Theory on how ASOIAF ends

[Greenseer16]

The first five entries in the saga have a combined length of 4500-5000 pages. Winter is just kicking off at the end of ADWD. Given the preceding summer was 9-10 years long (going from the age of Arya) and the maxim that ‘long summers are followed by even longer winters’ - for to the series to culminate in the depths of winter, it would take 5-10 more years. At even a fraction of the established narrative pace, that would require 5000-6000 more pages, a clear impossibility. The answer? Simplifying plot lines, writing off characters prematurely, and taking leaps forward in time (a jump of 5 years was originally planned for ADWD). However, regardless of the corners Martin cuts, the quintessential course of the story remains the same and resolutions to many of the major story arcs have taken shape.

 

Developments

 

Gendry Becomes King

Gendry’s ascension to the throne is foreshadowed early on in the series when Ned meets him in the course of his investigation and intervention later spares him from Joffrey’s purge. Gendry has Robert’s strength and resolve without his excesses. Whereas’ Varys points out Aegon was raised among the common people (mending nets etc.), Gendry was raised as one of them and knows firsthand their problems and the toll of war. He should assume leadership of the Brotherhood without Banners and grow the cause into an army that’s victorious in the final confrontation at King’s Landing.

 

Arya Becomes Queen

Arya has acquired a unique perspective from travelling the world and living the struggle for survival firsthand. Whereas Sansa was groomed and engaged to be queen (something she may indeed no longer want), Arya will succeed to the throne roundabout by course of action. Her early acquaintance and budding relationship with Gendry go without saying.

 

Arya’s Character Assassination

In a Feast for Crows, when confronted by the leader of the Faceless Men over her possession of Darion’s boots, Arya boasts of killing him. Even providing for her likely exaggeration, any validation of the act is an ethical violation of her character. If any current underpins Arya’s narrative, it’s opposition to wanton bullying and abuse of power. In this light, killing Darion for leaving a thankless role at the Nights watch, one he was incidentally condemned to under false pretenses, constitutes just that. Similarly, Arya’s stint as an assassin is depersonalizing. The proper climax to her odyssey would be to return to her roots as a water dancer, infiltrate the red keep and take some heads.

 

Daenerys Answers Quaithe’s Prophecy

Daenerys is one of the more outgoing characters in the book and has consistently demonstrated kind intentions, however the destructive trail left in her wake coupled with the dark and unraveling history of her house are bound to catch up with her. Quaithe’s prophecy of betrayal is obviously subtle enough to exclude any setbacks Daenerys has encountered so far. The betrayal for blood may portend Selmy leaving her for Aegon, whose claim he views more legitimate than hers (wouldn’t be the first time this guy betrayed someone). The betrayal for love screams at Jorah Mormont and Daario Nahaaris may be one to turn on her for money. Daenerys should take revenge on the rogue khals and land roundabout in Westeros with her three dragons towards the end to wreak some havoc. She may claim the throne briefly before burning out.

 

Cersei Loses All Her Children; is Killed by Jamie

Cersei has already watched Joffrey choke to death and amidst her zeal to protect them is bound to have Myrcella and Tommen die on her hands as well. She will then be strangled by an enraged Jamie, the true younger brother from the prophecy. However, that alone may not exorcize Cersei’s presence. Her cold and superficial nature warrants her resurrection as a wight. Jamie may narrowly avoid being beckoned to his death (perhaps aided by Brienne) and burn the bond for good with fire.

 

Tyrion Finds Where it is Whores Go

Perhaps the most prominent voice through the first three books, Tyrion is at a stalemate in their wake. His murder of Tywin is so bleak and self-defeating as to transform his manner from the victimized to the condemned. Tywin’s handling of the trial and of Shae were reciprocally perverse for someone who showed some level of appreciation for Tyrion’s abilities and wounded pride over his kidnapping. As things stand, it’s hard to visualize an upbeat ending for Tyrion. The extreme resolution of his driving conflict leave his narrative somewhat jaded and aimless. Tyrion’s odyssey likely takes him to Braavos, to a reunion with his short-lived wife (her precondition of marrying clients and daughter’s name Lanna are a dead giveaway) and perhaps his daughter will improve her lot in life when all clears.

 

Sansa Settles Down

Sansa has stayed tucked away in one spot or another through most of the series and it remains to be seen what level of presence she can attain. Sweetrobin will not long survive Littlefinger’s guardianship, however Sansa should ultimately get a leg up on his schemes and make her way back to the fore. Her past relationship with Sandor suggests he will come to her aid at some point. Sansa’s long-term prospect, death being too macabre, seems marriage. Turning out the fairer queen of Cersei’s prophecy would defeat the point of her experience. A seat at Winterfell, which she has come to appreciate, or the Stormlands e.g. is more suited to Sansa.

 

Thoughts on Catelyn

Catelyn’s resurrection, disregarding magic, is understandable framed by her desperate will. It does nothing to change her disposition however. Catelyn’s behavior from the get-go has been impulsive, selfish and mean-spirited. She kidnapped Tyrion and sought his death based on the word of someone she knew unscrupulous. Her act setting Jamie free doomed her son and thousands of other men. The spark that set this decision off was a mere mention of Jon, the boy she tormented through his childhood and drove away from his siblings. After revival, Catelyn turns straightaway on Brienne and extorts her assistance in capturing the reformed Jamie, the very man she set free. All in all, Catelyn is not too far apart from Cersei, driven by the same maddened zeal to protect her brood - she herself draws the comparison at one point. Catelyn too will be put to rest by the end of the series, however not before following through on her vengeance against the Freys and giving Littlefinger an icy surprise.

 

Stannis Sits the Throne (briefly)

By his own mantra, the good merits the good and the bad merits the bad. Stannis must ultimately fulfill his ambition of becoming king that he has toiled for and has a certain degree of claim to. However, he must also pay the consequences of his hypocrisy, burning and maiming people for treason when he himself is a would-be successor to a usurper. While there are many characters who have a grievance against Stannis; Brienne for killing Renly, Davos for maiming him and bringing death to his sons; his most fitting comeuppance may be the Targeryen successor Daenerys and her dragons. Stannis to chance the throne in book 7 until it becomes his brazier.

 

Davos is Azor Ahai

Irony dictates the one who opposes the prophecy most vehemently must become its hero. Davos has already lost four sons to fire and the death of the other three, culminating with namesake Stannis, will fulfill his sacrifice. Davos will slay Melissandre and somehow lead the fight against the white walkers (he has already driven it by urging Stannis to the wall).

 

Thoughts on Jon Snow

While basically accepted that Jon is the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna, there’s no satisfying means to this end. Either Lyanna was forcibly kidnapped or she went willingly, condemning her brother and father. Jon’s death in ADWD is a natural red herring, Ghost providing a ready vessel for recuperation. It’s the longer run that’s harder to foresee for Jon. He should play a part against the White Walkers but not that of Azor Ahai. Nor will he assume the crown. Jon also disavowed a seat in the North earlier on, and his one flame Ygritte is dead. An attraction to Val has been hinted at, however Jon will most likely suffer an uneasy death.

 

Thoughts on Succession in the North

The fate of the North is a conundrum. Bran is on his way to becoming a tree and Rickon has through now been colorlessly depicted as a brat, whereas Jon is cut out for other things. It would seem appropriate for Robb’s marriage to validate itself in producing an heir, however that branch has been cut. Perhaps Sansa who once yearned to leave the North so badly would be best fit to preside over it in the end.

 

Highgarden and Dorne Head South

Both mighty powers of Westeros, the southern factions’ standing is secondary in the grand order of things. The Tyrells as a whole are too opportunistic and aloof to make out well. Their casualties should number the Queen of Thorns, Margaery, Mace and already at death’s door Loras, Garlan complimented if only by his acknowledgement of Tyrion’s leadership ability at the Blackwater. In the Dornish camp, Doran is too scheming and sickly to survive while Arianne seems too well-meaning not to, with mixed fates in store for the sandsnakes. Both houses should take part in the final conflict at King’s landing, with the Dornish naturally backing Aegon, yet neither comes out ahead.

 

Aegon Heads Back East

Regardless of whether he’s a Blackfyre or not, Aegon has the full force of the Golden Company and more behind him and should be a driving presence at the battle of King’s Landing. A one-on-one with Gendry would echo Rhaegar’s duel with Robert, however this one need not have a terminal result. A defeated Aegon returns to Essos to restore balance to that part of the world.

 

Littlefinger in a Poisoned Pie

It goes without saying Littlefinger will meet his comeuppance. His seat at the Eyrie hints at dragons (what other purpose could it serve) yet the object of his desire, Catelyn, should be his true undoing.

 

Varys Comes up Short

Varys’ motives are more altruistic than Littlefinger’s. Yet he too is a schemer and not quite innocent (it’s implied he has the tongues cut out from his ‘little birds’), and like Kevan, supports a cause that will not succeed. Varys to perish in a yet unclear manner.

 

Big Walder Inherits the Twins

One of the largest pitfalls for any dramatic series is short selling its villains. Unfortunately, Martin’s preview chapters for the Winds of Winter set out on that very course. The Freys, while smarmy and subservient, are capable in their own right, cunning enough to have engineered the Red Wedding. Aenys for instance is noted as a dangerous commander and Hosteen as a competent swordsman. Yet early in the sixth installment, Aenys (literally) falls into a ditch headfirst and Hosteen is captured without ado.

The destruction of Walder and the bulk of his brood is in the cards either way. The one male member in their line singled out is a positive light is Big Walder, pitted as sensitive and disapproving of Ramsay’s amusements in contrast to his cousin. It follows that Big Walder’s harmless boast in the childrens’ game at Winterfell of one day ruling over the Twins can’t help but come true.

 

The Boltons Run Out

The extinction of this house, capped by that of Roose and Ramsay, is a no-brainer. Ramsay’s sting has abated with the escape of Theon, who is the natural candidate to finish him off. Roose is the more enduring villain and his machinations against the Starks will ultimately come full-circle.

 

The Greyjoys Brighten

Pyke is a scourge on par with the Dreadfort. The Ironborne are little more than reavers, robbers and rapists. With Tywin gone, Euron remains the most ambitious villain in Westeros and Victarion is not too far behind. The younger brother should set sail in book 6 and the older later. Theon is fated for death but may take Ramsay with him. Asha is the obvious pick to survive and continue the line in a more benign fashion.

 

Gregor is Robert Strong; Kills Lancel

Gregor is too weighty a character to be dismissed behind the scenes. While it’s basically surmised Robert Strong has his body, he must bear his head as well lest the plot grow ludicrous. It stands to reason Lancel serves as the faith’s champion in Cersei’s trial and is cut down by Gregor, adding to her culpability.

 

Sandor Kills Gregor (a.k.a Robert Strong); Matches Drogon

It’s not worth belaboring the identity of the gravedigger in the Riverlands. Once Sandor returns to Kings Landing, he sets up his duel with Robert Strong as a champion of the faith. By this point, however, Gregor will have suffered his own degree of contrition through Qyburn’s medical torture and his defeat is as much mercy killing as revenge. Sandor’s true demon is fire, and what other way to confront it than by facing fire incarnate? Deep into the final book, in the wake of Danaerys death’, her dragons run rampant, terrorizing the city. The lesser two are put down with great effort, but Drogon defies submission. Sandor rides out on Stranger and slays the dragon, himself consumed yet cleansed in the fire.

 

Jamie Honors the White

Jamie embarked on his own path of redemption to reestablish order in the Riverlands, leaving Cersei to her ends. However, his intentions at the moment are still aligned with the Lannister regime. After escaping Catelyn’s trap, Jamie may stumble upon the Brotherhood without Banners he’s been hunting and have a scrape with Gendry, who should be leading the band by then. Jamie’s defining encounter with Gendry will come much later, in the final chapters of the saga. As the battle of King’s Landing subsides and Gendry stands victorious (with Arya by his side), the remaining major villain (Roose) will jump out at him. Jamie intercepts the attack, sacrificing himself. The youth who entered the King’s Guard on a whim, killed a mad king and ruined an unfit one serves his function in the end.

 

Thoughts On The Role of Magic

Magic plays an ambivalent part in ASOIAF. On the one hand, it adds texture to the fabric of political intrigue and adventure, - warging shadows character, dragons extend the medieval bestiary and White Walkers drive a sense of the urgency throughout the series. On the other hand – magic should not stretch the plot past the point of credibility. Elements such as omniscience on the order of Bran or BloodRaven, Melissandre’s shadow babies, and the notion of a headless Gregor are too subversive.

 

Odds and Ends

There are a multitude of branches sprouting from the main narrative. Villains of all shades (Qyburn, Brave Companions, Harpy, Meryn Trant, Boros Blount, Xaro of Qarth, Magister Illyrio, Brown Ben Plumm, Selyse, Randyll Tarly, Bowen Marsh) are for the chop. Edmure should reestablish control over the Riverlands and Edric Storm the Stormlands. Brienne may be destined for a love interest beyond her kinship with Jamie; Hyle Hunt could be an ironic suitor. Sam seems cut out for more than the Watch. Bronn is a rogue but it should be entertaining to see him put a spanner in Cersei’s works. Mysteries at large include the location of Joramun’s horn, the nature of Euron’s key to the dragons and the root of the shenanigans at Oldtown.

[Yevah]

No offense, but I feel like you took a few plausible and a few crackpot theories for each character and compiled it into one thread...

[Maxxine]

I think the most optimistic ending for Gendry to be legitimized and become Lord at Storms End and even that is me just hoping that Gendry does come to play an important role. It's an optimistic stretch. Realistically, he might play a part in reforging ice or forging some Valyrian steel sword or even becoming a respected war hero. I don't think king is in play. 

Also how does Sandor slay a dragon just on a horse with a sword? Drogon can fly and can breathe fire. He's not just going to watch as Sandor rides up and stabs him in the eye. It would be more plausible if he gets a crossbow  and shoots Drogon, but even that requires a lot of luck. 

 

[Joan Jett]

Where is the foreshadowing for Gendry to become King? Can you provide quotes? Also Gendry may have grown up in the lower class of King's landing, but what about all of the other things Varys mentions about Aegon? 

Quote

Aegon has been shaped for rule since before he could walk. He has been trained in arms, as befits a knight to be, but that was not the end of his education. He reads and writes, he speaks several tongues, he has studied history and law and poetry. A septa has instructed him in the mysteries of the Faith since he was old enough to understand them. He has lived with fisherfolk, worked with his hands, swum in rivers and mended nets and learned to wash his own clothes at need. He can fish and cook and bind up a wound, he knows what it is like to be hungry, to be hunted, to be afraid. Tommen has been taught that kingship is his right. Aegon knows that kingship is his duty, that a king must put his people first, and live and rule for them.”

Gendry can't read or write. He doesn't speak multiple languages, he hasn't been trained in arms, he has no education besides being a armorer's apprentice. He's also not a natural leader and has no leading experience. You can't just match one trait to Gendry and act like that's foreshadowing. There's plenty of characters that match the description way better that Gendry does. 

 

Besides that, it's pretty obvious to me that Jon will become King, not Gendry. He's pretty much the Aragorn of the asoiaf series. And there's actually a lot of textual foreshadowing to back it up. 

You should look at these threads:

 

[Philokles]

1 hour ago, Greenseer16 said:

Arya’s Character Assassination

In a Feast for Crows, when confronted by the leader of the Faceless Men over her possession of Darion’s boots, Arya boasts of killing him. Even providing for her likely exaggeration, any validation of the act is an ethical violation of her character. If any current underpins Arya’s narrative, it’s opposition to wanton bullying and abuse of power. In this light, killing Darion for leaving a thankless role at the Nights watch, one he was incidentally condemned to under false pretenses, constitutes just that.

I have to disagree with this bit especially. Her execution of Dareon is very much within her character. Even without considering whether it is her duty as a Stark to punish deserters from the Night's Watch, Dareon still abandons his brothers when they need him the most, by not providing much needed recruits. Worse still, he abandons Sam, Aemon, Gilly and the child in Bravos. If that is not 'wanton bullying and abuse of power', I don't know what is.

His role is hardly thankless, certainly better than manning the wall. He would be travelling around the southern parts of the Seven Kingdoms singing - much as what he would have been doing if he had never been sent to the Watch. I doubt anyone (other than Sam) would have complained about him breaking his vows with women if he managed to supply a steady stream of recruits. You can hardly blame Arya for not knowing his background, even we do not know the full story as all we have heard is Dareon's own biased account. 

[Meera of Tarth]

Davos as Azor Ahai would be super amazing. I really like it!!!

but Cersei as a wight,.....,,,,,no pleasee! 

 

[Meera of Tarth]

Quote

Thoughts on Succession in the North

The fate of the North is a conundrum. Bran is on his way to becoming a tree and Rickon has through now been colorlessly depicted as a brat, whereas Jon is cut out for other things. It would seem appropriate for Robb’s marriage to validate itself in producing an heir, however that branch has been cut. Perhaps Sansa who once yearned to leave the North so badly would be best fit to preside over it in the end.

Bran could perfectly become Lord or even King in the North.

If there are so many twists in the story, I can't see why bran could not become the leader of the North. The story began with him learning how the rules in the North work, and his father telling about how to sentence someone to death.

as for Rickon, we don't have enough info to say anything right now.

It's just that I can't see Sansa as a ruler in the north. However, if she survives, it would be ironic seeing her as the ruler, as you mention.

[Meera of Tarth]

1 hour ago, Maxxine said:

I think the most optimistic ending for Gendry to be legitimized and become Lord at Storms End and even that is me just hoping that Gendry does come to play an important role. It's an optimistic stretch. Realistically, he might play a part in reforging ice or forging some Valyrian steel sword or even becoming a respected war hero. I don't think king is in play. 

 

Gendry becoming king would be unrealistic, as he is illiterate and lowborn.

However, I really hope he will have some kind of important role to play, too.

Becoming a Lord of somewhere would be the maximum status he would reach, being very optimistic.

[Lady of Butterflies]

27 minutes ago, Meera of Tarth said:

Bran could perfectly become Lord or even King in the North.

If there are so many twists in the story, I can't see why bran could not become the leader of the North. The story began with him learning how the rules in the North work, and his father telling about how to sentence someone to death.

as for Rickon, we don't have enough info to say anything right now.

It's just that I can't see Sansa as a ruler in the north. However, if she survives, it would be ironic seeing her as the ruler, as you mention.

Perfectly!!!! Bran would be the best Stark to rule the North, and I can't see why Bran couldn't become the King in the North.

[Lord Wraith]

Seriously people have no love for Edric Storm. The best Gendry will likely be able to manage is having a hand in learning to reforge Valyrian Steel and even that is iffy.

[Amris]

The problem with your theory is that you let the character arcs of most of the main cast fizzle out somewhere without much connection to the resolution of the story.

I think we can assume that GRRM has added not only Arya and Gendry but also Dany, Jon, Tyrion, Jaime and Cersei to the story for a reason and they have major roles to play in the end. They are set up the way they are - each with their unique strenghts and weaknesses - especially so that what they will contribute to the resolution will make sense from their respective POVs.

Now letting most of that fizzle out just to push for a Gendry-Arya surprise would invalidate most of the setup and the hints GRRM has spent so much effort on building into the story. That's not his intent: He has expressly said he does not want to change the story just because fans have figured the ending out because that would invalidate all the hints he built in and be like lying to the readers.

[Macgregor of the North]

IIRC isn't there a bit of foreshadowing on Sam learning to shoot with a bow.

What if he comes across some lore in Oldtown that relates to a certain type of arrow made from a specific material or a perfectly placed shot on a dragon in the past and he becomes the man to Put down a Dragon when they come.

[The Weirwoods Eyes]

It amazes me that some people can read these books and miss so very much. 

 

[Ser Hyle]

11 hours ago, Macgregor of the North said:

IIRC isn't there a bit of foreshadowing on Sam learning to shoot with a bow.

What if he comes across some lore in Oldtown that relates to a certain type of arrow made from a specific material or a perfectly placed shot on a dragon in the past and he becomes the man to Put down a Dragon when they come.

Sam the Slayer - the first person in modern history to kill an Other, and a dragon - love it.

[Melisandre's White Pubes]

Too neat and happy an ending for GRRM.  

[Rob Storm]

15 hours ago, Lord Wraith said:

Seriously people have no love for Edric Storm. The best Gendry will likely be able to manage is having a hand in learning to reforge Valyrian Steel and even that is iffy.

Do you believe Varys' interest (explained by Stannis in ASOS) in Edric Storm was solely because Robert told him to see that the boy is taken care of?  Or do you see Varys using him somehow in his Aegon plan?  Edric loved Robert B and JonCon hates him.  Varys actions seem somewhat contradictory.  I am of the belief Varys has something in mind for Edric.  

[Macgregor of the North]

11 hours ago, Ser Hyle said:

Sam the Slayer - the first person in modern history to kill an Other, and a dragon - love it.

Yeah it's got a good ring to it and I felt it was definitely part of Sams Arc for sure. 

He will become a good shot with the Bow by the teachings of Alleras/Sarella, possibly come across the info on Weirwood either through info in Oldtown records or some other way and we will see all the connections of Weirwood/Dragons/Fire come to mean something and Sam could well become a heroic figure who writes himself into history. He is already half way there.

[SevasTra82]

I nearly stopped at "Gendry becomes king", but then I stopped at "Arya becomes Queen".

Sorry, but this is one of those common Arya-fanboy crackpot theories that annoys me.  *Everyone* wants Arya to get with Gendry.  Sorry but I just don't see it happening.

[Siberia]

LMAO at that Jon ending though. Its clear that Jon will play a big part in the final books

[Greenseer16]

On 2/22/2016 at 2:42 PM, Ser Hyle said:

Sam the Slayer - the first person in modern history to kill an Other, and a dragon - love it.

Even if so there are still two dragons left