A compelling theory surrounding The Winds of Winter sheds light on some of the series’ enduring enigmas, especially as another Game of Thrones spinoff prepares to explore similar themes. With a fourteen-year wait for the forthcoming book, enthusiasts have been left to ponder significant unresolved mysteries in George R.R. Martin’s work, from the identity of Coldhands to the implications of the Prince That Was Promised prophecy and the enigmatic Pink Letter.
While the final season of Game of Thrones offered some hints regarding how the narrative may conclude, it’s unclear how closely it will align with the novels. For instance, Bran’s ascension to the throne appears to echo a potential arc in the books, but numerous other plot points might diverge. The reintroduction of Benjen Stark in season 6 offers a significant twist, showing that he was rescued by the Children of the Forest after an encounter with a White Walker blade—hence advancing the Coldhands theory proposed by fans.
Understanding Coldhands in A Song of Ice & Fire
Who is Coldhands?
Coldhands is a cryptic figure residing beyond the Wall, making appearances in both A Storm of Swords and A Dance with Dragons. He is depicted wearing Night’s Watch garb, characterized by his pale visage and a sword, and he travels on an elk surrounded by a flock of obedient ravens that serve as his scouts. Much like Varamyr in A Dance with Dragons, Coldhands embodies the mystical elements woven throughout Martin’s narrative, particularly in the True North and deep within Essos.
Marking him as deceased, Coldhands cannot pass through the Wall, a fate he shares with Benjen Stark in Game of Thrones. Notably, Coldhands’ eyes, unlike those of the Others (White Walkers), do not display the same chilling blue hue. His introduction in the story occurs when he assists Sam and Gilly escaping Craster’s Keep, and later, he plays a crucial role in guiding Bran, Jojen, Meera, and Hodor to the Three-Eyed Crow’s cave, from which he too, is barred from entering. These details prompt numerous theories regarding his true identity.
Coldhands and Benjen Stark: A Distinct Separation
Confirmation on Coldhands’ Identity
In stark contrast to the Game of Thrones series, whose narratives intertwined the arcs of Benjen Stark and Coldhands, George R.R. Martin has made it clear that these storylines will remain distinct in The Winds of Winter. The author, in a 2015 revelation, specifically mentioned that Coldhands is not Benjen Stark, eliminating one of the most predictable theories regarding this mysterious character. Alternative theories suggest connections to Brynden Rivers, a figure believed to also embody the Three-Eyed Crow. Other possibilities include the Night’s King or characters from the Raven’s Teeth, potentially linked to the prologue figures Waymar Royce or Will.
While the books support the complexity of these characters, the Night’s King, a pivotal figure in the lore, differs from the “Night King”portrayed in Game of Thrones.
The Theory: Coldhands as Brynden Rivers’ Raven’s Teeth
The Connection to Brynden Rivers
To understand the narrative surrounding Coldhands, we must delve into the history of Brynden Rivers, a bastard of the Targaryen dynasty during the tumultuous period of the Blackfyre Rebellions. Serving as the Hand of the King, he ultimately joined the Night’s Watch, where he attained the position of Lord Commander before vanishing beyond the Wall. His transformation into the Three-Eyed Crow led many to speculate that Coldhands might be one of his loyal followers, known as the Raven’s Teeth.
These Raven’s Teeth, closely associated with Brynden during his time in Westeros, would accompany him to the Night’s Watch. Crucially, the Children of the Forest reaffirmed Coldhands’ status as a long-dead entity, giving weight to the notion that he cannot be Benjen or any other contemporary Night’s Watch rangers. The Night’s King’s infamous betrayal of the Night’s Watch further distinguishes Coldhands from these other figures.
The Potential of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
How It May Affect the Theory
The upcoming spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, could further illuminate the Raven’s Teeth theory and deepen our understanding of Coldhands’ character. Although the series, premiering in late 2025, will not feature Brynden Rivers initially, it may introduce him and the Raven’s Teeth in subsequent seasons as they appear in “The Mystery Knight”and “The Sworn Sword.”
While A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms does not guarantee definitive answers about the events in The Winds of Winter, its existence has been praised by Martin himself. Should the series succeed and give prominence to one of the Raven’s Teeth, it may unravel additional layers concerning Coldhands, enriching the lore that Martin continues to develop in his expansive universe.