Things to remember before we go to the seventh season of Game of Thrones:

1. There are barrels of wildfire all over King's Landing. Cersei only ignited those under the Sept of Baelor.
2. Euron is buiding a thousand ships.
3. There is a prophecy introduced in season 5 about Cersei getting choked to death by a valonquar (little brother).
4. Dragons can be killed.
5. There are mines of dragonglass beneath Dragonstone.
6. Dragonstone was once the stronghold of Stannis Baratheon. Ser Davos Seaworth was his right hand.
7. As of now, the White Walkers still can't pass The Wall because of the magic conjured within it by the Children of the Forest.
8. Ice dragons exist in The World of Ice and Fire and they are generally larger than fire dragons.
9. Tyrion once managed the plumbing system of Casterly Rock.
10. Nymeria, Arya's direwolf, is still alive.
11. Gendry is still rowing.
12. Ned is already dead.
13. Cleganebowl hype will never die.
14. Winter has come.

A Dream of Game of Thrones

I had a dream last night that I am watching the series finale of Game of Thrones. I only remembered the final scene of it: a wedding of Sansa and Tyrion. I didn't see most of the characters in the wedding, but I saw Arya, Bran and Brienne. What struck me most is the lack of visitors: there's only a handful of people. Given that this is a wedding of two persons from two great houses, there should be tons of spectators for the wedding. It looks like the winter laid a heavy toll on the population of Westeros. The setting is different, definitely not King's Landing's Sept.

At first, it didn't make any sense to me since they already had a wedding in season 3 and they definitely didn't stick together, but after contemplating the scene again in my mind, I think it's the best ending the series has to offer. It's poetic in a sense that they opened the show with the feud between the Starks and the Lannisters, and they end it with them joining houses.

The Real Reason Why Jon Snow was Held the King in the North

Jon Snow becoming the King in the North doesn't make sense in the TV series. According to the rule of succession in Winterfell, it is Sansa, a true-born Stark, not Jon, a "bastard," who is entitled to be the ruler of the north. Also, he didn't avenged the Red Wedding, like what Lord Manderly said; it was none but Sansa's (and Littlefinger's) army who struck the largest blow against the Bolton army in the Battle of the Bastards. Jon's incompentence as a leader even almost decimated the whole Stark army thanks to him, but Sansa's decision to wait out the battle before attacking the opponent ensured their win against the Boltons. Sansa is the real person who avenged the Red Wedding. Added to that, it was Lyanna Mormont, a competent woman leader, who take away Winterfell's claim from Sansa. It doesn't make sense because the show is trying to portray feminism (and it is a lot cooler to see Sansa going head to head with Cersei and Daenerys). So what gives?

In "A Storm of Swords," before dying at the Red Wedding, Robb proclaimed Jon Snow to be his successor as the King in the North, if anything happen to him. During Robb's proclamation,  Maege Mormont (Lyanna's Mother) was one of the witnesses. The Mormont House, in the leadership of Lyanna, backing up Jon Snow's claim to Winterfell now makes a lot of sense.

These little but important moments in the books that were not included in the TV series made a lot of huge plot holes for the sixth season. This will not be a problem at the sixth book because George R. R. Martin, as we know, is seamless when it comes to the ongoing politics in Westeros. I think what happened really is that George only told the key moments that will happen in the sixth book without laying out to the showrunners how will it get to that point. They only know that Jon will be the King in the North at some point, but they don't know the series of events that will result to that moment.

The Winds of Winter update

So George RR Martin said to an interview that there is a huge twist that will happen on the Winds of Winter that is not possible to happen in the show because a character is already dead in the show that is still alive in the books.
Possible characters George is hinting to:
1. Myrcella:
According to Maggy the Frog's propechy, "Gold shall be their shrouds, and gold shall be their crowns." In the show, Cersei's two sons did become kings, but not Myrcella. In the books, there is this Dornish plan to wage war against Tommen's rule under the banner of Myrcella. So it's possible for Myrcella to sit on the Iron Throne and be queen for a while.
2. Stannis (the Mannis)
Stannis, although already dead in the show, is still alive in the books. ADWD ended with him readying for war against the Boltons.
3. Osha and Rickon
Osha and Rickon currently settles in Skagos. Ser Davos was supposed to go to him after House Manderly's plea to get Rickon out of there to unseat the Boltons from Winterfell. Maybe Stannis will use Rickon to get the entire North to back him to tip the result of the battle for his winning.
4. Jeyne Westerling
This is a huge deviation from the books: Jeyne, the wife of Robb, didn't go to the Red Wedding and she still have with her Robb's child. Maybe the Lannisters will use her and her child to get Winterfell.
5. Mance Rayder
Mance's survival is a big twist that the showrunners didn't bother to put on the show. He was pretty much still alive in the books for it is not really him that was burned on Castle Black. It was but one of the wildlings that wears Melisandre's necklaces. He is currently in Winterfell in a guise of a musician to rescue "Arya."
6. Ser Barristan Selmy
He's supposed to be one of the POVs for the next book. Maybe he will reveal something about the Targaryen's past.
7. The Bolton Family
One of Old Nan's story is the story of a half-human half-white-walker that lives in the north. There's this huge theory that Roose Bolton is the man in Old Nan's story judging on his appearance: has blue eyes and always looks coldly. Maybe the reason why the Boltons have this culture of skinning people is that they wear them to hide their true form. It fits with another theory on the reason why they really want to have Winterfell: under the crypts is a huge thing (maybe the real Night's King) that will start the winter on Westeros.

Jon Snow and Ice Dragons

It is the popular belief that "A Song of Ice and Fire" pertains to Jon Snow, because he is a product of a Stark (Ice) and a Targaryen (Fire). But how can we be sure that the title implies that Jon Snow is Azor Ahai or the main protagonist of the story? When you think of it, it could be that the title pertains on how Jon Snow will be the biggest villain in the end of the story; kind of how "Lord of the Rings" pertains to Sauron.

Ice dragons are pretty much hyped in the books and the TV series, because the army of the dead will not stand a chance against Dany's fire dragons. Who is the best candidate to control an ice dragon than Jon, who has dragon's blood and a certain affinity to the cold?

Game of Thrones in the Modern Times

There is probably no TV series more popular today than Game of Thrones. The medieval fantasy, based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series, has been a phenomenal success, critically and commercially. The show boasts its unique storytelling, unpredictability of the plot, and bold killings of main and supporting characters.

Game of Thrones is set on the kingdom of Westeros, governed by one ruler that sits on the infamous Iron Throne. Several families want the throne for the taking and the kingdom is separated in conflicting ideologies. While everyone is vying for the highest position, an imminent danger from the north of their lands is brewing that can bring Westeros at its knees and decimate their population.

Though the story is populated with knights, dragons, zombies, and unexplained magic, the reality that they are living is nowhere different from ours. The complicated characterization of the story encapsulates our humanity. This is not the classic case of good versus evil. We are shown with characters that make extreme decisions and experiences the consequences of their activities. Game of Thrones mirrors the different problems we encounter in the modern times and how we struggle to solve each one of them.

Religion

Westeros has multitude of belief systems. Most of their people believe in many gods. The North believes in the “Old gods” that resembles Animism. The South praises the “Faith of the Seven” that resembles Roman and Greek gods. By season 2, a growing monotheistic religion threatens the old beliefs in Westeros. This is the religion of R’hllor or the “Lord of Light.” The religion is like Christianity wherein there is a prophesized savior or a messiah to save all men of Westeros from the danger that lurks beyond the north. This shift from polytheism to monotheism depicts the sudden spread of single god beliefs in the history of the world. All of these religions are important in the fantasy series as they affect the political structure of the kingdom. Wars are also sometimes caused by the conflicting beliefs. Their power is as strong as their government since there are no clear separation between the state and church.

Sexism

The series depicts a clear picture of the ongoing patriarchy of the society. Their world is trying to impose that women are destined of either becoming a whore in a brothel or being a wife of their husband and a mother of their children. A lot of women try to break from these stereotypes. A good example is the mother of dragons, Daenerys Targaryen. Her possession of three fire breathing lizards makes her the most powerful character in the story. Arya Stark is a princess who wants to wield a sword than to wield a needle for clothe knitting. Arya is the ultimate opposite of a highborn lady. She is wild and reckless, and the story seems to head her on becoming an assassin. Brienne is a soldier often underestimated by her male enemies. But she always wins against them, because of her determination to do her duty. Women of the world of ice and fire play equal roles with men on Game of Thrones even though they are given lower status and privileges on their society.

Global Warming

Westeros is a place fueled by ongoing wars and violence. Fire and blood is the foundation of their state, and their first leaders are conquerors that used dragons and swords to unify the seven kingdoms to one Westeros. Although the main premise of Game of Thrones, from the title itself, is the fight to get the Iron Throne, we want for all the Westerosian people to unify for a single cause. The Stark’s famous words, “Winter is coming,” hints the impending danger that awaits the people of Westeros. While everyone is busy on their conquest to become the ruler, The Wall which is the only thing that separates the realm from the danger, is manned by the rotting Night’s Watch. This mirrors the modern world. Every country is fighting for economic supremacy. No one bats an eye on the environmental consequences of capitalism. Everyone in Westeros doesn’t give it any attention until the danger comes rampaging down The South. In our world, the meltdown of ice glaciers on the North and South Pole doesn’t stop companies from massive expulsion of air pollutants to the atmosphere that causes global warming. These glaciers keep the Earth cool and their decline means an imminent demise of humanity.

Economic Inequality

The clash of the few rich families trembles almost all the common people. “They are just spikes in a wheel,” Daenerys said. “This one’s on top, and that one’s on top, and on and on it spins, crushing those on the ground.” While the families play their little games, the common folk is struck with immense poverty. There is an organization who is trying to even out the rich and the poor called the Sparrows. Their leader, the High Sparrow, was given the role as the High Septon of the church and is determined to bring down the few families who are causing the ripples on common people’s lives.

Filipino Politics

Although we live in a democratic country and political dynasty is stated in our constitution as illegal, public position is still, more or less, passed by blood. Families get massive chunk of positions of the local and national government. The whole political aspect of Game of Thrones is basically Filipino politics come alive. Only highborn and rich people can sit on government positions. There are corrupt officials who uses their power to get money from the funds of the government. The throne is in huge debt on the Iron Bank because of the flamboyant lifestyle of the families. The war of kings and queens competing for the throne resembles the upcoming election. Mudslinging plays a major role in the whole game and most of the time there are violence. Personal interest drives the rich people to compete for the position. They want the throne not because they want to lead, but because they want to glorify themselves and be written on history books. In the end, after a leader rises from the war, nothing really changes for the poorest of the poor. They are still below the pyramid, crawling their way to survival.

Truly, Game of Thrones is a moving portrait of our society. Westeros is a living hell, and probably the only fantasy world no one wants to settle in. The semblance of our world with theirs is a hint that we have serious problems in our society that need addressing. The first step is to unify and solve them altogether, one by one.

Jon Snow and the Prince that was Promised

The season finale of the medieval fantasy TV series, Game of Thrones, just dropped an epic twist that fans have speculated since the publication of "A Game of Thrones" by George R R Martin. The show just confirmed the theory that Jon Snow is indeed the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. The reveal not only changes Jon's legitimacy to the throne, but also the fate of the realm. What does this confirmation have to do with everything that's going on and how will it affect the "great game"? 


Winter has finally come to the Seven Kingdoms, and the the long night is brewing beyond the wall as the Night's King assembles his army of the dead. A prophecy tells that a prince will be born to fight the Night's King and save Westeros. The signs of his\her coming are:

1. S/he was born beneath a bleeding star,
2. S/he was born amidst salt,
3. S/he was born amidst smoke,
4. S/he* has the blood of the dragon.


*The prophecy is told in High Valyrian which is genderless when it comes to common nouns.

Also note that the prophecy of Azor Ahai is different from the prophecy of The Prince that was Promised. Although, many believe (example: Melisandre) that the two are same person.


The first contender for being the Prince that was Promised was Daenerys Targaryen. At the season one finale of Game of Thrones, we have seen her rebirth after she had hatched her dragons. A red comet streaked above the sky was shown, signifying that she was born under a bleeding star. The whole burning ceremony was done at the shore, signifying that she was born amidst salt and smoke. She is also a Targaryen, which means dragon's blood flows through her veins. Dany is a good contender that she was The One that was Promised.


The Tower of Joy sequence shown at the season 6 gave another contender to be the One that was Promised, which is none other than the bastard king of the North, Jon Snow.


(It is important to note that these are just my interpretations of the scene.)


1. Born under a bleeding star


The third episode of the sixth season, entitled "Oathbreaker," showed that while Jon is being born, he is UNDER the protection of Ser Arthur Dayne. Arthur was killed by Ned using his own sword Dawn. House Dayne has a shooting star as they're sigil. There you go, Jon was born under a bleeding star.


Another interpretation would be that Ned put Dawn at the foot of the bed in a position that makes the womb of Lyanna and the newly born Jon under the sword. We know that Dawn is a sword made from a shooting star, and the sword is well bloodied by Arthur Dayne. Born under a bleeding star.


2. Born amidst salt


While Lyanna says her final wish to Ned that she want safety for her son, we see her crying a lot. Maybe it's her impending death, or she is crying because of the fate of Rhaegar. One way or another, Lyanna's tears signifies that Jon is born amidst salt.


3. Born amidst smoke


This is the trickiest part. The way I figured this one is I remembered the scene with Dany being reborn in a backdrop of smoke after all the fire was extinguished. Targaryens are known to have dragon's blood, which means they signfy fire. Smoke is the only thing left when a fire has been put out. I think the smoke part of the prophecy symbolizes the death of Rhaegar or the end of the Targaryen Dynasty. Jon is born amidst smoke.


4. Has the blood of the dragon


Jon is confirmed to be the son of Rhaegar Targaryen, which means, like Dany, he has the blood of the dragon.


There you go; Jon also fits the qualification to be the prince that was promised. There is a possibility that Jon is would fight off Dany and the left survivor would be the one to save Westeros from the dead. Or maybe there are two people, not just one, who will save Westeros. Or there is also a possibility that there would be three, for there are three dragons, to fight the Night's King. Nobody really knows what will happen. That's the good thing about the show; everything is so unpredictable and no one of the audience knows how the show will end.


But one thing is sure to happen. The whole right to the throne doesn't matter anymore. Game of Thrones is now in a place where politics will not dictate who will be the knew king or queen of the realm. Because now that winter has finally come, the person who will save Westeros from the long knight are entitled to sit on the Iron Throne and win the great game.



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The Stark Family and The Faith of the Seven

The Father (Justice): Ned Stark. A just man. Killed because of betrayal and the faulty justice systen of King's Landing.

The Mother (Mercy amd compassion): Catelyn Stark. Killed begging mercy to Walder Frey on saving his first son. Brought back to life as a bitter woman hanging everyone who she thinks caused the devastation of her family.

The Warrior (Fearlessness and skill in battle): Robb Stark. Won every battle but lost the war not on a battlefield but on a dinnertable.

The Maiden (Love and innocence): Sansa Stark. Dreams of getting a life just like in the songs: marrying a gallant prince and living as a queen. Controlled multiple times by players of the great game due to her birthright to the north. Raped by Ramsey multiple times.

The Stranger (Death): Arya Stark. A faceless men wannabe but she can't forget her past. She will always be a Stark. She will never be a no one. She will then forget her dream as a faceless men for she still believes in justice. She wants to kill only the bad guy but death knows no moral prejudices.

The Crone (Wisdom): Brandon Stark. Brought north of the wall to be the successor of the three eyed raven. He is responsible in killing some of his friends (Hodoooor). Some also say that he is the reason why the mad king turned mad.

The Smith (Creation): Rickon Stark. We still don't know anything about him. But some people say that he will be the reason of the fall of the wall. Some also say that he will be responsible for the rebuilding of Winterfell, but when the long night comes, will there be any Winterfell left to be rebuilt?