One of the Most Important Chapters in A Song of Ice and Fire!? (Explained)

[@plumbussmith]

This was the most intriguing part of the show and the mysteries to unfold is what kept me engaged. Then they just threw it away and didn't address anything.

[@Nipptwistyy]

Have you read the books? It gives you more insight! I highly recommend you read them if you haven't 😁 also the show they kinda did drop off a bit but they did include it more so than they did other things. Like all of season 6 I believe it was (whatever season hold the door was in) was mostly about it but they didn't go in depth as much as they could have for sure, missed opportunity. But the books are much better if you want to delve into that part of the story!

[@TalkingThrones]

It was very unfortunate. I couldn't believe they left Bran out of the entire 5th season when they could have done so many things with his plot.

[@Nipptwistyy]

@From Maui fully aware, I've been waiting for just as long lmfao. Doesn't mean no one else can start reading them being as the books we do have still have info on what the original commenter was saying.

[@GothCharlieBear]

Omg yeah another thing they didnt address, aryas wolf's wolfpack...like here they are and..... Thats it! 😒😒😒 Im still so annoyed about d & d. Literally if they was stuck on what to do, just google or yt theories at that time and they would of been overwhelmed with possible content ideas. 😒 grrr

[@williamwhitfield6225]

@@TalkingThrones It’s a very hard plot point to flush out. I personally think Brans story is what has given George so many problems finishing the books.

[@PapaEmeritus_4evr]

Do you know what the realm is? It's Game of Thrones season 8 Something we watch over and over Till we realize that it's a lie.

[@Hulahoopdanceaus]

😂😂😂

[@zoebidwell720]

😅

[@reignorshine.]

Over and over ?damn ,... Sorry bro.

[@Andy-mg9nw]

Lol. Once was enough

[@KhukuriGod]

It’s outrageous. It’s unfair.

[@johnwick860]

HBO should make a limited series about Children of the Forest and the start of the white walkers... that would be a hit

[@lvgeeco7121]

Anything GoT related would be a hit (with good writing of course) lol

[@OleRazzleDazzler]

So many options

[@jessaguilar4747]

I would love that. I think it would be best after HOTD. It would be cool to end HOTD with some kind of tie in to the Children. Maybe an document, maybe dragon glass…something like that. Then do a narration of the children and show the item or show the action that created the story or weapon. Then end with an ominous clip. That would be amazing.

[@onlyeasydaywasyesterday]

They are

[@catpriest]

well it failed

[@TheMoonatDawn]

I've always found the 3-eyed raven / Bran's storyline fascinating in the books. The show completely ruined it at the end with robot Bran and it having virtually no impact on the story. I think in the books it will be extremely important and can't wait for WoW to find out more.

[@gholamdapantaloonsniffer8218]

There's apparently a release date for WOW 🙂 it's supposed to be November 13th 2023!!!

[@missmaniac5145]

@@gholamdapantaloonsniffer8218 That will be still more than 18 months to go.... Thanks for this information, but did you get it from a reliable source? I was looking around for the last months to find a hint but I couldn't find anything....

[@travisweidman9399]

@@missmaniac5145 the release date is all over the internet idk how you couldn't find any information on it

[@munken7673]

@@gholamdapantaloonsniffer8218 for real?

[@caesarborgia4012]

The official release date is... maybe.... yeah, never....ppfff...

[@aegontargaryen9322]

Absolutely my favourite part of GOT , the North and all the mysteries it contains . One of my absolute favourite scenes of the original series was when Bran met the 3 eyed raven for the first time . Also the first scene where the three rangers come across the white walkers for the first time , really chilling

[@staceyburke4285]

Absolutely brilliant! The Children know Bran CAN talk to “the dead” when he’s in the Weirwood network, but try to convince him they cannot hear him; “a whisper on the wind”. However, we know through GRRM that Bran will warg into a young Hodor in order to help him in the future, thus changing the past. So with this knowledge, if Bran is able to talk to Ned through the weirwood network, then he could help prevent EVERYTHING - Roberts rebellion, Robert becoming King, the death of Lord Aaron, Robert naming Ned as Hand, etc. Bran’s power is never awoke and he cannot be used by the Children! I’ve never considered the Children to be evil until just now!! My eyes have opened!!

[@nedjohnson4089]

I think it would already have happened though. Hodor already happened. He grew up with it.

[@afield-fo2sf]

@@nedjohnson4089 I think it messed hodor up because Bran wargs into him while hes looking at the past.

[@Khoditsky]

But if he does prevent everything i prevents getting his powers thus he never prevents everything. So its a paradox. Besides its said the past is set. Whatever he attempts to change in the past he already attempted, we just dont realize the aftermath was a result of that attempt.

[@92brunod]

Lord Aaron was the best

[@josiahz21]

They did create the night king.

[@Bathaling]

So glad your still going strong even over a year after the TV show finished up! Fair play, well done and keep it up!

[@TalkingThrones]

Thank you, my friend. I love making these videos, and hearing everyone else's thoughts.

[@factbeaglesarebest]

Why would he stop? The garbage tv show has nothing to do with the wonderful literature

[@adityakashyap6754]

Omg this channel got recommended to me after 1.5 years! How has been everyone doing?!

[@TheViktorija77]

Hey! Same. I'm good, especially considering what is going on around the world. Still hopefull for the next book. How about you??

[@cameisabreland3465]

I come hear for the tea

[@syedazhar7773]

As usual we always excited when he drop new video here

[@nycgweed]

Still talking thrones lol

[@johnmontag]

Im envious of you two. Tons of amazing content ahead for u😀. If you need more recommendations for channels with similar content.....Ask and you shall receive 😁

[@Jockeylotforfun]

I've always believed that the white haired woman was infact snowy locks and that the sacrifice at the weirwood was a blood pact between the first men and the children of the forest to end their wars...Their treaty was sworn in Stark blood, a blood oath. This is also the most likely reason "there must always be a Stark in Winterfell". Love Qot 🌹

[@akafuguvids]

Better theory, as is no "Night King" in the books.

[@hrodvithit]

@@akafuguvids An obsession with theory crafters to incorporate show elements. I can't imagine the books having a character like "The Night King".

[@coldhands2802]

I'm pretty sure Ned never says there must be a stark in winter fell in the books. That's a show thing.

[@lxdead5585]

@@hrodvithit well, if there is at least some truth in old Nan stories, there once was a "Night's King", who probably was not only a Stark, but also Night's Watch commander.

[@JoshSweetvale]

@@lxdead5585 Exactly. He didn't lead the Walkers, he got seduced by one.

[@BaldingClamydia]

I think some of Bran's actions can be viewed differently when you realize he's still essentially a child. He's been traveling with other children, mature sure, but no one's been instilling education or morals the way a parent or the Maesters would. He was an active child as well, he's just trying to feel human again, without the forethought an adult would be capable of. I don't think he can empathize with people yet, as in, "how does this effect Hodor?" He can see pain and empathize, but the other concept is too abstract for most kids his age

[@victoriawhite3662]

Bran is starting to give me Lord of the Flies vibes!

[@plasmiusphantom]

Big facts

[@anoniem4524]

I have read the books and watched the show. It's been to long ago to pinpoint exactly where i read this, but there was something about the faceless man. Something like, the names of the first faceless man were to long and difficult to pronounce (same as the children of the forrest). Ever since that day, i have been thinking the faceless man and the children are connected. it may be that they originate from the, it may be that they secritly are children. If you look at their abilities, it also makes sence, they can change their face (skinchanging), they have ancient magic, the doorway is weirwood and another wood. I'm tellin ya, they are deeply connecten, and i can't wait for the plot to unravel! George, get back to publishin those last 2 books!

[@iagocasabiellgonzalez7807]

Loved this video! I see loads of connections with Danny's visions on the House of the Undying, the visions from Aeron in the prereleased chapter of the Forsaken, Jaime's dreams down the caves of Casterly Rock, the stories of Ygritte and the caves, Old Nan's tales, the Ghost of High Heart, Catelyn's and Robb's conversation at Oldstones on Mudd's grave, Godric Borrel's and Dick Crabb's squisher tales, Jon's wolf dreams crypt dreams, Ned's fever dream, Theon's interactions in the godswood, Patchface's profecies, the Shrouded Lord in Tyrion's dreams, and Melissandre's visions in the fire, were I believe she catches a glimpse of Bran and Bloodraven, all pointing to the White Walkers and the Children of the Forest.

[@TalkingThrones]

Absolutely. I like these ideas too.

[@Lotschi]

Wow, so interesting to hear it again! Bran’s chapters were always my favourite ones because I had the impression that he had a kind of mission to fulfill. An issue more important than the war here and battle there!

[@TalkingThrones]

Absolutely!

[@cherylbaxter8986]

I think since he became the 3 Eyed Raven from season 6 he's going to be evil in some way I don't trust him , an the way he was in season 7 an especially season 8 an for him to be King

[@DaviesMartinezBeats]

I 'think' George RR Martin should finish the Winds of Winter... that's what...

[@TalkingThrones]

I second that, and third that, and fourth that...

[@PedroKrick]

He should split that book in 2 just do 9 books and spare us a little, winds, winter, dreams and spring , he has to accept it , 2000 pages of winds of winter won't be possible anyway

[@AL13NM]

@@PedroKrick I've been ranting Martin should release TWOW half NOW half later, just to tide us over and slack our thirst. BUT either he has Less than half written Or as he writes and the details change, he will have to go back and rewrite parts of the first half of the book. Either way Winter is still a long ways off.

[@hunbunfun132]

Its been 9 years since the last one, and he probably wont release the winds for another year at the very least. The mans moribidly obese and in his 70's he isn't going to finish the series.

[@DaviesMartinezBeats]

@@hunbunfun132 - I agree with you 100%. and Fatty Bumbar needs to get it sorted for his loyal book fans...

[@rocktooth7723]

Dark Sister is in that cave...the show showed Mara Reed grabbing a sword (that the group did not bring with them) when they were routed out. RIP Hodor! But I guess the showrunners forgot about collecting Valerian swords for the Long Night, sigh. Hope to read more about that storied blade.

[@olofacosta3192]

D&D kinda forgot about the valyran steel but the steel definitely didn't forget about them

[@benmooney280]

Jon and bran chapters are always the best. Surprisingly liked the reek chapter when he is with Reese Bolton. I’m reading a dance with dragons right now

[@MGabrielHR]

I really hope the winds of winter come out next year, never waited so much a book in my life

[@TalkingThrones]

It will break records for sales.

[@brianschulte6008]

That's probably why it's taking George so long, he's seen how disappointed everyone was with the show towards the end, and wants to get everything right... We all know it will be great though

[@andrewescocia2707]

it won't

[@hunbunfun132]

@@brianschulte6008 Its taking forever because GRRM is tired of writing the series, he's been tired of it since feast maybe even ASOS. He's old, fat and sold his Magnum Opus out to HBO. All he wants to do now is blog about football and release smaller stories in drips and drabs. The first three books had 1-3 years between their publication feast took 5 years ADoD was 6 years now its been 9 years almost 10 until winds, he doesn't plan on finishing the series people just have to accept that.

[@Hero_Of_Old]

I'm from the future. It doesn't.

[@aegontargaryen9322]

Another great video . Very insightful , you can really tell talking thrones has studied ASOIAF to a high degree . I do look forward to watching new productions . Thanks for all your work pal .

[@TalkingThrones]

I appreciate that Ian. Thanks for supporting the videos.

[@FLASK904]

It's interesting, Blood Raven surely knew about Aegon the conqueror's prophecy, now that has been confirmed HoD. So, as a green seer, I'm sure he had visions that led him North, I wonder if that is why Aegon V sent him to the Wall. I never felt like Bran and Co were in a safe space in the cave. The chapter had a very uneasy feel to it, a lot of tension. Whoever the antagonist is with The Others, whoever their leader is, is going to have a connection to the Starks, this story dovetails around the Targaryens and the Starks, and all the pieces are being set up to where it feels like there will be a Targaryen and a Stark on both sides of the fight, amongst the living, and amongst the dead.

[@bekongwu602]

That quote "“She seemed sad when she said it, and that made Bran sad as well. It was only later that he thought, Men would not be sad. Men would be wroth. Men would hate and swear a bloody vengeance. The singers sing sad songs, where men would fight and kill." Can be interpreted in different ways. For me the foreshadowing here is that 1. Bran was thinking it, to me he might have stumbled upon a truth without even realizing it. 2. We need to stop and ask ourselves, why did all the children disappear? Did they go into hiding or did they go plot their vengeance while seeming to be weak and gone form westeros. 3. The three eyes raven seems like those characters in scifi that have been captured and used to exhaustion. Now they must be replaced. 4. Why would they be teaching bran how to defend mankind? Is anyone ever so kind? They did fight man once upon a time, all of a sudden they are this peace loving people?.....There is a plot here, and Bran is going to be the new battery for that great scifi weapon that takes over worlds.

[@astrinymris9953]

What strikes me now is that Bran is separating himself from humanity. HE is sad, like the Children of the Forest, but "men" would be angry. It seems to be hinting that Bran is becoming something other than human.

[@TalkingThrones]

I completely agree with this. I think the children of the forest are just biding their time, waiting for the right moment to strike. Now they have their new weapon of mass destruction. (Bran)

[@InterestedAmerican]

@@TalkingThrones What of the pact? Was that just a lie, or was it dissolved by the humans at some point through forgetfulness? Was it the Andals during their Invasion that dissolved the pact, thus leading to the Children of the Forest to once again slowly begin to regain the numbers of wights needed in order to fight in the realms of men once again? It's so interesting trying to figure out what will happen next when there are so many possibilities that the mind can get jumbled in thinking of them.

[@thomaspreston3618]

@@InterestedAmerican the pact is not completely dead. the children of the forest did leave the horn of winter and spear and arrow heads of dragon glass at the fist of the first men for the watch to find.

[@InterestedAmerican]

@@thomaspreston3618 Yes, that makes it all the more difficult to figure out their agenda. If, as is believed, they created the Others, and it is possible that all the male of the species is in the Weirwood possibly warging into the wights, then why give the possible tools of defeat to the humans? Maybe I'm not looking at it from the right perspective. Maybe they are giving tools to the men that worship the old gods that is not necessarily intended to help the rest, thus killing those that were not a part of the pact? God, I wish Howland Reed had a POV. His house is so wrapped up in this and I know that is why he hasn't had one in the books yet. Again, trying to figure out where this is going is an impossible task, I don't know why I continue to try. LOL

[@Ryan-iv3cz]

I had never though about the White Walkers being warged into. That would be wild

[@TalkingThrones]

It's makes a lot of sense, since the Night King was made by the children of the forest. They're all getting their powers from the same source, only the Night King is for the dead, whereas Bran is for the living, or so we think...

[@Ryan-iv3cz]

@@TalkingThrones I absolutely love the theory that Bran is being used instead of being this heroic figure. The motives for the children seems to lead that way. In a world where almost everyone/thing wants vengeance, i can't imagine they don't want their lands back.

[@TalkingThrones]

@@Ryan-iv3cz Exactly!

[@KeepitABuck50]

Thats why it's believed the Night King is a Stark. The Starks are blood of the first men. They also have Greenseers and skinchangers amongst their descendants. The Night King wargs the dead, most likely meaning in life he was a powerful warg himself.

[@factbeaglesarebest]

What? White Walkers? That’s show garbage are you talking about the Others? This video is about ASOIAF not the travesty that was HBOs production...

[@TheManlyVIK]

The 3 eyed raven's centuries long plan was ultimately to install himself as king of westeros so that Bronn son of you wouldn't know him could be chosen as master of coin.

[@thegreenbaron6439]

Try using commas and quotation marks in your comments

[@steezburger609]

Oh yeah it's big brain time

[@armurph1102]

@@thegreenbaron6439 I happen to agree with you when it comes to people needing to use punctuations when posting comments. So many people get offended and angry anytime someone says anything about it. It has absolutely nothing to do with trying to be condescending or questioning someone’s intelligence. When people post comments w/o using any punctuation marks or a period, question mark or exclamation point, it is difficult to comprehend what they are saying. The comments are long run on sentences and make no sense

[@lucasimmons075]

And not master of war, which was left vacant

[@marcusgibson5314]

@@armurph1102 were not offended we're annoyed your inability to comprehend is jo ones problem but yours the human brain can read backwards and forwards and prior to the dictionary in 1768 words were spelled by the writer not some formal rule and even today punctuation rules vary for the formatting standard . It is intellectual one-upsmanship objectively and you fool no one smarter than you

[@stephancarlozzi8928]

This was a great chapter and it makes me wish we had more of Bran training. Many show only watchers dislike Bran's story but I found the mysticism of the old gods fascinating. I'm sure we'll get to read more when the 'Winds of Winter' comes out. I still believe we will one day read it.

[@Schutz_Staffel]

This is my favorite part in A Song Of Ice & Fire, its so mysterious in a dark way.

[@Jockeylotforfun]

Remember Ygrittes story about the song "the blue rose of winterfell" that Starks and wildlings have the same blood from ACOK? Long ago, House Stark had no heirs other than a virgin daughter, their line nearly died out. Bael the bard (a wildling) sang for the Stark and as a reward he asked for a winter rose. The lord thought he meant a flower from the glass gardens and agreed. In the morning his daughter was gone, and a blue rose was on her empty bed. The pregnant woman in Brans vision is most likely that Stark daughter that Bael the bard took, because she later bore heirs for house Stark. So the Stark line after this time is intermingled with wildlings blood, blood of the first men is on both sides of the wall. I also think that bathing in the weirwood pool lay a curse on bastard born children of the north, ie, the snows!

[@cpeaze3079]

thats what I interperated that part to be as well

[@michelesilva9491]

@@cpeaze3079 then why describe the knight as tall as Hodor. That had to be said for a reason.

[@cpeaze3079]

@@michelesilva9491 have you read the history of westeros or blood and fire or are you just going off what was said?? because the story of bael the bard is prominent throughout all the history and lore books and makes total sense.

[@michelesilva9491]

@@cpeaze3079 yes I’ve read every book there is about GRRM’s world. I’d have to find it to me sure but I’m almost positive that in Brans vision he says he sees a pregnant women emerge from the pool with a knight as tall as Hodor standing there. There for I always thought this was Old Nan and Ser Duncan the Tall. Of course I know the story of Bael the bard and I can see that working for the pregnant lady in the pool as well, but then why would they say there was a Tall knight there? That was my question. Another point I’d like to make it that the Starks always had the blood of the first men same as the wildlings from the beginning. The Andals never made it past moat Cailin. That’s why The ppl of the North say they have the blood of the first men, as everyone north of moat cailin do. Bael the bard didn’t introduce anything new to the bloodline.

[@Sugondeese]

No the timeline doesn’t fit

[@KMRWales]

In my mind, the male Children of the Forest seem to be warging into the White Walkers. Everything that makes them sad stems from what men have done. They rarely even fret about the WWs. The old folklore would seem to be just old tales as they happened so long ago. I think the children of the forest and the giants did help to build the wall but not on the side we presumed. There’s that bit about the iron swords in the crypt of winterfell too. The male children could be much older than we expected. Maybe they’ve been warged into the old kings of winter this entire time and that’s why the iron swords are needed. The oldest tombs are inaccessible - is that because the iron swords there had rusted away completely as it happened further back? Does inaccessible part hide a deeper system underground that connects to the oldest tree beyond the wall as well as elsewhere? Does the 600ft deep river and caverns reach winterfell?

[@KMRWales]

If the river and caverns are connected to winterfell, the iron swords would prevent WWs from getting out of the tombs as well as stopping those on the outside from opening the tombs... if you catch my drift Ah there’s just so much

[@TalkingThrones]

These are all good questions. I hope we get some more answers in The Winds of Winter.

[@victoriawhite3662]

Oooohhhh!

[@feriwood398]

If only D&D still used the Books after Season 4 , the Show would be unbeatable

[@Mike-Wolfe]

Exceptional, very well done, and truly entertaining from beginning to end, with good editing, and theories.

[@jamesrussell5952]

Bran being king gives the children of the forest power they need and the start of changing things. That’s the story I am waiting to see told.

[@bekongwu602]

What's interesting to me is , Jojen's whole journey seems like a self fulfilled prophecy. By prophecy I am referring to the 'green dreams.' He didn't have to go to winterfell or North of the Wall. But because 'beliefs ' make humans do curious things, he did go and by so doing fulfilled 'all his dreeams.'

[@jaesingh9408]

Last time I saw one of your videos was before that last season… Glad to see that you’re keeping up the amazing content

[@TalkingThrones]

Thanks

[@xxsouthxxsidexxroyxx]

The Night King = The Great Other. In the show they mainly refer to The Others as white walkers because there is a group called The Others in Lost. Since they never refer to Others as the Others, they couldn't call their leader The Great Other; so they called him The Night King. I think his origin will be the same in the book, he will just be called The Great Other.

[@colindmac78]

I always love your theory videos. I've been watching your content pretty much when u were a new creator. Also thankyou for continuing to keep making videos for GoT where most creators stopped when the TV show was over. There are endless topics to discuss in this huge world George created and there will be more and more as more books come out and the new HBO show starts. Keep up the great work and looking forward to the next video.

[@mingdragun]

First off, I just wanna say I love your content. My mind works in a similar fashion, constantly trying to fit the pieces together. I have a few things to throw into the pot. As to the question of who might the pregnant woman seeking revenge be?..I was instantly brought to think of Alys Rivers for some odd reason. I last remember her at Harrenhall just before Aemond was killed by his uncle in F&B around 132AC. Secondly, Bran's arc has always been my favorite, and imo raises the questions I'm most dying to know. Instead of running through an in depth run of theory around Bran, I'm just gonna simply ask you some questions I've been asking myself. If they're stimulating enough, perhaps I'll watch a new video of yours pondering my questions. Ha 1. What is the Others ultimate goal in traveling south? 2. Assuming the Others goal is to merely destroy all human life and avenge the COF, why leave the ranger alive in S1E1? A man who would ultimately be the condemned soul at Bran's first execution, symbolizing his reaching manhood. 3. Why is The Bloodraven banished to the wall in 233 AC with Aemon? What leads to his disappearance North of the wall in 252? And lastly, what would Aemon have to say about the Bloodraven? 4. Is Bran: a. The Lord of Light b. The Night King c. The Three Eyed Crow d. All of the above If you believe as I do, that Bran is the Lord of Light AND the Night King, then it truly blurs the lines of the story beautifully in my opinion. Knowing such things, where do you even begin to calculate a character's precise spot on a spectrum between Good and Evil? If we look at Littlefinger with distrust and hatred for his part as a "Masterful Manipulator" and a dark magician of whispers...then how can we even begin to imagine Bran's character as a part of the "Good" side of the spectrum???

[@meloderieugif2294]

I believe that Robert's Rebellion, Quaith and the House of the Undying prophecies and visions, the birth of dragons, Blooraven and Bran's powers and the magical candles at the Citadel and the Lord of Light are all connected. I just don't know how.

[@TalkingThrones]

I like that idea.

[@abigailslade3824]

There is at least one link I know of when Danny was in the House she saw multiple scenes through doors one was definitely the red wedding.

[@Schoki99]

@@abigailslade3824 and robbs death was also foeshadowed from the first book. Making Greatjon Umber his general was the first mortal error.

[@abigailslade3824]

@@Schoki99 the red wedding is where Robb dies so that’s what I meant

[@Schoki99]

@@abigailslade3824 i know. and again, robbs death was foreshadowed in a game of thrones. The phrase "this was his first mortal error" is more then a hint.

[@Alterdeitsch]

Agreed! When reading this chapter, it felt like history, religion, politics, love - it was BY FAR the deepest chapter

[@RoadKamelot2nd]

1) The "Night King" wasn't created by the Children of the Forest. The "Night King" was apparently a Lord Commander of the Night Watch, who supposedly took a demoness for a lover. The Night King himself was human, assuming he even existed. The Others (White Walkers) existed a LONG time before the Night Watch was formed. 2) The Others were apparently enemies of the Children as well. It was their obsidian weapons that can pierce their armour and kill them. Metal would shatter due to the sheer cold of their presence making it brittle. So the Children kept giving the Night Watch a yearly supply of spear- and arrow-heads. 3) I have my own guess as to what the Others are. They are demons. But demons don't just pop into the world causing mayhem like in Warhammer 40.000. They are usually being summoned. What I believe is that someone SUMMONED the Others a long time ago... but didn't honor the bargain. The Others are merely trying to take their due, but unaware of the pact, mankind fought and drove them back. The numbers of the Others themselves were most likely few, blown out of proportion to make the tale more captivating. And they'll keep coming back until the contract is fulfilled.

[@made-line7627]

I like this. Just one correction: The Night King is a purely show-created character. The _Night's_ King is from the books, and yes, he was human.

[@Sugondeese]

Night’s King*

[@tp4155]

There’s a theory that the children created the others as weapons to fight off the first men’s invasion. The weapon seemingly got out of hand and they were forced to pact with the humans in order to push them as far north as they could. The one thing about this that doesn’t track with me is the Great Other. Who’s the entity that is the foil to the Lord of Light. Wouldn’t that entity be the one responsible to create the others? Also they’re described as being very beautiful in the books. Ethereal. So they’re not as “demonic” seeming. This is by far the best part of the lore. I was super bummed when the long night pilot didn’t get picked up. I was always more curious about this than the dance of the dragons

[@bloodyneptune]

See, I wonder if its an 'abomination' to warg into another person because they don't want people knowing its not only possible, but you can do it through time _and_ you can influence them (another thing they try and convince him he cant do). That along with the fact that theres Children from the past in ravens still, whos to say the Children that 'disappeared' from the past didn't just go off to enact revenge, and if Bran ends up on the throne, maybe he's been taken over by those Children in the past. The story of what happened between the Children and the White Walkers is all stories, we have no idea if they _knew_ what would happen and planned it all. They could have been influencing people and events this entire time, waiting until they could get their human vessel on the throne, and take everything back. I mean, look how easily wars can start and millions can die. Imagine if the 'person' in charge had the secret motive to get rid of all the men. Maybe because the males are seemingly less common, they're down in the caves, protected until they can all come back out and have their lands back.

[@TalkingThrones]

I really like some of these ideas. I do feel like the children of the forest are being patient, waiting to get their representative, Bran, on the throne. Once that happens, they can really start making progress on getting all their lands back.

[@Naorden13]

Maybe they are not less common, but they were killed during the war? And those in the cave survived because were not found. This leads to the idea, that the sacrificed humans were the price the northern man had to pay for the peace and the Children tried to use magic to turn them into their own kind in the purpose of rebuilding the population, but it went wrong (that's why they are men only and Craster gives them boys). There is a chance, that there is nothing like revenge or anything, but the Walkers are just unstable creatures full of mixed human and Children agenda, that in fact makes them threatened by both races. Then fear and rage turned them mad and out of control, so now the only thing they "remember" is to come back home - the only safe picture they can bring back in their heads. I also thought it could be just that they were captured to create ultimate antihuman weapon, but it's too easy, I much prefer the 1st idea, as it also explains why the people in the north wanted to forget about it, as it follows with the shame of sacrificing their own people and being the part creating that horror.

[@Blank_really]

Bran was watching everyone in winterfell, and it might be that the one who got the blade plunged into his heart was a stark. A stark of winterfell.

[@julianponce1854]

I hope he goes into detail about the Ebony trees with blue leaves. I think they are just a different species of weirwood

[@everythingdivine]

Like the doors on the House of Black and White

[@jamesvernon3209]

Is it possible that the sacrifice at the wierwood was to awaken it? I'm probably wrong but what if blood sacrifice is what gives a wierwood its abilities. I also like to think that the faces carved on the tree are the faces of the sacrifice.

[@jonathangomez8539]

I agree, I think the children of the forest are warging into the white walkers to get their revenge. Ultimately it's not Bran that will sit the iron throne but the Three Eyed Crow, the children of the forest themselves.

[@factbeaglesarebest]

There’s no three eyes raven buddy... in the books Bloodraven is the three eyes crow.

[@jonathangomez8539]

@@factbeaglesarebest ok

[@factbeaglesarebest]

@@jonathangomez8539 it just seems convoluted to change his name. I don’t get why the show does crap like that.

[@fletcherw32]

It could be children warging into combat bodies, using the Weirwood net. Though I doubt it due to the fact the Others speak out loud and even laugh. I feel like if they were warging together from the weirwood net then they’d be communicating telepathically rather than using their mouths and ears.

[@fletcherw32]

@@factbeaglesarebest There’s no reason to believe that Bloodraven is the Crow that Bran dreams about. Bloodraven also seems to be calling Bran using the dreams of the Weirwood tree. Bran has Wolf dreams, Flying Dreams, and Weirwood dreams. You’re only assuming Bloodraven is the Three eyed crow because Bran makes that assumption. Bloodraven never even confirms he’s the Three eyed Crow, he could think Bran is referring to him as a Crow due to his past as a man on the Wall. It’s all Upto your perception, I think the Three Eyed Crow is Bran from the future. You could also write it off as the Weirwood Net consciousness.

[@jsull81]

Where's the link to the video you mentioned at @15:37? The Singers at definitely suspect, so I'd love to hear your thoughts on them & what you think they're really up to

[@vlpinfinity9448]

Wouldn't be the first time the "nice magical creatures" turned out to be evil. Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, Coraline, The Beautiful Woman without Mercy to name a few.

[@joseaustin2692]

We know in the HBO show that the children of the Forest created the white walkers we don’t know that for sure in the books their origins is still clouded in mystery

[@johnmontag]

Absolutely love your video's! They are always the highlight of my Day. I wonder what are considered abominations according to Blood Raven, not Hagen

[@Robutnikon]

Really great content! Fun to see how spot-on you were in hindsight 💪🏼👍🏼👌🏻✨

[@ubzSS]

i think i remember the question, "could bran be the real villain of GOT?"

[@chrishaapala7997]

I remember hearing that too

[@saymyname2417]

When I saw these scenes in the Weirwood I thought that Bran is either the epitome of goodness or absolutely evil. When Meera cried that her brother was dead, Bloodraven pushed her pain aside saying that this was his destiny (much like Bran later treated Theon) and Bran didn't really react. And I knew at once which side both of them belong to...

[@farexponent9173]

@@saymyname2417 I feel like Bran didn't react cause he's seen it happen over and over. At that point into the show Bran was full on living in the past, preset and future simultaneously. When you already know what happened, is happening and will happen you start to lose emotion. If you've ever seen watch men, I think Bran's "power" is really similar to doctor Manhattan.

[@50F500]

Or maybe bran was warg by the night king

[@saymyname2417]

@@50F500 - I was thinking that the spirit of Bloodraven is inhabiting Brans body and has basically absorbed the boy's mind. Because Bran at that point could be no older than 17 and couldn't do much more than reading, writing and basic math. In no way could Bran himself be able to rule. Whereas far exponent could be correct and Bran evolved in quantum leaps in the time he spent with Bloodraven.

[@boyobane1590]

I want to go into a cave and live on DMT paste for an undeterminable amount of time tbh.

[@TalkingThrones]

There are over 1 hundred different kinds of mushrooms growing down there. Maybe Bran's visions are hallucinations.

[@boyobane1590]

@@TalkingThrones Maybe it's spookier than that. Maybe what the mushrooms show are real and it's some sort of powerful misunderstood technology?

[@JamesMc2051]

Would Jojen paste do?

[@passager683]

@@JamesMc2051 Great one mate !

[@dovebar76]

I love this channel! Talking Thrones is really done.💯💙

[@sam_c95]

I think that is definitely Ser Duncan the Tall but the girl I'm not sure. I don't know much of the theory that it was Old Nan, nor much of the theory that Old Nan is a Frey which I think is meant to be related. As for Hodor, it's possible that Dunk is an ancestor of his but not his father considering Old Nan id Hodor's great-grandmother. The pregnant woman is probably a She-Wolf, I think you're right. It's likely GRRM linking into to the other stories he's got planned, he loves to give hints and clues! I don't think the sacrifice was the one that made the "Night King". The Night King isn't even a character thus far in the books and there is no real reason to think there will be. The Others don't need to have a leader in the story - in fact the way GRRM writes them to be scary and unknowable and, well, "the Other" works better if they are Faceless, all indistinguishable and not just following orders from one main Big Baddie. I'm not sure the sacrifice is particularly meaningful other than to show the culture of the First Men prior to the Andal invasion (they were using bronze tools) and that sacrifices are potentially relevant, but I'd love to be proven wrong on that. Regardless, I don't think this white-haired woman is a Singer, they are a different species and already described as quite different from humans. Bran wouldn't have just called her a woman if she was a Singer.

[@short11000]

Thank you for your continued interests in keeping us engaged. You blow me away continually. 👏

[@jamesrussell5952]

The children of the forest and the weir woods are using Bran. He is their puppet. He is now king and now they are in charge of the kingdom

[@AshishKumar.curiosity]

Would you keep making "what happened in the book" series? I love those videos.

[@JayShuffleboson]

What if Bloodraven lured Bran out there just to warg into Hodor and grab Darksister and leave Bran there to take over?

[@made-line7627]

Seems like something he'd do

[@devoralynblackwood2785]

Hi- great commentary! You mentioned that you’d link to a theory of why the children are evil or not to be trusted, but I don’t see it. Can you please link it? I’m going through and listening to all of your theories, but I don’t want to miss it ☺️

[@deggyG]

Something as simple as adding in a line from The Three Eyed Raven (during the invasion from the Night King), where he states to Bran: “My ability has fully been passed to you. He comes for us both. He has waited an eternity for this chance as all he needs is the power we have along with the destruction of the Weirwood Tree that created him, a tree you are very familiar with. Now, go, I’ve used all the time I may waste, he will be here soon.” Just something along those lines would’ve allowed the rest of the scenes to play as we had seen in the show but at least the Night King would’ve had a truly established goal. In my theory, he needed the death of the power of the Three Eyed Raven along with the destruction of the Weirwood Tree that created him, which in this version would’ve been at Winterfell.

[@michelesilva9491]

The Starks, nights watch, the others, the children of the first, the old Gods, and the north in general is my favorite thing about the story. So this video is right up my alley. About the last part there, the sacrifice at the heart tree. Why would a children of the forest be at Winterfell? Or do u think this happens before Winterfell was there? It could just be a sacrifice to the weirwood. I can’t see why they would cut the neck of a man to make him the first other. Of course I could be wrong. I just can’t wait for winds of winter.

[@jimmyjames24]

I love this chapter and the books description of Bloodraven...him slowly being absorbed into the tree. Do you think that is what happened to every 3-eyed raven throughout history? Or even the origin of the weirwood trees?

[@MusicalCircus]

Holy moly. I think you cracked it. That’s the best I’ve heard in a while.

[@victorcristo7274]

1.25 speed is best Great lore there, Thrones ^^ Thanks for helping us piece it together

[@Parjuk]

I agree, it does have soooooo much information in it, and one of the most important. Definitely fuels a lot of through.

[@maketycry3952]

All these predictions and possible endings to ASAF is so fun to ponder, I‘ll be happy when we get the final books but I’ll miss videos like these. Thanks for your videos!❤️ It just gives more life back into the story and removes the shadow of D&D

[@avo_gato_sloth354]

great video. My absolute favorite chapter. please do more like this!

[@debbralehrman5957]

Holy mackerel! This gives a lot to think about. And a much better story than the one we were given that is for sure. Write the story faster George.

[@TalkingThrones]

Glad you found it interesting!

[@sautter09]

An awesome video about an awesome chapter. I love your videos. Thanks for your work! Greetings from Germany

[@joaolopes5048]

I believe that this ritual was the "awakening" of the heart tree, so using man's blood the tree is able to hold the visions and memories, that's why Bran can taste the blood, because it was given to the tree in which he is residing.

[@glipgloppapi9959]

the whole lore of game of thrones feels like a huge essay on history and storytelling

[@jarnobrofelt1891]

This was one of best videos you added long time! I really liked it. 👍

[@whiskeybravo91]

I read a theory forever ago that the pregnant woman in the vision is Brandon The Daughter-less's daughter was 'kidnapped' by Bael The Bard

[@babymama77]

This show was so deep i am still finding out new things everytime I watch the series

[@thenewvoice8]

We will not get the last book. At best we get Winds and perhaps another Dunk book, and then - at best - many years later we'll get an unfinished tales styled book of the unreleased chapters or his work for Spring.

[@TalkingThrones]

I'm also afraid that will happen. I think we will get the Winds of Winter, and the second volume of Fire and Blood, since that show has already been green lit. He will need to produce more material for that series to be successful. What he releases after this is up in the air for me...

[@kirstenmitchell3250]

A la Frank Herbert…

[@1fitaintbrokefixit]

Thanks!

[@jessejohnson8365]

I always got the feeling after this chapter that there is a similar hell underneath the Red Keep. Varys literally want take tyrion beyond a certain point in the caverns under the red keep unless he closes his eyes he tells him that the horrors he would see would break him and never let him sleep again due to nightmares it would give him. We know there are tons of caves all over those three hills there before the red keep likely used by children. There are several underground weirwoods that we hear of one of them huge the one in casterly rock. Seems logical that this would be the scene varys tries to keep from Tyrion likely part of his master of whispers secrets. Also gives good reason Jaquen would submit and allow himself to be locked up and put in black cells. I also feel like the marriage cake Danny is told Merrenes brides are only allowed and it taste like the best thing in the world sounds like Bran eats the cake mix before wedding the trees. Danny gets a cooked version the Green Grace seems like a clear green seer and the aka Harpy. I also feel like the claws on the master whip of the unsullied with its four claws are from children of the forest I like to think so anyway.

[@jessejohnson8365]

Wow. I was really all over the place with this message.

[@TheBigbrad75]

@@jessejohnson8365 a bit, yea lol, but u made several good points.

[@SonicBodhi1]

Why couldn’t they do a prequel show about the First Children and the history of the Night King and the White Walkers

[@gholamdapantaloonsniffer8218]

They were and had one planned but cancelled it due to it being crap 😂😂

[@bvici22]

Now we have the SNOW spin off coming around about what happened to Jon Snow after everything in Game of Thrones could fo some pretty cool ways with this

[@jimhart4488]

You reference Bran "flying with the murder". These are ravens, not crows. A group of crows is a murder, a group of ravens is called an unkindness. So Bran actually flew with the unkindness. Maybe the difference has some meaning, maybe not.

[@karenhindson1695]

I agree that the children of the forest and through them Blood Raven control everything. That cave is so creepy and Bran is also becoming dark, drinking the blood from the roots or Jojen, much like Euron and the Warlocks drink the opposite from the purple trees in Essos. If Bran is to become the king, we can only hope that he can release himself from the Children on the Isle of Faces. This place must surely be where the show down with the Night's King, the children, blood magic and Reed who is the only person that we know of who was able to visit the island and return to help Ned Stark.

[@jimhart4488]

There is no "Night King" in the books. That is a character invented for the show, probably to avoid having to go into all of this about the CotF and their connection to the White Walkers.

[@karenhindson1695]

@@jimhart4488 but there IS a Night's King in the books, most likely a Stark -:))

[@jimhart4488]

@@karenhindson1695 Yes, but there is no evidence or indication that they are the same character or even play similar roles. The only connection is the similarity of the name.

[@theophrastusbombastus1359]

The final showdown will happen on the banks of the Trident

[@lxdead5585]

@@karenhindson1695 there WAS, and not a Night King but "Night's King" who WAS Night's Watch commander (and MAYBE Stark). Do Yourself an favor and read GoT prologue again. White Walkers doesn't have king, they are an ancient race hating life and using dead to wage war against it.

[@pebblesramirez9290]

This explains Bran manipulating circumstances to get the throne .

[@robertwatson6880]

Game of thrones scifi plot twist the humans are aliens that landed on the planet and the meteor is the burning wreckage of the spacecraft used . The children of the forrest reverse engineer the nanite technology creating a necromatic cyborg (white walker) to exterminate all xeno from the planet . Basically after final season any surreal plot twist would have been better.

[@bry8636]

There are absolutely a lot of northern mysteries , among others. Which was why the shows conclusion was so wanting. They didn’t even scratch the surface of these mysteries. And while I doubt Martin will answer all our questions, he will touch on many of them.

[@ogmanzfan6934]

Killer content as always bro!!👏

[@fernandosimon5621]

This is one of my favorite chapters in the song. Right up there with The Forsaken.

[@tylerbarrett6652]

Okay... I know I'm commenting on an old video, but I recently learned of the theory that Nettles was actually Leaf... and with all these bones in the cave it makes me wonder if for a time she housed Sheep Stealer there, somehow having magic that enabled it to get beyond the wall. Anyway, I found the theory worth considering.... and wondered what you thought.

[@brianschulte6008]

Personally I can't wait until we find out what is up with the Isle of Faces, whether some character or characters go there, or we see it through a vision through all the weirwoods there... Or both... I feel like there's something really big that will be revealed there... I mean c'mon, the lake is called the "God's Eye"... Any thoughts?

[@dionshaewishum4179]

I love the analysis based on the reading. There are certain points in George’s narrative, where you know he’s foreshadowing something major. Please release the winds of winter Mr. GRRMartin

[@JonathanMartin884]

15:15 How can the children be evil when GRRM has clearly shown us there is no evil, there is no good, there are merely shades of grey?

[@Omggeex]

Not true Euron Greyjoy and Ramsay are evil

[@JonathanMartin884]

@@Omggeex Euron is definitely more grey in the books than the show, and Ramsay is certainly a little more towards classic "evil," but still is he evil or was he taught to be that way?

[@Omggeex]

@@JonathanMartin884 Euron is not grey he killed two of his brothers, sexually assaulted one of his brothers, tore out peoples tongues and kept them as slaves, tore out his fiancé’s tongue and tied her to the mast of the ship when she was pregnant with his child and hired a faceless assassin to kill his other brother

[@JonathanMartin884]

@@Omggeex All of which is mostly condoned by the Ironborn. You are applying our own cultural mores to the Ironborn.

[@92brunod]

@@JonathanMartin884 ohhh so now you backtrack to "there is no good and evil" to "it was ok to them, not to us" when you're given example of true evil characters. Pathetic. There is good and evil in the story, deal with it. And even if we apply your own perspective that something isn't evil because it was condoned by their people and we can't judge with our own morals, then the Children's actions aren't evil because the Children condone them. Your own "logic" defeats your argument and your original question becomes nonsensical. And I call it "logic" because it is EXACTLY the same as saying Hitler wasn't evil because his actions were condoned by the Nazis. P.S.: just because someone was "taught to be evil" doesn't make them not evil. That's like saying Michael Jordan was not a good basketball player because he was taught to be good. You seem to either have a very limited sense of logic or you got yourself into a corner with a statement you can't defend but can't admit it out of stubborness so you resort to the most awful and impossible to defend arguments I've read in a while which is way worse than just admitting the other person may be right.

[@buntun3670]

Old Nan is Hodor's grandmother's grandmother right? so Dunc is probably his 2 x great Grandfather. The pregnant girl asking for a son who will avange her is probably an event that took place around that same time, but I wonder what.

[@JoshSweetvale]

Whoever the pregnant woman was, it occured during Targaryen rule, as it's bracketed between Lyanna and 3 arrows for 3 dragons. Also, how in the hell was she naked and wet? Wierwoods are _outside._ So this probably wasn't the North!

[@AshishKumar.curiosity]

Continue doing chapter-wise analysis videos!

[@johnnym8717]

I will say when reading it the Cotf and Blood raven are really portraying the bad guys. The verbage and darkness and possible jojen paste to absorb his green dreams power seems like they're the baddies.

[@kwazy2893]

We may get Winds of Winter but there is no way that George finishes a Dream of Spring.

[@travisvilandre3159]

I agree. Martin is too old. After learning more about who he is watching interviews his real passion is screen writing for television. He should have ghost writers finishing his vision and editing the final book.

[@cew630]

I've been waiting too long for that! I want a conclusion lol.

[@opietaylor5579]

Definitely not, I hope he gives or sells the rights to the story and characters cuz he definitely isn’t gonna finish

[@witlessteam901]

Unless Winds of Winter was the most important and hardest to write due to it concluding most characters arcs and plots, and a Dream of Spring being one giant epilogue, it may only take him a couple years to finish the last book. I have faith that George still has 10 good years in him left.

[@carlcarlson3238]

Of course he will finish. He is most likely writing both together in parts as many writers do. He is my age so he is still young but his weight concerns me. WHERE IS THE MAESTER!

[@StormWolf01]

I don't know if the children are evil, but they sure are shady as hell.

[@TalkingThrones]

Lol for real. They're creepy little f*ckers too

[@jsull81]

That was my first thought too, that the male Singers deep within the caves are probably controlling the Others. What else could they be doing? Whatever it is I'm sure it isn't good. And how the hell do bones stay together while hanging upside down? That line never made sense to me, lol

[@jeanieberry2004]

I do think the children have a lot more to do with things than what’s been written thus far . Evil ?? I’m not sure . Are they the old gods I’m not sure ? The god of fire . Are they the same ? What is the common denominator is the starks , the dire wolves , and the white walkers . I think there is more magic involved than the show brought out . More in winterfell than we know . I hope the new book answers questions and doesn’t leave things out the way the show did .

[@tashacrawford770]

I think the weir woods need blood sacrifices. In the Arya chapter when Lord Beric had the Hounds trail was full of magic and they were also underground in weir wood roots. I think the magic is part of the world itself, not from a good. Lord Beric sword caught fire after he cut his palm and rubbed the blade with his blood. Then after Thoros brought him back to life again. She also had the memory of her wolf dream return first thing.

[@TalkingThrones]

I agree. The weirwoods need blood.

[@stillcold]

imagine if asoiaf ends with bran altering neds path so that he never becomes the hand of the king, or he tells the king about jaime and cersei and he never gets executed. I doubt that would happen, because it would make all the other plots feel pointless. Still though, imo it's an interesting thought.

[@KMRWales]

That would certainly “break the wheel” so to speak

[@claystephens9386]

Through Bran’s unguided actions, changing into Hodor, and all the other abomination actions……does he create the night king himself? Dark actions create dark times…..

[@dmal4008]

Wait, has it been officially confirmed that the COTF created the WW? I thought that was only in the show? Ive read the books over 6 times and im surprised if i missed that...

[@pudgyfolds2186]

Perhaps all the cof including the one male cof that brans see's hidden way deeper in the cave's forbidden areas might be functioning as a server farm of sorts. Maybe they use their collective consciousness to amplify the magic/powers in the cave (kinda like the matrix movie). We speculate that they use dark/blood magic to do whatever it is they do, so i dont think it would be too farfetched that there's some dark underlying sinister reason that they're all down there half alive and connected to the weirwood network. If they're there for a reason, id hedge that them being trapped in the tree may be the reason why that cave/tree is so special that bloodraven spent 100+ yrs down there. For him to send greendreams to jojen and bran must have taken great power and effort, perhaps his power alone is not enough, maybe they all work together to amplify his power or maybe all the half dead cof trapped in the tree are responsible for the magic forcefield keeping the wite walkers out. I assume the others cant enter the cave either cos if the wites kno where the cave is, then the others would kno too. not sure if any "other" has tried to enter the cave in the books as ive not read them yet

[@David-l6c3w]

I wonder if it was The Giants that placed and arranged those large stones. The Children of the Forest don't appear to possess much if any technology to move and place such large stones. Perhaps The Giants arranged the stones at the behest of The Children.

[@albertl7872]

Been doing as well as it can be expected. I'm glad it's back too!