Frey Slayer
Live Long and Hunt Freys
I had an interesting theory (more of a hypothesis at this stage 
) on what may happen later in the series. This post will contain spoilers of things that happen up to the end of A Storm of Swords. I scanned through the posts here so far and saw a lot of little posts pointing in this direction, but nothing formalized as a theory. So forgive me if this has already been discussed and/or dismissed.
I am wondering if Stannis may become the embodiment, or become consumed by, the dark power that will threaten the Seven Kingdoms. He may be the one against whom everyone else will battle.
Signs that may point to this:
1. The willingness he has shown so far to use what I would call "dark" powers to achieve his goals. A) The shadow creature that killed Renly B) The power that killed the castellan of Storms End C) His entertaining the notion of killing Edric Storm to wake the stone dragons. This last one has always been for me one of the "creepier" aspects of the books.
(to add a little insignificant point: "waking the dragon" was also Viserys euphemism that he was getting angry and was going to start doing some evil things!")
He seems to use a sort of "Darth Vader" justification for his actions - that only he can bring order to the seven kingdoms and will do so by any means necessary. A mind already in this position is prepared to justify a great deal more despicible acts to further his own end.
(this psychological interpretation may be subject to great debate so feel free to ignore it at this point and just consider what is actually "in" the novels )
2. He stated that he is going to move his headquarters to the Nightfort, where, at least in legend, all sorts of dark, evil things have happened. Seems like a good place for someone to completely turn to the "dark side" and reign as a "dark lord" so to speak. Certainly he could have picked any other castle to call his home, why pick the one that has a vile reputation? Coincidence? Or maybe Mel "suggested" the Nightfort to him?
3. His orders to have the weirwood trees destroyed wherever he goes. This has always bothered me for some reason. Certainly he uses the justifcation that he is simply destroying the symbols of an old belief system that in his mind is no longer valid, but it does accomplish something more practical. The legend is that the children of the forest were able to travel and communicate with the different parts of the realm through the trees. Destroying them prevents any power from easily reaching Stannis or anyplace he has been.
The children may or may not return, but I have a feeling even if they do not, Bran is going to become something that could use the power of the trees. Maybe even some other Starks. (Another matter for debate)
4. Readers have already discussed the differing methods of Thoros and Melisandre in practicing their religion. Certainly no one, including Thoros, has been in a position to contradict Mel's methods of worship. She may in fact be, knowingly or unknowingly, ushering in the dark powers. Im not sure any of us have ever gotten the warm fuzzies when she appears "on stage". GRRM has kind of clouded our minds with the "grey areas between good and evil" theme. Mel, may in fact, be working for the Other. Its just puzzling why Thoros has a ritual of death that he has performed, even when his faith was low, that Melisandre has never even talked about (or did I miss it?).
5. Stannis' vision of being consumed by the flames. This may be the flames of the power that Melisandre worships. Davos has already pointed out the badges showing the fiery heart surrounding (consuming) the stag of the Baratheons. This may all be foreshadowing of Stannis being consumed by the dark power.
6. Stannis has the horn that can bring down the wall. Whats the worst thing that can happen in a fantasy novel? The bad guys getting ahold of some great power that can change the course of events. Guess what, it may have already happened. That wall may just come down yet my friends.
Finally, there is just a simple matter of the plot. How is EVERYONE is the seven kingdoms going to be battling the Others? Where is the excitement in that? Having the human element of a group or groups being "corrupted" adds a great deal more emotion to the course of the series.
Poor, poor Davos.
Comments? Criticism? Condemnation?
I really need to find another series to read...this one is taking over my life !
) on what may happen later in the series. This post will contain spoilers of things that happen up to the end of A Storm of Swords. I scanned through the posts here so far and saw a lot of little posts pointing in this direction, but nothing formalized as a theory. So forgive me if this has already been discussed and/or dismissed.I am wondering if Stannis may become the embodiment, or become consumed by, the dark power that will threaten the Seven Kingdoms. He may be the one against whom everyone else will battle.
Signs that may point to this:
1. The willingness he has shown so far to use what I would call "dark" powers to achieve his goals. A) The shadow creature that killed Renly B) The power that killed the castellan of Storms End C) His entertaining the notion of killing Edric Storm to wake the stone dragons. This last one has always been for me one of the "creepier" aspects of the books.
(to add a little insignificant point: "waking the dragon" was also Viserys euphemism that he was getting angry and was going to start doing some evil things!")
He seems to use a sort of "Darth Vader" justification for his actions - that only he can bring order to the seven kingdoms and will do so by any means necessary. A mind already in this position is prepared to justify a great deal more despicible acts to further his own end.
(this psychological interpretation may be subject to great debate so feel free to ignore it at this point and just consider what is actually "in" the novels
)2. He stated that he is going to move his headquarters to the Nightfort, where, at least in legend, all sorts of dark, evil things have happened. Seems like a good place for someone to completely turn to the "dark side" and reign as a "dark lord" so to speak. Certainly he could have picked any other castle to call his home, why pick the one that has a vile reputation? Coincidence? Or maybe Mel "suggested" the Nightfort to him?
3. His orders to have the weirwood trees destroyed wherever he goes. This has always bothered me for some reason. Certainly he uses the justifcation that he is simply destroying the symbols of an old belief system that in his mind is no longer valid, but it does accomplish something more practical. The legend is that the children of the forest were able to travel and communicate with the different parts of the realm through the trees. Destroying them prevents any power from easily reaching Stannis or anyplace he has been.
The children may or may not return, but I have a feeling even if they do not, Bran is going to become something that could use the power of the trees. Maybe even some other Starks. (Another matter for debate)
4. Readers have already discussed the differing methods of Thoros and Melisandre in practicing their religion. Certainly no one, including Thoros, has been in a position to contradict Mel's methods of worship. She may in fact be, knowingly or unknowingly, ushering in the dark powers. Im not sure any of us have ever gotten the warm fuzzies when she appears "on stage". GRRM has kind of clouded our minds with the "grey areas between good and evil" theme. Mel, may in fact, be working for the Other. Its just puzzling why Thoros has a ritual of death that he has performed, even when his faith was low, that Melisandre has never even talked about (or did I miss it?).
5. Stannis' vision of being consumed by the flames. This may be the flames of the power that Melisandre worships. Davos has already pointed out the badges showing the fiery heart surrounding (consuming) the stag of the Baratheons. This may all be foreshadowing of Stannis being consumed by the dark power.
6. Stannis has the horn that can bring down the wall. Whats the worst thing that can happen in a fantasy novel? The bad guys getting ahold of some great power that can change the course of events. Guess what, it may have already happened. That wall may just come down yet my friends.
Finally, there is just a simple matter of the plot. How is EVERYONE is the seven kingdoms going to be battling the Others? Where is the excitement in that? Having the human element of a group or groups being "corrupted" adds a great deal more emotion to the course of the series.
Poor, poor Davos.
Comments? Criticism? Condemnation?
I really need to find another series to read...this one is taking over my life !
