The later seasons ofGame of Thronesdiverged fromGeorge R.R. Martin’s booksrepeatedly, and they even confirmed a House Stark theory the author had previously debunked.Game of Throneswas lauded as one of the best modern fantasy adaptations, but the HBO series gradually moved away from the source material. Partly, this was because the creators ran out of story, since Martin’s series wasn’t — and still isn’t — complete. While Martin shared the basics of his ending withGame of Thrones’showrunners (viaForbes), they also put their own spin on certain storylines.
That included Benjen Stark’s narrative, asGame of Thronesconfirmed a fan theory about the character that Martin had already quashed. Given the scope of theSong of Ice and Firebooksis much greater than that of the show, it’s not surprising that the latter tried to wrap up certain arcs in a tighter, more efficient manner. In the case of Benjen, this meant combining his story with that of anotherASOIAFfigure. Although many readers believed Benjen and Coldhands could be the same person, Martin rejected that suggestion. However,Game of Thronesran with it anyway.
Game Of Thrones Basically Turned Benjen Stark Into Coldhands
It Gave Ned’s Brother The Same Story Beats As ASOIAF’s Mystery Character
Benjen Stark disappeared beyond the Wall at the beginning ofGame of ThronesandA Song of Ice and Fire,and the books still haven’t solved the mystery of what happened to Ned’s brother. The HBO series, on the other hand, did address Benjen’s whereabouts after going north — andit basically turned him into Coldhands. In Martin’s source material, Coldhands is a mysterious figure beyond the Wall, and his identity still hasn’t been revealed. He saves Gilly and Sam inA Storm of Swords, and he accompanies Bran to the cave of the Three-Eyed Crow inA Dance With Dragons.
Why Bran Stark Won’t Become King In The Winds Of Winter, Despite Game Of Thrones Season 8’s Bombshell Twist
Bran Stark controversially became Westeros' new king in Game of Thrones' series finale, but the same won’t happen in GRRM’s The Winds of Winter.
Coldhands was confirmed as being undead in the books, but he’s not one of the Others, nor does he do their bidding. It’s not entirely clear who or what the mysterious character is or why he’s so invested in Bran’s journey beyond the Wall. Fans have theorized that he could be Benjen Stark, a twist that would explain what happened to Ned’s brother and make sense of Coldhands' interest in Bran.Game of Thronesmore or less confirmed this theory, even though the books haven’t (and seemingly won’t).
The HBO show gave Benjen Stark Coldhands' story, having him save Bran and his companions during their trip to the other side of the Wall.
The HBO show gave Benjen Stark Coldhands' story, having him save Bran and his companions during their trip to the other side of the Wall. He appeared to be undead during his laterGame of Thronesscenes,and he also went on to help Jon when he was attacked by wights and White Walkers. This proved a satisfactory way of saving the Starks and wrapping up Martin’s Benjen mystery, all without introducing yet another character toGame of Thrones.Judging by Martin’s notes on an early draft ofA Dance With Dragons,however, it won’t go like this in the books.
GRRM Debunked The “Benjen Is Coldhands” Theory Before Game Of Thrones Started
An Old A Dance With Dragons Manuscript Rejected This Idea
AlthoughGame of Thronesessentially turned Benjen Stark into Coldhands,Martin debunked the fan theory that they’re the same character in the books. An early manuscript ofA Dance With Dragons,which was once available to view at the Cushing Library at Texas A&M University, reportedly included notes from Martin and his editor, Anne Groell. These were posted onRedditby a user named _honeybird who had visited the library and shared their findings.
6 Theories About Jon Snow In The Winds Of Winter That Are Different To Game Of Thrones
Jon Snow’s story in the books might turn out differently than in Game of Thrones. Here are some theories that suggest major deviations for ASOIAF.
Like many readers, Groell speculated that Coldhands was Benjen. The notes in the margins read, “Is this Benjen? I think it’s Benjen. And does Bran never recognize him because he never sees his face fully?” It’s a good guess, and one of the reasons readers thought this House Stark theory could prove true. However, above this note is a big, red “NO,” seemingly confirming that Coldhands is not, in fact, going to be Benjen in the books.
The HBO show likely embellished this to avoid introducing and elaborating on another character in an already-packed cast.
At Martin’s behest, the manuscript was taken off display in 2015 (viaWinterIsComing). And it’s possible that he’ll change his approach to the characters while writingThe Winds of WinterorA Dream of Spring.But judging by his notes in the early draft ofA Dance With Dragons,Game of Thrones’Benjen reveal wasn’t part of his plans. The HBO show likely embellished this to avoid introducing and elaborating on another character in an already-packed cast. But if Benjen isn’t Coldhands in theSong of Ice and Firebooks, that raises questions about who is.
If Not Benjen, Then Who Is Coldhands?
One Of The Raven’s Teeth Makes The Most Sense
If Benjen Stark and Coldhands aren’t meant to be the same person,the latter’s identity is still up in the air — andThe Winds of Winterneeds to addressit. In the books, Coldhands is simply the name Samwell Tarly gives the mysterious figure who helps him and Gilly. Butit stands to reason that Coldhands had a human life before becoming undead, and there are a few other theories about whom he could have been. Given that he wears the colors of the Night’s Watch and refers to Sam as “brother,” he’s likely a former member of the order.
Game Of Thrones: 10 Unsolved Mysteries From The A Song Of Ice & Fire Books I Really Need George R.R. Martin To Solve
George R.R. Martin has left A Song of Ice & Fire readers with numerous unanswered mysteries. Here are the ones I’d love to see get solved.
With Brynden Rivers, or Lord Bloodraven, seemingly being the Three-Eyed Crow — a revelation bothA Dance With DragonsandHouse of the Dragon point to—one strong possibility is that he’s one of the Raven’s Teeth. Brynden Rivers' guards chose to join the Night’s Watch alongside him, proving their dedication to their leader. It would make sense that one of them continued to serve him as Coldhands, and the timeline would fit, as we know Coldhands has been dead for quite some time.
There are also theories that Coldhands could be the Night’s King, who is adifferent character fromGame of Thrones’Night King. It would be fascinating for the 13th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch to make an appearance in the main story. However, Martin has suggested that the Night’s King isn’t still alive in the main timeline (viaNot a Blog). And given his dark turn after falling for a female Other, it’s hard to see why he’d be helping the Three-Eyed Crow or Bran.
Coldhands could also be a less prominent figure of the Night’s Watch, as there’s no guarantee he’s a character we already know.
Coldhands could also be a less prominent member of the Night’s Watch, as there’s no guarantee he’s a character we already know. This would place a greater focus on his role in the story and how he’s capable of being undead without being an Other, rather than focusing on the surprise of seeing a familiar face.
So… Where Is Benjen Stark?
Martin debunkingASOIAF’s popular Coldhands theory also raises questions about what happened to Benjen after going north of the Wall. This remains a mystery heading intoThe Winds of Winter,and given that none of the characters have seen or heard from him,things don’t look good for Ned’s brother. The worst-case scenario is that Benjen is dead, a development that wouldn’t feel off in Martin’s gritty fantasy series. He could also be a wight, with one or more of the Starks having to face him beforeA Song of Ice and Fireis through.
GOT Theory: Benjen Stark Knew Even More About Jon Snow’s Parents Than Ned
Very few individuals knew the truth about Jon being the son of Lyanna and Rhaegar, but one theory suggests Benjen Stark knew even more than Ned did.
More optimistically, Benjen could be on a secret mission for the Night’s Watch. His position as First Ranger makes him the most likely candidate for such an assignment. It’s hard to say what Benjen could be doing beyond the Wall that none of his brothers can know about, however — and at this point, it seems like something has gone wrong. Perhaps he has been captured trying to track down the Wildlings or the Others. This would be a change fromGame of Thrones,but it could still set him up for an important role in the Great War to come.
