Omitted Characters from Game of Thrones: Lady Stone Heart and Aegon VI
Game of Thrones, the television adaptation of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, has been celebrated for its realistic and dramatic narrative. However, it often omits some beloved and potentially pivotal characters from the books. Two such significant characters are Lady Stone Heart and Aegon VI. Let's explore who these characters are and how their absence impacted the storyline.
Note: This article focuses on the impact of these characters' ommissions on the storyline, as well as some speculation about their potential influence. The original source material by George R.R. Martin will be referred to as A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF), and the TV adaptation as Game of Thrones.
Lady Stone Heart: A Symbol of Revenge and an Essential Plot Device
One of the characters George R.R. Martin missed the most from the TV series was Lady Stone Heart (figure 1). Originally, the character was found by Beric Dondarrion along the Trident River and brought back from her death on the third day. A symbol of revenge and the horror of escaping death, Lady Stone Heart plays a crucial role in several key plot developments that were dropped from the TV series.
Welcome to Lady Stone Heart, a figure that represents the emptiness of revenge and the horror of vanquishing death. Her most significant impact on the plot includes the possibility of a second Red Wedding for the Lannisters and Freys at Riverrun, a scenario that was averted due to the show's editing choices. Another disturbing and important plot point of discussion is that her purpose may have been to transfer her life spark to Robb Stark's corpse, resurrecting him in a horrific form, only to be co-opted by the Others to become a Night's King. This would have had profound implications, as George R.R. Martin has revealed that The Winds of Winter will get even darker than the preceding story, including the Red Wedding.
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Aegon VI: A Critical Player in Westeros
Another character left out by the show is Aegon VI, the purported oldest son of Rhaegar Targaryen and heir to the Iron Throne, whom Varys and Illyrio Mopatis have been backing all along. Littlefinger and Tyrion believe him to be a Blackfyre fake, based on Dany's vision of a Mummer's Dragon in the House of the Undying, which calls her "Slayer of Lies" (figure 2). This vision, coupled with other inconclusive evidence, leads to the suspicion that Aegon VI is a fake.
However, some readers believe that there is a different person alive under an alias, who is the true Aegon VI and heir to the kingdom, as Jon Snow's older brother, whom Varys and Illyrio are impersonating. This storyline is inspired by real historical events, such as Perkin Warbeck, who claimed to be the missing heir to the English throne, Richard Trewesbery. The plot twists and turns based on the existence or not of this character are admirable and significant in A Dream of Spring.
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The Impact of Their Omissions
The omission of Lady Stone Heart and Aegon VI from the show vastly changed the narrative. The possibility of the second Red Wedding, with its complex and intricate plot, would have added significantly to the tension and significance of the story (figure 3). Furthermore, the character of Aegon VI, if real, would have been a major rival to Cersei in King's Landing, drastically altering the political landscape of Westeros.
If there is indeed a real Aegon VI, the plot could become even more complicated and unpredictable, leading to unforeseen twists and turns. George R.R. Martin has suggested that the material for the series could have easily supported a 12- or 13-season run, highlighting the extent of the content that was left out. The absence of these characters can be seen as a missed opportunity for deeper character development and a more complex narrative.
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Conclusion
The omissions of Lady Stone Heart and Aegon VI from the TV series Game of Thrones have had a substantial impact on the narrative, leading to missed opportunities for deeper political intrigue and character development. Their potential existence and roles in the story significantly enhance the complexity and depth of A Song of Ice and Fire.
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