HS=HR: is the High Sparrow secretly Howland Reed?

In Game of Thrones / ASOIAF, is the High Sparrow actually Howland Reed in disguise? Will Howland reveal Jon Snow's secret parentage?
This video contains major spoilers for Books 1-5.
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Created with Toon Boom Studio 8.1, a Wacom Intuos Pen Tablet, and a Blue Yeti microphone.
Game of Thrones images and videos from HBO's Game of Thrones. Pretty sure this constitutes fair use.
Westeros map based on "Westeros-with borders-30pcnt.png" by Arbor / Happy End awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/....
Thanks to María Mariño Costa for Spanish subtitles.

[@chaosdeviant62]

Short answer: No. Long answer: Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnooooooooooo

[@catfoy8888]

Zero punctuation reference?

[@ereynolds72]

cat foy get out more, it’s a common phrase

[@jasonmartin4775]

Strong bad reference.

[@stupidminotaur9735]

The HS made faces in the citadel and theres so much more hints

[@rayaqin]

@@stupidminotaur9735 what?

[@TheCooPeer]

I love how most of these fan theories are based on evidence like "they both had brown hair and were not that tall". lol

[@legaldinho]

i understand where you are coming from. But there are instances where height etc becomes important - and crannogmen are described as short, childlike in appearance. We have a description of Shadrich the Mad Mouse, 5f2, but older looking despite presenting as a boy. Hair colour is a set up, since Alayne/Sanaa herself proves that hair colour is not reliable. set Shadrich has a shock of red hair that is twice remarked upon in PoV chapters, which seems to me to reek of misdirection, especially in an Alayne chapter. Would you be willing to be convinced that See Shadrich the Mad Mouse is Homeland Reed? He is going to abduct Sansa, she will think to take her back to the North, and reveal himself to be her father's loyal friend and Bannerman. It'll be awesome!

[@carlrood4457]

And the idea that EVERYONE is secretly someone else in disguise. I think it comes from applying too many fantasy tropes, even though Martin likes to bust them.

[@TheMightofDab]

@@carlrood4457 A lot of ASOIAF characters ARE I disguise though Jon is a Targaryen Arstan Whitebeard is Barristan Selmy The Gravedigger is Sandor Clegane Alleras is Sarella Reek was Ramsay Snow Reek is Theon Fake Aegon aka Young Griff The Faceless men are a whole cult about this Vary was a Gaoler A few different people impersonate the hound in AFFC Sansa is Alayne There are so many more I'm sure, and these are just the canon/almost certainly Canon ones

[@avidplanes]

Anime logic

[@chuckles3116]

High Sparrow is constantly described with Swampy descriptors like Cersei gossiping that he was born with dirt under his fingernails or his bare feet being described as gnarled like tree roots.

[@jamesdooling4139]

I really HATE that GoT never once showed the Reed's home and homeland. The swamps of the Crannogmen was as neat in my mind as the Eyrie.

[@billybones4950]

Couldn’t agree more, the land of the frogeaters was way cooler than the Eyrie. The Eerie instead of the 👁rie, where the Moon Door is in the floor instead of the wall. 😡

[@leopardtree2249]

@@billybones4950 i just cant get over how the moutain clans didn’t join the north

[@rileydavidson207]

​a massive marshland with tons of water everywhere sounds like hell to shoot in. even if you make your own set that's massive amounts of money into a place you will rarely use. let alone the problems of trying to build a smaller fake marsh set

[@pyramidion5911]

@@rileydavidson207 yeah I'm sure HBO was really worried about saving a few bucks on shooting locations

[@flahoo2807]

We never really see the neck or greywater watch I am hoping against hope we will see it in winds of winter

[@slitor]

"Howls Moving Castle" HAH! Whoever came up with that kudos.

[@efecaktl5432]

Um... George did?

[@joshwhalen17]

@@efecaktl5432 Apparently AltShiftX is a Miyazaki fan as well.

[@pikarari]

kudos to George R.R. Martin lol

[@slitor]

@Nick Begovich ​ @efe çakıtlı There are gaps in your knowledge of popular culture, l.o.l

[@kiwwat4139]

It took me way to long to get that reference. I read a bit deeper into the Crannogmen and Howland and it just jumped me in the face one morning…

[@dannymcbee4149]

Heresy. Dolorous Edd is the rightful king of Westeros.

[@dylan__dog]

Danny McBee Bullshit. The throne is Hot Pie's by right. Bend the knee or you shall be destroyed.

[@StevieGG08]

That Guy or eaten

[@henryf.7637]

That Guy When you play the game of thrones, you win or you Pie.

[@mariastefani2058]

StevieGG08 With some gravy ;)

[@swatson5699]

Danny McBee Hodor.

[@natevajo22]

Howland Reed was at the tourney of Harranhal, as was Jaime and Mace Tyrell, surely they would recognize him. Also Howland and Ned would be approximately the same age, the HS is way older

[@sandeeps7547]

accurate.

[@kameliaalimi7408]

You probably right but we can see that HR was a little older and stronger than Ned at the tower of Joy so maybe it's not à bad supposition... After all what's make GOT amazing it's all that connection and wicked theories ! Ps: sorry for my english !

[@natevajo22]

Kamelia Alimi yes all the theories make it more fun, but sometimes you just have to wonder how someone came up with them, this one especially :)

[@kameliaalimi7408]

Nateva 22 At list nothing isn't totally wrong about this theory ! I'm sure Bran will reveal Jon's birth conditions thanks to his past vision !

[@DongningWang]

+Kamelia Alimi Age totally wrong, face totally wrong. What else you need to show it's totally wrong?

[@-BlazeK-]

Howland Reed was Ned's close friend and they fought together. You'd think poeple would recognize someone that was in the spotlight during the war.

[@RevolutionaryWillRegan]

+Blazekingz The sort of people that are recognized in ASOIAF are big people, like the Hound, the Mountain, Brienne of Tarth, Ser Duncan the Tall (maybe). Someone small like Howland Reed might not be as recognizable. Plus they'd be seeing him out of context. And that war was nearly 20 years ago. And he was not in the spotlight. You've made this fact up. He'd only be well known to Northerners, who are conspiring with him and wouldn't betray his identity.

[@Didi_Meow_AND_theMEWS]

+Blazekingz if i recall in the books he was known to be a recluse and very rarely strayed away from his hidden kingdom..

[@natevajo22]

+Blazekingz He was at the tourney of Harranhal, so was Jaime and Mace Tyrell, they would definitely recognize him

[@stupidminotaur9735]

nope

[@stupidminotaur9735]

@@RevolutionaryWillRegan yup

[@MuNky1022]

Well the High Sparrow is green now...

[@miy1925hassun]

Nice "burn".

[@NessieAndrew]

I got spoiled. :(

[@musicaddicted777]

Well it's not like you stumbled onto this video without reading the title...

[@eileen_a_b]

@Ragnar Skarpsvärd wildfire is green and that is Cersei used to get rid of everyone in the Sept. Hence the "High Sparrow is green now"

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

@@NessieAndrew You missed absolutely nothing - it was a cheap, unfulfilling way to wrap up the characters and the subplots of the Faith Militant and the Tyrell family and it's what made me stop watching the show. The spoiler likely sounds more fulfilling than it was to watch.

[@A7XKoRnRocks1]

Brans visions should hurry the hell up.

[@user-ju1qx5en4o]

A man cant wait

[@najahansen7559]

+Not Cena A man has to wait

[@educortazarc]

A man regrets having seen Bran's vision :'(

[@blade3430]

HS is way too old to be HR. If it was true, HR in the flashback would need to appear at least 40 years old I would imagine.

[@METALFREAK03]

how old do you think HS is compares with HR? at least 20 years has gone by since that day at the tower of joy.

[@melisandre6870]

Are the Reeds wearing Lacoste ?

[@faisalkamal4319]

Are reeds Lacoste

[@danieltanure8738]

Here's my two cents: it seems to me Samwell Tarly's the one being set up to reveal Jon's parentage to the realm. He's Jon's friend and he's a student of history, after all, and could come across the story of Lyanna and Rhaegar and dope it out in the same manner that the fans of the books did. He's on his way to becoming a Maester in the citadel, a job for which he has distinct aptitude, so maybe it wouldn't be implausible for him to become an influential Maester or even Grand Maester, which would give him plenty of legitimacy to confirm Jon's claim to the throne. I haven't read the books, though, so I may be missing something big... Is that already a theory anyway? Is there something in the books that may put a damper on it? It seems pretty plausible to me.

[@carlosrazier433]

Damn haha you basically called it. What a legend.

[@tazzioboca]

Half-right, but still pretty good.

[@Dell-ol6hb]

Yea but why would anybody believe Sam he has no political influence or popularity, I guess if he made up a compelling enough story about it the common people might spread it around and talk about it

[@myaccount4699]

Damn, you were right

[@danieldeclue1466]

You are not wrong, that's actually one of the few things that they set up properly from the books, the problem is the show didn't do anything with it LOL

[@Raw_Salad]

When Cersei allowed the High Sparrow to have a standing army I had a freaking Grinch smile. I mean come one, why would you let someone buy that amount of power and this someone has already shown his distaste with the current royalty. You said this is short term power but I dont believe there was a time limit for the militant. The conditions allow this militant to grow, and if handled correctly they can easily snatch power since they have a freaking army in the city of power (westeros)

[@leaffinite3828]

I think he meant short term as in this military power isnt for the long term benefit of the religion. It doesnt make sense as an investment unless hs has his own reason to have it

[@MilA-eh3gf]

Am I the only one who loves the Howl's moving castle pun?

[@Moeller750]

I cracked up! can't believe I didn't think of it myself

[@razorbladedragon]

Mil A I do too! It's incredibly punny.

[@KTChamberlain]

As a fan of Hayao Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, it was a good pun. When all seven books in A Song of Ice and Fire are done (humor me) they should adapt the series in animation reminiscent of Miyazaki's style. If handled properly it'd surpass Game of Thrones as a whole.

[@simohayha6031]

@@KTChamberlain what is his style

[@KTChamberlain]

@@simohayha6031 I was referring to art direction style

[@michaelhenman4887]

How about Frey Pies? It's not a long or complicated theory but it is certainly worth talking about.

[@NikiHerl]

It's also pure awesomeness.

[@jaytynan1282]

Michael Henman it’s confirmed now :))

[@andchi2000]

High Sparrow is way too old. Howland Reed is about the same age as Ned Stark, that is, about 45 years old. So that would have to be one hell of a disguise. So unless he's a faceless man, I remain extremely skeptical towards this theory.

[@miguelsousa1505]

Not only that, it's not as if he's completely unknown. How could he go through King's Landing without being recognized?

[@apollolancer78]

Actually HR is younger than Ned by 3 years as depicted in the books, despite on TV, through Bran's visions, he appeared older than Ned because of the facial hair but no way is HR is related to the HS already fried by Cersei. But this theory proven quite true, perhaps HR might reveal to be the next High Septon in coming Season 7/8, hence the reason for recent casting call for male around 35-45yo to play some form of priest role. * Who knows?

[@apollolancer78]

Ryan adams This is old news, a couple of weeks, which already been spread across like wildfire which many vids has been made by other KZbinrs/GoT fans - if you haven't seen the ones by Rawrist, The Last Harpy, Emergency Awesomeness, The Watchers' Pod, etc... I believe the source is from Watchers On The Wall website, where ones get the latest news updates, reveals, actor's interviews, fan photos with actors from the show, etc. Happy browsing.

[@apollolancer78]

Ryan adams No worries, studies are more important. After your graduation you'll have an entire lifetime to overdose on GoT stuff anyway. :P

[@TheWatcher802]

Ned Stark is 35, not 45. At least in the books.

[@AshesOfGravity]

Love the videos mate. It would be awesome if you did a "State of the game" video about where every faction and character is and what they're doing at by the end of ADWD (or last known point in the story).

[@bessux1995]

Ok.

[@seabearpig]

Another great video, please don't ever stop! I was never really into all the theories in A Song of Ice and Fire but your videos have gotten me really into them. I haven't been this invested in a series since lost, thanks!

[@KellieDoll28]

You are the island of reason in the sea of insanity. Excellent video, as always.

[@iCandyman2012]

You deserve way more Subscribers than you currently have. Your videos are very thorough and well researched. Please never stop these videos my friend.

[@DangerPowers]

I subscribe to the theory that Arthur Dayne is alive and will reveal R+L=J.

[@tammystapleton3575]

I also believe Arthur is alive.

[@REMEGORAS]

Based on what ?

[@edm1rr]

Martin said about Howland Reed ''He will appear eventually.'' . So i think he will reveal Jon's identity.

[@DangerPowers]

REMEGORAS Not much honestly. Just fun speculation. But worth mentioning is the fact that some of the Dayne's think Ned is totally awesome, which strikes me as a bit odd. Plus it's a bit hard for me to believe that Howland fucking Reed killed one of the most deadly knights the realm has ever seen.

[@DangerPowers]

Dr. Adorable Absolutely. I feel that's more believable. Howland could've reasoned with him, possibly like "Hey, Rhaegar is dead, King's Landing has been sacked, Lyanna just gave birth to the heir, we have to protect him."

[@jrpone]

Even If Jon is a Targaryen, why would he WANT to rule the Iron Throne, He's never shown interest in High Born life let alone going to King Landing or the Iron Throne. He's like the male counterpart to Arya, He's a true Northerner, more concerned with white walkers, wildlings and the Night Watch. Why woulg GRRM spend so much time associating and developing Jon with the North only to have him suddenly show interest in the Iron Throne? I can see him Ruling Winterfell and the Kings of Winter being reinstalled but Im not convinced Jon will rule the Iron Throne.

[@Red5x5x5]

But then he's not met Daenerys yet. Obviously we're all agreed that she's going to sit the throne, but that solves nothing if she can't produce an heir - a few decades of hopefully moderately good rule, then it's all thrown up in the air again. To secure the throne and the future of the kingdom, she needs to produce an heir, and if Jon is a Targaryen, then the chances of them producing a child are obviously magically better, because that's the old Targaryen custom, keeping it in the family.

[@mnal5gex]

Because it is his place. It is where he is suppose to be.

[@raleflop]

@Eagle Volant yes, but acctually no

[@noxillius1363]

He dun wan et but maybe someone who dun wan et is the best choice

[@str.77]

@@mnal5gex Apart from the bad grammar, why? Just because he's a man?

[@oussamaokbi]

Remember this theory? Back when the characters were so complex that theories like these were still plausible? DnD definitely don't remember this xD

[@m00r3e]

Even though I know and have read about these theories I absolutly love your'e videos. They really are fantastic! And it's a huge plus that I can show a friend a video instead of trying to explain it myself. Especially since you show your evidence so clearly it often makes it very hard to disagree. Great job again!

[@MrNicoJac]

This is one of the best analyses I have ever seen. Really well put together and easy to follow and you immediately went on to address my questions/doubts. Really well written and visualized. Immediately subbed!

[@RuiAlbuquerque1]

I request the great northern conspiracy!

[@LaMosesJones]

I second that motion.

[@1410PSB]

I too support this motion

[@tammystapleton3575]

Yes please!!!!!!

[@year111]

The one with the Manderlys.

[@goldtanking]

this notion has my support!

[@Lilyium]

Even if the theories seem a little far fetched, they are super fun to watch. Keep up the good job Alt Shift X!

[@patleaf2432]

Just found these a few days a go. Really good stuff, enjoyed every minute.

[@stannisbaratheontheonetrue1727]

Another well-edited and well-researched video. Keep up the good work man!

[@Hjiel]

I love these videos, they're so well put together! Could you do one explaining the Blackfyre theory?

[@ole123able]

Accurate prediction of the way Jon Snow's heritage is revealed.

[@TERMINATOR3900]

+Bob Jesus Well, you don't know if it's accurate yet, since it hasn't been revealed...

[@ole123able]

+Terminator no. But they Are strongly hinting it is going to happen

[@drewwaggoner1284]

it is accurate

[@Hirome_Satou]

What do you mean if it doesn't happen? It did happen. Lyanna gives Ned her newborn child and calls it Jon. It'd be difficult and tedious to give even more evidence than that, that Jon Snow is her son. Also, knowing that R took L to his love nest and she subsequently gives birth to a child who just "happens" to have the same name as Jon is pretty damning evidence as well.

[@Darren67299]

They posted their comment around the time the episode aired, presumably beforehand.

[@FromTheirJambs]

Just this morning, I was thinking about how I was hoping you'd make this soon! Very good work, as always.

[@jessamaelumanas4434]

You are amazing! Thank you very much for taking the time especially for us who have not read the books 😊

[@blanchesabbah1132]

Great video as always ! I never understood where that theory came from! Keep it up :D (Oh, and I'm with you on the RLJ reveal happening the way you described) Any idea on the subject of the next vid ? (fAegon pleeeeaaase :P)

[@pccalcio]

So.. I was thinking.. When Daenerys has that vision of the throne getting covered in snow, is it just "snow" that is falling because "winter is coming", or could it be "Snow" with the capital "S" as in Jon Snow.. ?

[@johnsmith-tw8ln]

+pccalcio or it could be Ramsey Snow

[@pccalcio]

Brian Ramos lol

[@lukelondon]

+pccalcio Its ashes from the dragons burning the city

[@AMS97PS3]

It's also possible it is ashes from Cersei burning KL with Wildfire.

[@pccalcio]

AMS97PS3 true !

[@Milkron3001]

you're a wise one Mr Alt Shift X, watching some of these videos back your bang on the money alot of the time

[@Grumble655]

Loveee it!!! every time facebook notifies me another video of yours comes out, I get all excited click on it and hope it will be as long as possible. Very well done!!

[@Marxyon]

Rip Howland Reed then, he kinda got... fired

[@stupidminotaur9735]

thats the tv show.

[@TheToemeister]

It's not a "Game of Thrones" theory, it's an "A Song of Ice and Fire" theory. No one who hasn't read the books would ever be able to come up with this theory. Also, most show watchers who aren't exposed to content made by book readers wouldn't even know who Howland Reed is.

[@AltShiftX]

True. I just use "Game of Thrones" as shorthand for "A Song of Ice and Fire", because it's way quicker and easier to say.

[@TheToemeister]

Alt Shift X Alright I gotcha

[@ryanthomason9349]

George R.R. Martin said in an interview "Oh, you think he's (Jon Snow) is dead do you."

[@valenutschel1916]

I love everything about your videos - so clear! thank-you!

[@lifeofandrewlynn9448]

Well done, as usual. You gave me to ponder over Christmas break.

[@supervegeta101]

Great bubble bursting video friend. Tackle (f?)Aegon next please.

[@CharManyrd]

Lol at Kayne @ 3:58

[@MisledTrick]

Char Manyrd What?

[@carljustinecruz1638]

Karnage2015 he showd the pic of kanye west ... lower right corner

[@Gumden]

Char Manyrd so much wrong in 1 sentence.... smh

[@1interesting2]

I really enjoyed this. Thanks for uploading it

[@wil7997]

Cool vid! Love the slides, they explain things easier!

[@GandalfWithAPipe]

Isnt he a little old? Since he was about the same age as ned in the rebellion

[@nriab23]

yup...

[@bluetextbooks]

exactly

[@jinzok]

+Niklas he looks 40 and ned looks 17 wtf are you talking about

[@nriab23]

arrow j he looks nearly 60 ffs

[@elmotuz]

+Niklas You mean the TV show? That isn't book canon anymore.

[@wrenwrenwood6503]

I love your GOT videos my only complaint is you need to do more of them. Not just green eyes, Cerci has green eyes but moss colored green eyes. "Those you call the children of the forest have eyes as golden as the sun, but once in a great while one is born amongst them with eyes as red as blood, or green as the moss on a tree in the heart of the forest. By these signs do the gods mark those they have chosen to receive the gift." -ADW Jojen Reed could scare most anyone. He dressed all in green, his eyes were murky as moss, and he had green dreams. What Jojen dreamed came true. -ASOS.

[@samanthabayley320]

First video I've seen on your channel and I'm very impressed. Great work I will be watching more :D

[@robs9980]

It's crazy how on point you are going back 1.5 years.

[@xsz03]

I'm not sure if I believe this particular theory, but I got the impression that the High Sparrow was the real deal, someone who knows what's coming, forming a cool 3rd side to the whole old god vs fire god thing(or ice vs fire). My point is - he just didn't seem like the kind of person that's conspiring and taking revenge on Lanisters - more like actually fighting for his religion and the good of the people, not squabbling in petty politics. But that could be just an impression. We will probably find out when we see our beautiful sand snake go in disguise. I'm curious is she will fool him, and what she will uncover.

[@parokki]

Thanks for putting this together! HS=HR is one of my favourity fan theories and I hope that it turns out true, but I agree it's pretty far-fetched and unlikely. I can see Howland bullshitting his way out of not knowing the intricate details of the Faith of the Seven by denouncing a lot of it as mindless ritual meant to confuse the masses and calling for a refocusing on what truly matters. Knowing where to be at what time and how the political situation will develop could be chalked up to limited prophetic abilities from their green dreams and other mysterious swampdude secrets. One minor bit of evidence that I believe you forgot to mention is his first appearance in the books. Brienne and whoever she was with at the time (I kinda zone out reading those chapters..) encounter the future High Sparrow pretty deep into the Riverlands, where he says he's coming from the north and going south. This fits well with Howland's supposed route from the Neck to King's Landing.. although I guess anyone heading to KL from the Riverlands is going to be heading north to south, so what's do I know.

[@everyman1983]

What was his name? I only remember them seeing a group of sparrows, but they were armed and more young, I don't think they were led by an old man. Unless you're referring to the priest with his dog they meet after they meet up with Pod and that annoying knight after their detour to find Sansa.

[@brianvignati2423]

I echo positive feedback. Your visual organization is simple and effectively done. Thanks for the rabbit hole!

[@p2dajay1]

Great job, I was put onto your channel from a post on business insider earlier today and just finished watching all of them. Love to hear your views on patch face.

[@althaz]

I got halfway through laughing at the title of this video...then my eyes widened and my mouth fell and I said "wait..." :). Love this channel.

[@vcommodore9161]

+Justin Murtagh But there's no way that's true anymore right? the current High Sparrow has met with almost everyone, the Tyrells, the Lannisters, etc. At least someone would have recognized him right?

[@brandonking3976]

I doubt it. Robert's rebellion was 21 years before Dance/S5. He wasn't really at the forefront of the war and being a crannogmen, he was very reclusive. I believe Ned even makes a comment that despite them being close, he hasn't seen much of him since the war ended.

[@lurksnitchtongue8986]

@@brandonking3976 "Robert's rebellion was 21 years" Nope. Fifteen to sixteen years. The show really isn't canon because it makes no fucking sense and was clearly just shoehorned to slightly mirror a few key points George said HAD to be in the show. Even still though, you would expect SOMEONE to realize that the High Sparrow isn't who he says he is if the theory is true. Plus, there really is no connection between the major narrative elements of the HS (peasant, faith of the seven, southerner, revolutionary, public figure) and HR (magic, old gods, lord, northerner, secretive figure). The theory that HR is the Mad Mouse is way more believable.

[@Kunfuxu]

A Golden Lion for the Lannisters! My OCD is satisfied. Thank you... Edit: And a golden kraken for the Greyjoys as well... GJ mate...

[@chemace]

Good stuff man!! Just found your channel. Love it

[@alltheworldsastage]

I love that you tag your video spoilers in r/asoiaf format.

[@ryano6094]

I wonder if George Martin ever reads these fan theories and thinks to himself, "Aw, shit! They've figured it out!"

[@ehudriven6697]

He has said a few times that he used to and stopped because he doesn't want the fan involvement and knowledge to affect the story he's writing.

[@thecooler22]

Ryan O he actually said that one theory put together all the hints he has written in the books and is actually right someone found out the actual ending but of course he won't say which or who, also he pointed out that he struggled whit changing it because he doesn't like unsurprising writing but realized it would be a disaster since the hints are there so he is going to keep the same ending intended

[@takeshot3]

***** jon snow

[@adamjoetify]

There are a number of supporting elements missing from this video. 1) The more subtle comparisons between Jojen/Meera and the HS - look for how many times Jojen and the HS are referred to as "solemn". 2) The septas tending to Cersei are Mormont women (not necessarily by last name, but by association) Look for the similar descriptions between unella, scolera, moelle, and the carving on the gates of Mormont Keep. 3) Theoden Wells, captain of the Warrior's Sons, is a northman. 4) The "sparrows" are a contingency of Northmen and Rivermen that Howland has banded together There's more, but I'll let you do the rest of the research.

[@Drenson1609]

These are great, thanks Alt!

[@marianagoncalves1209]

Cool theories! love watching this videos.. it helps out while waiting for The Winds of Winter!

[@Argos-xb8ek]

these theories are like algebra all over again

[@ShawnsEPIC]

I was less confused in algebra

[@Momo-vo9io]

Don't they have magical powers? Prob HR saw it in a vision and went off to become HS. His kids did pretty much the same, had a vision and went off to find and help Bran.

[@chengnhl172]

ukolollolko

[@chengnhl172]

+Cheng NH l u

[@chengnhl172]

+Cheng NH l u

[@chengnhl172]

uuuujuuuunknujhmoob

[@FantasyMash]

You told me you would have something about Howland Reed in your next theory. You do not disappoint, my friend.

[@Wratach]

Oh, how I have been looking forward to this theory! Keep em comin

[@tictacufo3326]

Dude please just post more of these, I don't care which theory. I just want to watch more.

[@larperdixon723]

MORE MMA word

[@IgnasKlydzia]

Finally another video :p

[@farcastk0]

this!

[@Neb-uj4xt]

The first video of yours that I watched was when I was at school and then I noticed you did game of thrones and p.s more!!

[@Merlin25292]

great video, very interesting and informative, thx! it would be great if you would made a video about geographic regions, there houses and there major religions (and other stuff of interest). i think it would light some things up and the books and show would be much easier to understand. it might be a big project but it could be in parts (like: the north, dorne, the river lands, etc)

[@manband20]

After hearing this, I personally do believe that Howland is the High Sparrow. Here is my evidence: (just as a forenote, this is all speculation and personal theory, and you have to know the suspected ending to the series where Dany comes North, fights the Others, Bran wargs a dragon, etc. to understand my points.) Sorry it's so freaking long, but there is a lot to discuss :P My strongest reason is about how Jojen and Meera used the phrase "ice and fire" when declaring for Winterfell. Up until the end of ADWD, there were only a few other times the phrase was ever used: once with Bran when the Reeds told the story of The Knight of the Laughing Tree at the Tourney of Harrenhall, once with Davos and Melisandre at Dragonstone, and the most notable one at the House of the Undying where Dany sees Elia and Rhaegar talking about Prince Aegon. Well I thought of a theory regarding the last one... what if that was a vision of Rhaegar with Lyanna, had she lived? I could see Rhaegar wanting to give their child the name befitting a true king, and they never said what the child's name was before Eddard found him and Lyanna in the Tower of Joy. Ned named him Jon out of respect for Jon Arryn, his mentor and close friend. But what did Rhaegar and Lyanna want to name their child? The reason I bring this up is because of the real key to the Howland being the Sparrow: Jojen. Jojen has the greensight and can see past, present, and future events in Westeros. Say he were to have a vision of the same events that occurred in the House of the Undying, and that is how he learned of the phrase "song of ice and fire". Now if I were Howland and I knew that my son had the greensight, I would ask him to share any vision with me so we could attempt to translate what they meant. Greensight isn't spelling out what events will transpire, but the use of prophetic images and phrases to show the person what will happen. Whether they can interpret the events before they happen is up to them. (Example: Jojen has a dream of Theon and the Ironborn raiding Winterfell. He dreams of salt water crashing down over the walls and the deaths of a septon, a blacksmith, and a guard. All of these events occur, but they didn't know what the water was that led them to that event.) (Another example: There is a feast and Maester Luwin is serving a bloody roast to the Starks, a King's roast. He then serves the Freys an old and ugly piece of meat. The Freys like their piece more than the Starks like theirs. This references the Frey's giving up their support of the North so they may take what they believe is the winning side. More Freys would die after the Red Wedding than during, mind you. They traded a potential as living heroes in the North to be dead traitors in the Realm. So say Jojen told his father about the song of ice and fire or, assuming he had the same vision as Dany, the House of the Undying. Howland could easily put two and two together and think that Jon was the key to saving everything. The "prince that was promised" was supposed to come from the line of Rhaegar Targaryen. He himself thought he was the PtwP, but he turned out to not be. So that leaves two figures: Aegon (AKA Young Griff) or Jon Snow (AKA alleged bastard of Rhaegar.) We aren't even sure if this Aegon is THE Aegon seeing as it is very easy to switch a child and say it is someone else. That leaves Jon. We all know by now that he is indeed the only confirmed living child of Rhaegar Targaryen, the person who's line would bring the PtwP. Howland could instantly connect the dots and want to do anything to ensure Jon would one day ascend the Throne. So what does he do? He carefully plans his next move. He spends years and years in his floating castle planning how he may bring Jon to power in the name of his best friend who was just murdered by the Crown. One day, little Jojen says to him something that points to Bran. So what does Howland do? He sends the two people he trusts most to ensure his survival and eventual succession as the Three-Eyed Crow. He tells Jojen and Meera to befriend little Bran and take him to the Crow. They leave, and he continues planning. There is only two people/families that use the Faith in their religious practices: House Manderly of White Harbor, and Catelyn Tully and her children in Winterfell. House Manderly is obviously well respected, because if not, the Northerners would have evicted them from their city (which is the largest port in all of the North) many years ago. Ned never asked for his children to be raised solely in the Old Gods, so to respect Catelyn's religious beliefs, he even brought a Septon into Winterfell so his children may learn of that religion and the religion of their mother. The Starks are as deep with the Old Gods as anyone, and Ned was often found beneath a weirwood tree so he could have alone time. I find it very likely that Howland, wanting to push for Jon Snow's legitimization and future ascension to power, would learn anything he could so he can appeal to the zealous hearts of the oppressed lowborn people. You know who else used a religious figure to learn about the Faith in a way that would help them when they became King? Aegon IV Targaryen. Jon Connington has Septa Lemore teach him all about the ways of the Faith so he may know the customs of it when he strikes his claim. If someone pushing for for the Throne will bring in one septa to teach a boy the Faith's customs and histories, why wouldn't someone who wants to get revenge in the name of his best friend? I'd say he spent all the time in Clash of Kings and most of Storm of Swords learning about the Faith and how to do things like namings, blessings, marriages, etc. so he could attempt a rise in power. The Sparrow is very very devout and acts very holy... but what if it is all an act? Do you know anyone of of anyone who acts very devout to their faith but in actuality don't believe it at all? Or someone who acts like they believe in a cause but think it is actually full of crap? The whole "devout as the Pope" act could easily be an act to gain people's support. Littlefinger did act like he supported Ned Stark's plan in GoT, but he was secretly with Cersei the whole time. So everything is all set up: his children are taking Bran to the Crow, he knows everything about the Faith he needs... all he needs is a time to strike. When better than right after the Red Wedding? The war is over so there isn't as much of a threat on the roads, excluding bandits and Broken Men. He gains the support of small villages by helping them, blessing them, etc., then moves on to help more people. Devout villagers who lost their homes, families, and livelihoods will want to follow him and help him carry out his mission. After many months of doing this, the even that will push him to be the High Septon is here: The Death of Tywin Lannister. Everyone knows that he is the one holding the Realm together. And everyone knows who is in charge when he dies: his crazy alcoholic daughter, Cersei. She couldn't lead a horse to water, let alone 7 Kingdoms of horses. Why not push for power when the Throne is at it's weakest? The Sparrow only appears in the book after the death of Tywin, so it makes sense he waited until then to become a mainstream powerplayer. Once Cersei was atop the throne being more concerned with Margaery Tyrell's virginity than the looming threat of the Faith, he became the High Septon. He royally screwed over the Crown with the lack of legitimization of Tommen. And then established an order of knights that were disbanded for the whole purpose of keeping the Faith's power down. Why would the Sparrow want an ancient order of knights to come back to assert his power? Because he read about it when he was Howland Reed learning about the history of the Faith of the Seven. And why did he do all this? To get revenge for the death of his best friend, Eddard Stark. It all ties together. And here is the big goal he has: Bran becomes the new three-eyed crow. He is also a warg. Howland knows this by Jojen. What else does he know through Jojen, who potentially saw into the events of The House of the Undying? Daenerys Targeryen has 3 dragons, but only 1 dragon rider. Howland must know about the threat of the Others and that the dragons can be the only thing to stop them. So who does he turn to as his saving grace? Jon Snow, the bastard son of Rhaegar Targaryen. He could learn how to ride a dragon and be the 2nd rider. His helping to destroy the Others will make the smallfolk and nobility love him, and make it easier for The Howland Sparrow to declare him King. But who is the third rider? The warging Bran Stark, of couse! Bran, Jon, and Dany will save the Realm, and Howland will declare Jon the legitimized son of Rhaegar, allowing him to ascend the Throne. He will then marry Dany, but in a matrilineal marriage (being the honorable thing to do since her dragons DID in fact save the Realm from certain defeat), and with the Faith's blessing, they will rule under Jon's sense of Honor and Dany's Love for the people, AKA the Song of Ice and Fire. Thanks for reading! Tell me what you think about it, and sorry it was so long, but like I said there is a lot to talk about with theories such as this. A lot of the end is my personal opinion for how the end will turn out, but there are hints of how Howland would react in that situation. His whole goal is to push Jon to the Throne in the name of his surrogate father whom we all know Howland cared for very very deeply. Let me know what you think, and I shall see you later in your next Theory video! :)

[@mathcamel]

I agree. The theory is more likely when you consider Howland may have access to the future and magic. It always struck me that the HS's description of his old life revolved around helping small folk rather than leading prayers or studying scripture. Maybe that ties to HR's lordship style and he's using that experience in a new context. Plus, again, it's hinted that he's got some magic and what better way to create a groundswell of religious support than a few miracles? Mostly I like this theory because it's possible and it would be AWESOME, if not perfectly plausible.

[@Epicus1000]

I only have two problems with this theory. One, it's too one-sided: What you're describing would result in a total destruction of the others, the destruction of Ice. It would no longer be a Song of Ice (The Others (in my opinion that is)) and Fire (Dragons (again, my opinion)). And Two, it's much too fairy tale: Jon become King, Dany becomes Queen and they all live happily ever after (and if we're talking about the TV show as well, have ludicrous amounts of coitus). I don't know that just seems too neat. The Theory itself is fine, but it only works with that ending which in my opinion, won't happen. But again, this is all speculation, maybe you're right and I'm too blind to see the obvious, only time will tell.

[@VinceLovesToast]

I'm pretty sure a friend of Martins de-confirmed this among other 'farfetch'd' theories

[@guilima3097]

Lots of evidences, huh?

[@jennifergrasso8795]

It still seems far-fetched but you do make good points. Especially about Reed sending his heir up north to his death. He definitely had some kind of plans in mind if he's willing to sacrifice at least one of his children (god knows what will happen to Meera). The septon thing seems weird but it seems that plans are in place for something.

[@ssh83]

If HR sends his son and daughter to a mystical search for someone who everyone thinks is dead... you cannot use regular logic to discern what is and isn't plausible with HR's behavior and choices. HR might very well also be guided by visions to embark on his path to become a priest of the seven much like how his son was guided by vision to locate Bran.

[@RedKrossSquad]

In the books they came to Winterfell for the Harvest feast, but it was probably rewritten so that they joined in the beginning of a season instead of the end of one.

[@Mafhiw]

Yeah. This video is ignoring the fact that Howland Reed had a greenseer son that probably told him everything he needed to do.

[@traciecarvin923]

Howland Reed would have know that Bran wasn't dead because of Jojen's green dreams.

[@mnal5gex]

OOOOhh!

[@Wveth]

Greendreams don't give you months-long paths you must take in order to achieve a specific outcome. They're much, much more vague and much less specific than that. Jojen is not a Greenseer, he just has prophetic dreams sometimes. You guys are really reaching lol Also, the High Sparrow is way too old to be Howland Reed.

[@JesusRocksTryPrayin]

This was good! Maybe the faith militant were always run by the north or something. I see holes in it either way but your channel is so FUN

[@marknung751]

I LOVE your ASOIAF videos ! :)

[@tatianagalvao2316]

I don't think will make any sort of claim to the throne. I mean, even if he is free from his vows I don't think he will want to be king at all.

[@CarbonatedBorger]

HS blew up in popularity 😎

[@EyeOfEld]

I'm 22 seconds into this video and I'm already done. you win, ser. That was sincerely the funniest thing I've heard all day. Thank you.

[@DermotJohnBrennan]

so thorough and well made...

[@Luke-nn4pm]

I could see the high sparrow being a crannogman or reed sent by howland, I think the evidence for his power and motivation is convincing, but there is too much against it being specifically Howland.

[@KimdraStBiryukova]

Hmm, I guess this theory was... *blown up*... in the last episode...

[@actingsane316]

Love these videos great job

[@animateitall]

Great videos man!

[@Tyler.Burleson]

I think another good theory is that the reason GRRM has taken so long to release the next book is because he wants to give the fanbase enough time to create these theories, and to then look online and think "hey that's a pretty good idea" or "well I guess they figured that one out, I'll take it in a different route then"

[@alexlaugharne872]

in interviews hes said the opposite and that he doesnt think that changing plot points just because someone has guessed it is a good idea

[@spikegilfer1997]

So, I'll assume that Aegon the questionably colored dragon is up next?

[@joshuabulduc8782]

Haven't watched the video yet just about to indulge myself, but I'd like to start off by saying you should have more GoT videos. You do a stellar job on all the conspiracy theories whether they are true are not.

[@college54114]

I can’t believe the show ended without us ever once seeing Howland Reed (minus the Tower of Joy flashback)

[@hakimben8472]

Do the Dornish master plan in the next video plz.

[@supervegeta101]

Ianoodin This channel does not come up with theories, it analyzes them for validity (from his perspective). So when Hakim Ben says "Do the Dornish master plan in the next video plz.," what he means is the next theory to be analyzed.

[@nathanmckenzie904]

This theory went up in Wild Fire

[@goosegoose8982]

+AltshiftX is so good at explaining theories which are hard to understand

[@8300dvo]

Damn dude, Looks like ya gonna nail this one with that Bran stuff at the end.

[@KamiShikkaku]

Do DN = EG next please!

[@sofiaa1616]

Who is DH again?

[@KamiShikkaku]

Sofia Alarcon Sorry for the confusion, I meant DN (Daario Naharis).

[@sofiaa1616]

KamiShikkaku Ahhh. Honestly, I doubt he'll ever do one of those. There's way too many Daario Naharis secret identity theories and none of them have really that much evidence to back them up. There's really just not a whole lot say about it, and if he talks about DN=EG he's also gonna have to talk about DN=BS and DN=JH and so one..

[@KamiShikkaku]

Sofia Alarcon I think DH=EG holds more water than ones involving Benjen and Jaqen. Even the show has seemingly hinted at DH=EG (when Daario tells Dany he has captured "93 ships", the same amount Vic left the Shield Islands with). www.reddit.com/r/asoiaf/comments/253zbx/

[@sofiaa1616]

KamiShikkaku Out of all the DN=secret person, yes, I think EG would make more sense from motive and narrative perspective, but it is still inconclusive and there isn't enough hard evidence for it. There's also the timeline to make sense of.

[@BrBill]

Rowland Reed was never a rich, drunken cobbler. No way this theory works out.

[@BrBill]

Sure he is. But it doesn't make any sense.

[@chickenman9310]

Yeah, show high sparrow is a bullshitter

[@inthefade]

Good call.

[@jamsmonroe]

Love these videos! I'd really like to see one picking apart the Blackfyre conspiracy, as I've never been able to wrap my head around that one.

[@nsowers194]

Excellently done!

[@PinskyKyaroru]

"[The last 12 minutes of your life] are probably not true. Thanks for watching!" :\

[@traciecarvin923]

I think he did the video in response to requests and questions concerning the theory :)

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

I am not at all convinced that Howland Reed is the High Sparrow. Not at all. But it remains possible Jonjen Reed told his father what to do. Or--someone else.

[@zaidparkar9010]

David MacDowell Blue My thoughts exactly

[@WalterLiddy]

+David MacDowell Blue Isn't there anyone who'd recognize him if he were? I haven't read the books but I find it hard to believe he wandered the kingdoms as High Sparrow and nobody along the way, nor in the capital, was able to say "Hey, that's Howland Reed."

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

+WalterLiddy Well, it would take someone who knew Howland Reed personally and somewhat recently, because evidently he's been back in the Neck ever since Robert's Rebellion. If, for example, he shaved his beard and lost weight and his hair went gray--a perfectly possible 'disguise'--who would connect the High Sparrow with a Northern Lord whose people are renowned for their privacy? He went to war with Ned Stark, and the vast majority of Stark's other men by this time are either dead or still in the North. So why would anyone connect the two? And who might do so?

[@levillageglobal]

+David MacDowell Blue Yes and the fact that the Reed's castle damn what it's name? that castle is constantly moving through the swamp, making it hard for visitors to come by. The less visitors, the less people sees Lord Reed's face so yeah he's pretty incognito. A simple question : if he's the High Sparrow, why didn't he join Robb in AGoT and where has he been after sending his children to Bran? But most importantly : if he's not the HS, where is he?

[@DzinkyDzink]

+Village Global Right there writing the damn books.

[@offsetb]

Big fan of your videos. Keep up the great work. On this topic, have you considered whether Jojen could have seen this plan and convinced his father to start touring towns and building a following? That would help to explain what I agree would be an otherwise unpredictable plan to the HS seat...

[@PBRStreetgang]

Great vid mate...I agree this theory is out there, but you've brought even more backing evidence than I could muster up to support it. But aye, isn't that why we read these books? I love looking at trying to flesh out all the going theories to see which have merit. Guess I'll be waiting at least another year for Winds of Winter to drop to confirm my vision of where the story's going. Great analysis man, subscribed!

[@mcassady46]

DId you build this in Prezi?

[@AltShiftX]

mike cassady Nope. Toon Boom Studio.

[@JohnTraviss]

+Alt Shift X Like building a sandcastle with a bulldozer huh?

[@TheresaWheeler]

Do you think the crannogmen are descendants of offspring of the Children of the Forest and the First men? This makes so much sense to me.

[@ramsuporter8]

+Theresa Wheeler or maybe they are just small and skinny because they evolved to live in a bog...

[@TheresaWheeler]

rams8 To do that they would have had to have been there all along.

[@c.hunter9069]

I think tonights episode finally brought me over to your side on this one.

[@NotFlappy12]

+JC H I think yesterday's episode disproves

[@maximuscesar]

This thing of the High Sparrow being a cranogmen is solid, but him being Howland himself is a stretch. For the reasons you pointed out.