The Prince That Was Promised: Arya, Bran, and the Night King - A GoT S8E3 Analysis

How does Arya fit into the prophecy of the 'Prince that was Promised'? With the Night King looming over the narrative, many wonder if there is a hidden twist involving Bran Stark or even Diana Evans' Dany. This article delves into these theories, offering a plausible explanation.

Overview of Key Prophecies and Characters

One central prophecy in Game of Thrones is the legend of the 'Prince That Was Promised', a great hero who is destined to save the world. The show has handwaved this away in previous episodes, but let's explore its full significance. The prophecy foretold a Chosen One, not necessarily a Princess who hatches dragons, but someone who is a secret killer, having seen horrific events at a young age.

Can Arya Be the Prince That Was Promised?

Arya Stark is a princess in her own right; her brothers Robb and Jon both reigned as kings. She, too, is a fit for this ancient prophecy. However, she is known for her secret skills, often wearing the cloak of an assassin. As assassins are dark figures, they typically operate outside of the conventional hero's path. This makes a subversion of the trope highly intriguing.

Analysis of the Show vs. Books

In the show, Beric saves Arya specifically to kill the Night King. In the books, this detail is altered. Beric is long gone, and the character of the 'Night King' has evolved, becoming more of an 'ancient legend' rather than a specific individual. This evolution creates an intriguing divergence in the narrative direction.

Given this, it's possible that the 'Prince That Was Promised' prophecy has been quietly abandoned in the show's narrative. However, its mention in the books by Melisandre and its association with Arya suggest that there may still be relevance.

Plausible Explanation: The Genderless Translation and Noble Lineage

Let's consider two plausible explanations:

Arya as the Prince That Was Promised: In the books, 'Prince' is a translation of a genderless Valyrian word. If this is true, Arya's multiple positions as a princess (as implied by her siblings being kings) aligns with the prophecy. The 'Prince That Was Promised' as a Superstition: The prophecy might be a superstition of the R'hllorites (the Lord of Light's followers) or possibly an older belief among the Old Valyrians like the Targaryens. This would mean the prophecy is more symbolic than literal, and the Prince/Princess could emerge in unexpected ways.

Conclusion

The 'Prince That Was Promised' remains an enigmatic and intriguing character in the Game of Thrones narrative. Whether it is Arya, Bran, or another figure, the true meaning of the prophecy is yet to be fully revealed. The books provide a broader and more nuanced perspective, which may offer deeper insights when Game of Thrones officially concludes.

While the show has handwaved crucial details, the books continue to hold many secrets. Until all mysteries are solved, the 'Prince That Was Promised' stands as one of the most captivating and unanswered questions of the series.