45 replies to this topic

[Lord Liam DarkStark]

Finding out pates true purpose could be very bad for them although we don't know how pate would feel since we don't know who he is working for.
But I would hope since he was still around the candle. He'll know the importance tof the two then. But I guess we'll know when the time comes

[CJDTrismegistus]

Whatever the purpose of Pate/JH, I don't think the sphinx that Maester Aemon is referring to is Alleras.  I think it's the sphinxes at the Citadel.

[Frey Pie]

CJDTrismegistus, on 23 September 2012 - 10:33 AM, said:

Whatever the purpose of Pate/JH, I don't think the sphinx that Maester Aemon is referring to is Alleras.  I think it's the sphinxes at the Citadel.

I now think the sphinx is in reference to the three heads of the dragon-a human face, the body of a lion, the wings of a hawk. Now what these parts are im unsure of. The body of a lion could be Tyrion, but iv always fancied Jaime as Aerys'son as wel so could be either. The hawk is the sigil of House Fowler but i doubt George is going to throw any significant new character from Dorne at us. So im thinking perhaps young Griff, Aegon, or Jon. As for the face it depends whether the sphinx is Egyptian or Greek. Most likely indicates Dany, Drogons rider and so strongest of the three. Could also be Bran. Hence why the sphinx is the riddle, not the riddler. The riddlers identity is unknown. Perhaps its fate/destiny

Alleras is still the greatest unknown in the series along with Howland Reed. Shes introduced to us in AFFCs and nothing further is mentioned about her. She has to have a role

[CJDTrismegistus]

Yes I think you could be right there. I previously posted a comment regarding the 3 parts of the sphinx being representative of the 3 houses that the heads of the dragon may come from. I thought the lion was Tyrion as I believe Jamie has a different path ahead of him, the hawk I felt might be Sansa(after she's married into the Arryn family somehow) and the serpent's tail may represent Arianne or Alleras.

Whatever Alleras/Sarella is actually up to could be connected to her role as one of the heads and she's a more interesting character than Arianne so I hope it's her!

I can't remember what thread it was on, or who came up with the suggestion(I have had a look but couldn't find anything), but there was a suggestion that the 3 parts represent the houses themselves - maybe Lannister, Arryn and Martell.  I don't know about this, Martell's a given due to his connection to the Targaryens but Lannister and Arryn?  If Petyr is still in charge of the Vale when Danny comes to Westeros I can see him joining her to make sure he's on the winning side and I guess if Tyrion manages to get back to Westeros to claim Casterley Rock this idea has legs.

Still, I think it's more likely that the 3 heads are individuals rather than houses, Aemon himself exclaimed when on the boat trip that he wanted to be one of the heads but was too old.

[goldark]

A greek sphinx has the haunches of a lion, the wings of a great bird, and the face of a woman, it poses riddles so it is a riddler not a riddle.  
Egyptian sphinxes on the other hand are masculine and benevolent.  
A griffin has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. It is very similar to a sphinx.  The references to Griffins in the books are House Connington and young Griff.  

Could Aemon be misconstruing a sphinx for a griffin and actually be referring to young Griff as the riddle?  GRRM likes to use prophecies that could mean many different things. Cersei and the Valonqar being one of the prime examples.  The sphinx Aemon talks about being Alleras/Sarella somehow seems too obvious.  I think "the Sphinx is the riddle not the riddler" is actually referring to the mystery of who or what Young Griff/Aegon actually is.  Alleras/Sarella could very well have an important part in the story going forward but to make the assumption that Aemon is talking about her might be overblowing her importance.

[Ciazio]

goldark, on 28 September 2012 - 01:25 PM, said:

Could Aemon be misconstruing a sphinx for a griffin and actually be referring to young Griff as the riddle?  GRRM likes to use prophecies that could mean many different things. Cersei and the Valonqar being one of the prime examples.  The sphinx Aemon talks about being Alleras/Sarella somehow seems too obvious.  I think "the Sphinx is the riddle not the riddler" is actually referring to the mystery of who or what Young Griff/Aegon actually is.  Alleras/Sarella could very well have an important part in the story going forward but to make the assumption that Aemon is talking about her might be overblowing her importance.

I do not exclude this but a man has to ask: how could Aemon know about Young Griff? Varys? No, no, no, no, please...