Game of Thrones news: Is Bran the Night King? Plus other theories from season eight, episode two

Spoilers and fan theories ahead for episode 69 of Game of Thrones 
Margaret Abrams22 April 2019

For episode 69 of Game of Thrones, fans clamored for more of the content they crave - more dragons, more Bran in a staring contest with himself and more of Lyanna Mormont’s sassy one-liners.

Last week’s season eight premiere had a little something for everyone. Jon Snow got his Harry Potter on when he flew on the back of Dany’s dragon. Arya was reunited with Gendry. And Cersei instantly became the woman behind summer’s hottest Instagram caption when she seriously said, “If you want a whore, buy one. If you want a queen, earn her."

This week was equally eventful, with Arya and Gendry finally getting together and Jon Snow revealing his parentage to Dany. But it left viewers with more questions than answers in the lead-up to next week's battle, which is sure to leave carnage in its wake.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best fan theories and conspiracies from this week's episode.

Game of Thrones: TV Series - In pictures

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Is Bran the Night King?

Bran Stark as the Night King has been a particularly popular theory in recent seasons. But the actor who plays Bran, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, is trying to dispel the fan theory. “I tell you what isn’t my favourite theory; the Night King one,” he told the Independent. He didn’t deny it completely, though. In an interview with W he said, “I can’t see how there have been any clues for it, but it just seems to have really gained traction. But yeah, you’ll have to wait and see.”

Is Arya paying homage to Ned Stark with her new hairdo?

If Arya’s season eight hairstyle looks familiar it’s because fans have seen it before - when her father, Ned Stark, opted for a similar top knot. It’s not a coincidence that Jon Snow is also choosing a similar style. Both are channeling Ned in their quest to protect their family. Sansa Stark’s hair is similarly meaningful. Her half-up look is like her mother’s but has also been compared to Cersei’s, before her current short hairstyle.

HBO

What’s the significance of Arya’s new weapon?

When Gendry brings Arya her new weapon and she answers, “This’ll work,” it could signify a game changer for everyone - and not just because she then loses her virginity in a dramatic way that puts Game of Thrones fan fiction to shame. In the season premiere, the drawing of her weapon was briefly shown. It looks like the weapon is made of dragonglass, which in a handy twist kills both White Walkers and wights, making it one of the most powerful weapons for the battle to come. According to the illustration, the dragonglass portion is detachable and can fit a longer weapon, so Arya won’t have to get up close and personal during her fights.

Who’s the prince that was promised?

Of course, this will be a major fan theory all season and everyone has a different idea, with Jon Snow and his aunt/romantic interest Daenerys Targaryen as frontrunners - but one major one is that it’s the Hound, or Sandor Clegane. Like the prophecy promises, he was “born of fire” and resurrected from death. When Arya saucily asks, “What are you doing up here? When was the last time you fought for anyone but yourself?” in this episode he answers, “I fought for you, didn’t I?” proving that he has changed over time - but that doesn't mean that Arya has forgiven him.

What do the new opening credits mean?

The credit sequence is famous for changing to reflect where the characters are going during an episode. But this season has all new credits that start outside of Westeros, showing the path the White Walkers take. The credits also move inside of locations now, including the castle at Winterfell. Only the next few episodes will show the most meaningful locales but the credits do offer a hint of what's to come.

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