser

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Don The Kraken Witt Thanks!

[@Cedie1230]

+Planetside o'fun He's set for a curbstomp in the books

[@markbrady2828]

Possibly one of the smartest and thought out theory I've read in a while. Subscribed!

[@anamericanthinks472]

+mark brady Thanks!

[@WorthlessWinner]

20:00 Rickon would be the best option because he's the youngest leading to more time as regent :P

[@Prof16440]

This is a beautifully captivating analysis. Thank you for this. From a one fan to another.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Lawrence N Thanks!

[@ashtton_tapiwa]

I don't think any other ASOIAF theorist/analyst has ever explored these particular angles you have presented. Very compelling, and very plausible.

[@prof.cecilycogsworth3204]

I've watched this video twice and bookmarked it for reference. Thank you for your work! And, yes, I've subbed.

[@BurningMad]

Manderley can maintain control over Rickon longer than just being regent. He has two granddaughters he can marry to Rickon and control the North that way.

[@sampagano205]

My expectation is that the last river is the border between the Karstark holdings and the Bolton holdings. Thus also adding it being a contested border between two houses as part of the reason why they won't really be a trade hub, likely double the interference from local lords looking to make a quick buck.

[@Alpha1200]

I'd seen this video a year ago or something and I was reminded of it today due to the importance of rivers in a documentary about real-life that I just watched and I spent about an hour or more trying to find this video again. I think that should tell people something about how interesting I thought it was. Mostly because the economics underlying these ideas just feel like they're just drenched in Martin's thinking and real-life economics and their effect on history. Which I think is a way of looking at the series that a lot of youtubers really only superficially address.

[@marghelback1]

This is a brilliant assessment of what's happening in the North as far as the books are at. I love this video - please keep producing more. This was really detailed and thought provoking, you stayed on topic and, well, looking forward to the next. Thank you

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Margo Thanks! I've got the next one planned out; I just need to find time in my schedule to put it together.

[@dionysues7449]

Why haven't I found you sooner!? Awesome video man. keep it up

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Nate Kawasaki Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@silvanapopa]

THIS. I like this. Really looking forward to your future videos!

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Silvana Popa Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@only_one_chrisfantazzi]

Preston is awesome. I really liked your video and hope you continue to make them. I look forward to your next.

[@kingdomcome1617]

You earned another subscriber here. Well done sir. Looking forward to your next video.

[@icandoboth]

Wow, really good video! Please do more (on any topic actually, though I'm especially interested in this plot). Thanks!

[@ZackyDaley]

sweet thank you. been needing some more ASOIAF theories

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Zackery Daley Thanks!

[@adidamle]

Very very good video! Looking forward to more such unseen content. You have a new sub :)

[@anamericanthinks472]

+adidamle Thanks! I've got it in progress.

[@HebrewsElevenTwentyFive]

I would love to know your angle on how Stannis thinking Manderly killed Davos will affect the up coming story. Remember, Stannis isn't aware that Davos isn't dead... He says in Dance: "I sent my knight to parley with Lord too fat and where is he now?" That issue could cause a huge wedge in Manderly's master plan...

[@paulmccallum4801]

Really like this video. Well done, Ser!

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Paul McCallum Thank you!

[@BlueBlonde267]

Enjoyed! Waiting for more, more, MORE.

[@johnjimenez4881]

Hi I just stumbled on to one of your videos only watched 2 vids so far and you already mentioned 4 out of 6 of my got youtubers,and now I have 7 .You make great videos and I'm subscribing thanks.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+john jimenez Thanks!

[@nickabeta]

Wow, much more interesting than I expected. thanks

[@Giamcomo]

Not bad, much of the beginning I had surmised without knowledge of the rivers, but i like where you went with it

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Zachary Kool Glad you liked it!

[@kaseyduhon]

Great vid looking forward to more

[@SaltyMinorcan]

Wow just found this channel. Really good.

[@gamiezion]

1 minute in and you already bored me to tears. well done.

[@ctglxy]

Your analysis is extremely well thought through, focused & concise. Excellent presentation! I hope to hear similarly structured 'situational' analyses for ASoIaF 'realities' & events going forward ;) Again great job! Also, thanks for sharing the reference links in the description. BTW, you might like 'The Revenge of Geography' by Robert D. Kaplan (2012) or 'Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin' by Timothy D. Snyder (2010). Both are great and horrifying reads but both helped me see a notion of "history repeats itself " within the constraints and opportunities of the land itself - the permanence of the mountain range or the span of the plain. Mirri Maz Duur's perverse declaration that change will occur "... when the mountains blow in the wind like leaves" seemed even more vile and cruel when I recalled these two books.

[@dvest_slack_rs833]

Another great vid. I'm glad to be one of your early subscribers and be able (I guess priviledged) to watch your channel grow. A dozen videos down the line you'll then ask for patreon support to fund an hd web cam or something. Just calling it.☺

[@anamericanthinks472]

+dvest_slack_rs Glad you're enjoying it!

[@user-hb2sq9my2w]

I like the perspective of this video. Economics is a driving force of the game of thrones, and I think it is often overlooked. It also reveals some of the motivations of Roose Bolton other than him being a sociopath. It lays a practical groundwork for a Manderly/Umber conspiracy as well. You mentioned Manderly's cunning in tricking Roose Bolton, but I think it's implied in Dance of Dragons that Roose is very aware of Manderly's deceit. He puts the Manderlys and Umbers on the front lines when he counterattacks Theon's rescuers.

[@superfunny153]

you have just earned a subscriber... excellent work

[@anamericanthinks472]

+The King in the North Thanks!

[@hollycooper7177]

Just found this- very, very intriguing. Economics and power go together nicely. I now am thinking Manderly is planning ahead. Sansa could be paired up with one of his sons...thank you for an excellent video!

[@atro-city]

I find it really hard to like asoiaf/got KZbinrs, most of them are overrated hacks who pander to the show watching crowd, have no new original ideas, and just read the wiki and the subreddit and that's how they get their content, but you and Preston are one of the few that I can still get behind.

[@threeeyedgoddess7635]

excellent geopolitical analysis thanks

[@Xojzk12]

Nice video Man really enjoyed it,

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Xojzk12 Thanks!

[@dfair101]

+AnAmericanThinks Agreed. Have my subscription Ser

[@mione3690]

I must say that I love this vid and all you've analysed. Question though: what is that plopping/clicking sound?

[@clantoriador8397]

Would like to see your theories on the underlying economic motivations of the other regions/houses of Westeros.

[@stimulanttree]

Thanks for this video. Got a lot of interesting information from it

[@k8idid]

Great job. I love the information graphics. You have a wonderful presentation voice.

[@k8idid]

In places that you say, "you can see-"'or anything about let's say, timber, town or mouth of some river or another, I'd love to see some identification marks. That'll be a little more tech, but would be so fun to watch.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+TrueStory good point, I'll try to put more of those in the next one.

[@lebiblex8446]

i propose to rename that theory to "hipitty hopitty your rivers are my property"

[@CouragePope]

This was a good video you are pretty insightful and one day when I raise an army I'll need thinkers like you to help.

[@anamericanthinks472]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@reachinghigher4259]

"...and because they're, well, Boltons." Seems rational. XD

[@vihrenstoev5540]

Great one! Go on!

[@CommonSenseABC]

Class vid! You're gonna be the next PJ!

[@anamericanthinks472]

+CommonSenseABC Well, I'm not sure about that; PJ is pretty good at what he does. I'm just enjoying myself and glad to be part of the fandom!

[@mancerayder5751]

Excellent analysis!

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Mance Rayder Thank you!

[@hubblito]

Great video. Never put a lot of thought behind the rivers in the North before, but this breakdown explains the motives behind the politics going on!

[@boulikmacboulinkton9010]

new to the channel and im suprised by the quality of this video!

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Boulik Macboulinkton Thanks!

[@Brando64]

Wonderful, clever _and _ funny! You're really good at explaining things, you've got yourself another subscriber. I salute you. sir.....

[@RNAsinn]

Great video, you just made a new subscriber :-)

[@theColJessep]

Very good video. Keep thinking... loudly! =3

[@sergeib1233]

Great theory. very well researched and thought out.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Sergei B Thanks!

[@atomicsunrise85]

Good stuff, like the trade & resource perspective, which is usually the most important part of conquering & power plays. Good on you for noting the 2 other utube ice & fire channels I watch, Preston Jacobs & Rawrist! Can't wait to check out 1000 worlds, I just prefer hard copies over digital.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Atomic Sunrise They're both great! I highly recommend them. Thanks for watching!

[@Zenith_123]

Good job m8, the geopolitics of ASoIaF would be mint!

[@anamericanthinks472]

+HackFrauds Thanks!

[@DoubleBob]

DUDE! Here are some things you should look up: Equalizer, compressor, normalization, noise removal, pop shield.

[@jonathansnow2843]

Typically I don't sub to theory makers or anything similar due to clogging up the list of content makers I watch often. However, this is so well done I have elected to ignore that and you have earned another sub today. Very well done Ser.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Jonathan Snow Hey thanks! I appreciate it.

[@csuderburg8389]

Well done. Love your take on Manderly's corpulence as a strategy to avoid military service. Brilliant! And GRRM is a bit chubby too. 😉

[@anamericanthinks472]

+C Suderburg Thanks!

[@jameskluxen6723]

Pretty solid geographic analysis. You could’ve also mentioned that Lord Hornwood asked Robb to dam the White Knife to add to the significance of it.

[@anamericanthinks472]

Wow, six years later and finally someone pointed this out to me! Amazing observation! I wish I could have addressed this in the original video, or even the follow-up. It ties in beautifully with everything going on here, and the interplay between the Manderly and Hornwood families.

[@jameskluxen6723]

@@anamericanthinks472 Agreed! Sorry it hasn’t come up sooner! I’ll have to check out the follow-up as well! Wanted to ask your opinion about a geographic question if you have a minute: Why does no one try to build a port on the east side of the Neck south of Moat Caitlin? The quickest way across Westeros east to west is by the Twins and the Freys would certainly contribute to such an effort. Though it seems like the Vale owns the area in question and terrain likely doesn’t support it. But still. Seems geographically efficient as a trade route.

[@Tranewreck17]

Great video!

[@Akainela]

Nice summery , nice analysis and good audio quality. Please continue, I really liked your style of presentation. However I have a question, you said Mannerly would gain control of the Dreadfort and of Harwood lands, if his scheming is successful. Isn't it more likely that the Ubers gain control of the Dreadfort? You showed their interest because of the Last River

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Akainela Good question. To me control of the Weeping Water comes down to two things; control of the Dreadfort (with land forces) and control of the river itself with naval forces. Control of the river is the easiest assumption to make, since the Umbers don't appear to have significant naval forces; in fact, they were complaining to Ser Rodrik that the wildlings were raiding their coasts, so we know that they don't have a sufficient navy to protect themselves against wildlings, much less a rival navy. So the Manderly's with their fleet of ships will almost certainly be able to take control of the river. Control of the Dreadfort would essentially fall to which ever army gets there first. If you go back and look at the map again, the Umbers will either have to march all the way from Winterfell - where we know they have land forces - or they have to march down from Last Hearth, and to do that they have to march all the way around or through a mountain range. Meanwhile, the Manderly's also have forces at Winterfell, but they also have men in the Hornwood who have been skirmishing with Bolton men. So it would be a relatively easy march for them from the Hornwood to the Dreadfort. So I think the Manderly's get there first with naval power and with land power, so they end up getting the Dreadfort.

[@KozKumez6549]

Good video, wonderful logic. I like it :)

[@masonduke5647]

Excellent insights, keep it up

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Mason Duke Thanks!

[@datsweetsansabooty]

Great video, you've earned another subscriber good sir

[@anamericanthinks472]

+datsweetsansabooty Thanks!

[@xHugoxN7]

Very well done and thought out.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+xHugoxN7 Thanks!

[@Fruzhin5483]

+AnAmericanThinks isn't Stannis dead

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Vali Rusev If you're watching the show, it must certainly seem so. I make these videos primarily from the perspective of the books, so you will probably find some discrepancies between my theories and the show.

[@zenmasterfu]

Great work. More evidence that GRRM thinks a lot about rivers and trade can be found in Fevre Dream, his fantastic vampire novel.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+zenmasterfu Ah, I will have to look into that, since I have only read ASOIAF, and now reading the Thousand Worlds stories in Preston's book club.

[@mikeplaysit]

Holy shit. That torturous sound is in THIS video too! Man. These are SUCH GOOD VIDEOS. You have such a knack for narration and are obviously able to make great videos. Only to have it ruined by that damn tapping. UGH

[@JxJ97]

Definitely showing people this!

[@anamericanthinks472]

+JxJ97 Thanks!

[@developmentalist]

Yup, me too. I got nephews into the series and now they are maybe even more into it than me.

[@Hyperventilacion]

Good vid, I always thought that Roose was a "evil" just because he looks like Hannibal (Mads), but you put a pretty interesting and valid theory here, I'm studying history and yes, this shit happens mostly for socioeconomics and geopolitics that are not easy to see in the bare eye.

[@idealistmoon]

fantastic video

[@troubletbubble]

This is great. Could you do a theory video on the Reeds and/or Littlefinger?

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Taryn Roberts Thank you! I've got a few theories I thinking of putting into video; Littlefinger isn't one of them unfortunately, but I will mention crannogmen in my upcoming video so stay tuned.

[@asfafffww88]

You should do a video about the geopolitics of ASOIAF! :)

[@anamericanthinks472]

+IZVERGAT88 Thanks! I've actually been thinking this over.

[@mcassady46]

Great video! Love the idea that Wyman can control all four rivers. I see him supporting the Starks as well. If he chooses to support Rickon (which makes the most sense), he can then marry Wynafryd or Willa to Rickon and solidify his position in the North. Wyman is in my top two favorite show snubs (the other being the Rooster, Jon Connington). Hope we get to see him in action next season. His son was at the Red Wedding in the show, and it seems they're doing a lot of North Remembers, so we have a chance to see him!

[@anamericanthinks472]

+mike cassady While I do enjoy the show, I've always known I wouldn't enjoy it as much as the books. There's simply no way a TV show can capture so much subtlety. But I think HBO is doing as good of a job as anyone can. Thanks for watching!

[@kentlundhlanden2990]

@@anamericanthinks472 This didn't age well...

[@nitzky8920]

15:54 The other big reason why House Manderly can't openly proclaim themselves rulers in the North is the fact that they are originally a southern house and still follow the Faith of the Seven.

[@LiquidSwan]

Good work. I subscribed

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Norman Swan Thanks!

[@AnnaMarieSantos]

Just discovered your channel..Nice vid..

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Annamarie Santos Glad you enjoyed it!

[@donkey20]

I happen to believe that lord Wyman is actually a diehard Stark loyalist. Reading what he says about the debt the Manderlys owe the Starks, ..."a debt that can never be repaid." sends shivers down my spine every time I read it. I also feel Wyman realizes that the will no longer be a King in the north, and that he wants Rickon to merely be a lord and warden of the north, perhaps marrying one of lord Wyman's granddaughters.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Yos Facej He might be a true Stark loyalist; if so that would be a nice change from the status quo of virtually every character in ASOIAF. I'm merely pointing out that he has SIGNIFICANT economic incentive to be a "Stark loyalist", or at least, to pay lip service to being a Stark loyalist and encourage others to do the same.

[@Dadecorban]

Growing season advantages are negated somewhat by the geophysics of Planetos. The only planting season that will be shorter, should be the last one prior to winter, rather than a yearly disadvantage, and perhaps winter abates last further north.

[@leeh1ful]

wow nice vid mate, would love to see Stannis put Rikkon in Winterfell and Manderly run the trade, Just have to get through the battle first and be rid of the Boltons as they drown in the frozen lake

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Lee Hanney Glad you enjoyed it! You won't find much love for the Boltons on this channel. Or in the fandom in general. Or in Westeros for that matter...

[@arkano18cl]

Dude, this is brilliant.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Juan Irrazabal Thanks!

[@spazemunky]

Well done

[@bestofbyte7732]

great theory. makes a lot of sense

[@maxben3391]

Well done! The Manderlays were always my favourite side side characters and I can't wait for them to become more central to the story. As a Jew I just love the narrative of a merchant family that gets exiled from their homes and just rebuilds themselves stronger than before somewhere else. Also being the only southerner Lord in the North, being culturally different than his surroundings.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Maxben L Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I really like the Manderly's as well; I come from a business background, so anything that has to do with economics catches my attention.

[@Mikemcintyre19]

Really good stuff.

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Mike McIntyre Thanks!

[@radfem28]

Please make more videos!

[@johnmorgan2977]

Amazing theory

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Jemly morg Thanks!

[@daniel43160]

Good video,keep it up !

[@anamericanthinks472]

+daniel43160 Thanks!

[@wiskeeamazingdancer4964]

Great job

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Wiskee AmazingDancer Thanks!

[@wellwood494]

Cool video, great insight. I'd of course love it if Rickon is who they save haha, or hopefully they just team up with Jon Snow, ala the last episode of season 6.

[@jdw99]

Hmm, think about Weyman Manderly... a stout bearded man with a nautical affinity who is craftily making plans that nobody suspects until the big reveal... kind of sounds like he might be a stand-in character for GRRM, no?

[@anamericanthinks472]

+jdw99 We'll, I've theorized that he's a stand-in for Haviland Tuf from GRRM's Tuf Voyaging series. Who I see as having pretty substantial overlap with GRRM himself. So I guess I don't disagree with you :)

[@jgiledw]

well done!!

[@anamericanthinks472]

+Ser Lt Giles Thanks!

[@rhynlock11]

nice theory, and it makes a lot of sense as it gives Rickon a better role than the one of bait. too bad the show writers only introduced the Manderlys until the season finale where all of this is unvalid (in the show at least) except the part that they have complete control of the economy now that the Boltons are gone