The Mountain and the Hound's Cryptic Words: A Deep Dive

The famous line spoken by Sandor Clegane, the Hound, to his older brother, Gregor Clegane, also known as the Mountain, has long intrigued fans of the Game of Thrones series. The statement, 'You know who’s coming for you. You’ve always known,' has sparked numerous theories and debates. Let's explore these theories and what they might mean.

Who Was the Hound Refering to?

One theory suggests that Sandor Clegane was actually referring to himself when he said, 'You know who's coming for you. You've always known.' This might be a reference to his newfound religious conversion, implying divine retribution. Sandor's past relationship with the 'God of Death' could be relevant here as well, suggesting a form of divine justice or fate.

Another theory, considering the character of George R.R. Martin, suggests that the Hound was most likely referring to someone else. Given the Hound's manner and tone when speaking to Gregor, it's possible he was warning his brother about someone greater than himself.

Possible References

One of the most compelling theories is that the Hound was talking about Arya Stark, the infamous northern assassin. Arya's resilience, cunning, and past life as a faceless assassin make her a perfect candidate to take on the Mountain. The fact that the Mountain sees Arya as a more effective threat compared to other possible killers might be why he acknowledges her as the one 'coming for you.'

Arya Stark's past is riddled with observations of violence and death, making her a formidable opponent. If the Hound was indeed giving this warning, it could be a foreshadowing of her mission to avenge Jaqen H'ghar, ultimately resulting in the Mountain's demise.

Flame and Faith

Another intriguing theory involves the Hound's religious conversion and the significance of fire. Some fans have speculated that the Hound might have seen visions in the flames, indicating that the Mountain was destined to face someone who could overcome the "burning" he had long experienced. The Hound's use of the phrase 'you've always known' could suggest that Gregor was always aware of this fate and was trying to appease the 'Red God,' the symbolic representation of death and violence.

Considering the Mountain's behavior and his past actions, it's not inconceivable that he was seeking some form of divine intervention or appeasement. The Hound's reference to 'the thing you fear most' could be a play on the Mountain's awareness of the Red God and his own fate.

Conclusion

While Sandor Clegane's exact meaning remains a mystery, the theories surrounding his cryptic statement provide interesting angles to consider. Whether it's a reference to divine retribution, his younger sister Arya, or the Mountain's own fears, the interplay between religion, fate, and violence in the world of Game of Thrones continues to fascinate fans and scholars alike.