Will We See Meera Reed in Season 8? A Comprehensive Analysis
With the eagerly awaited season 8 of Game of Thrones approaching, fans are speculating about various characters and their possible appearances, including the intriguing Meera Reed. Some believe she will make a significant return, while others predict she will remain absent. Let's delve into the arguments for and against her return, and explore what her potential appearance might mean for the narrative.
Arguments in Favor of Meera Reed's Appearance
Many fans hold strong opinions in favor of Meera Reed's return in season 8. One popular theory is that Meera will return to bring her father, Howland Reed, to the show. Howland Reed was with Ned Stark at the Tower of Joy, where Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen) was born. As a significant character in Jon Snow's conception story, Howland's testimony could provide crucial information to confirm Jon's parentage.
Additionally, Meera Reed is seen as indispensable for bringing Bran Stark's humanity back. After the Great Battle and the events that follow, Bran might need a strong, loyal female presence to return to his humanity and become the King in the North. Meera's survival instincts and compassion would be ideal for this role.
Another compelling argument for her return is based on her self-prophecy. In season 7, Meera told Varys that she would die in Westeros but would return. Considering her non-corporeal nature, her self-prophecy might be accurate, and she could assume a magical or prophetic role in the final season, possibly resurrecting Jon Snow once more. It's not uncommon for the show to defy logic and explore inherently impossible situations.
Arguments Against Meera Reed's Appearance
On the other side of the argument, many fans believe that Meera Reed's absence in season 8 is a deliberate choice by the creators. For example, one theory suggests that Bran dismissed Meera, recognizing she wasn't necessary anymore because he had "changed." By dismissing her, she symbolically represents the past that Bran now feels he has fully left behind.
Given the show's rush to conclude its story, there may not be enough time to delve into minor character arcs. Moreover, the show seems to indicate that Meera's job is nearly done. Her time with Bran is up, and the magical elements that Meera represented will likely fade away. Dragons will die, the Night King will be either saved or slain, and Bran will transform back to a human. Thus, returning Meera could feel out of place in the grand narrative.
Another concern is that Meera's departure in the Tower of Joy storyline was already a significant moment in the show. Making her come back could feel redundant and cheat the intricate character arcs that have already been established.
Implications of Meera Reed's Return or Non-return
Should Meera Reed return in season 8, her presence would likely be pivotal for both Bran and the overarching story's resolution. Her character would serve as a bridge between the past and the future, tying together key plot points and emotional arcs.
In contrast, if Meera remains absent, her departure further cements the idea that the past is being left behind. This could add to the sense of closure for her character and align with the show's pacing towards its final season. Her absence would signal the end of the magical elements in the series, allowing the characters to return to a more grounded narrative that focuses on the upcoming battle and the political landscape.
Conclusion
The question of Meera Reed's appearance in season 8 of Game of Thrones hinges on the showrunners' creative choices and the depth of the story they wish to tell. Whether she returns to bring back Howland Reed or to support Bran, her appearance or non-appearance would significantly impact the final narrative. Only time will tell what the producers have chosen to do with her character, but the speculation continues to captivate fans worldwide.