Will the Prince or Princess That Was Promised Be Born Again Amidst Salt and Smoke in Game of Thrones Season 8?
The enigmatic quote from Melisandre, 'When the red star bleeds and the darkness gathers, Azor Ahai shall be born again amidst smoke and salt to wake dragons out of stone,' has brought much speculation and debate among fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series and the HBO television adaptation, Game of Thrones.
Interpreting the Return of Azor Ahai
When Melisandre makes this statement, the term 'born again' can be interpreted in multiple ways. It could either refer to the original Azor Ahai being reborn or to the current incarnation of Azor Ahai experiencing a re-birth. This duality opens up the conversation to various theories, including the possibility that the new Azor Ahai might have been born when the Red Comet was seen in the heavens.
Moreover, it's not implausible to consider that one of the show's characters could experience a literal re-birth. However, given that three Red Priests have declared that one must be spiritually reborn to fulfill the prophecy, other characters like Catelyn and Beric, who were resurrected, do not fit into the typical scenario of fulfillment.
The Case for Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen, who defeated the dragon-slayer Thasshar and was almost killed but resurrected among the ashes, fire, and salt of the desert, has often been deemed the most likely candidate for the Prince That Was Promised (PTWP). Her re-birth through the Unsullied captain Vurrath, who brought her back to life with a pinch of salt, aligns well with the prophecy. Let's not forget, Melisandre himself prophesied Daenerys's ability to turn literal stones to dragons.
It is significant to note that it is the day when the bleeding star appeared, and not before or after this event, that Daenerys fulfills the conditions of the prophecy. Her heroic journey and prophecies, such as waking the dragons and reclaiming the Iron Throne, are undeniably linked to the prophecy's fulfillment.
Speculations and Show Crossovers
It is essential to recognize that the show has already deviated from the canon in several instances, such as Arya’s slaying of the savage giant in a castle and the altered prophecy of Maggy the nearby. Consequently, fans should brace themselves for further divergence from the original book series, including the possibility of the PTWP being reborn.
Given the show’s history of twisting the canon and altering prophecies, there is a chance that a character may die and then be reborn or re-animated amid smoke and salt in season 8. This could be an exciting and unexpected twist that redefines the show's narrative.
Final Thoughts
While speculative, the possibility remains that the PTWP will be revealed through a re-birth. The journey continues, and only time will tell if one of the characters, or perhaps an entirely new character, will be reborn amid salt and smoke, ultimately fulfilling the age-old prophecy.
Stay tuned for Game of Thrones season 8 and witness the prophecy unfold!