And so, our watch begins.
It may still be a long wait before the sixth season of 'Game of Thrones' premieres on HBO, but book readers can finally rejoice as 'The Winds of Winter' release date has been revealed. The sixth novel in George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series could be published before 'Game of Thrones' Season Six, giving the book readers a slight advantage over the fans who prefer to watch the HBO show.
Perhaps the most mysterious aspect of both the books and the series would be the fate of Jon Snow. The new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch was stabbed repeatedly and left for dead in his chapter in 'A Dance with Dragons,' a scene that was replicated in the season finale of 'Game of Thrones.' However, George R.R. Martin has hinted that Jon Snow is not dead, a statement that has led to theories that he will be resurrected by Melisandre after he wargs into his direwolf Ghost.
But is Melisandre the only one who can resurrect Jon Snow?
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
In a teaser chapter from 'The Winds of Winter,' the new greenseer Bran Stark is trying to communicate with Theon Greyjoy through the crows. In the same chapter, Theon is killed by Stannis Baratheon in front of a Heart tree as a blood sacrifice. However, there is a possibility that Bran will use the blood sacrifice to resurrect Jon Snow, who he now sees as an important figure in saving Westeros.
Could Bran Stark bring Jon Snow back to life through a blood sacrifice? Or is there another way for Jon Snow to be resurrected without the help of Melisandre?
Another popular theory points to Jon Snow being a candidate for Azor Ahai, or the Prince That Was Promised. The messiah is said to be born of smoke and salt, and if Jon Snow's body is burned in a pyre (smoke) while his few followers weep (salt), if he is the chosen one, he may once possibly rise again.
'The Winds of Winter' could be published by April 2016, a few days before the scheduled premiere of 'Game of Thrones' Season Six.
