Missing ‘Game of Thrones’ Character Set To Return In Season 6?
This article contains theories and spoilers about Game of Thrones Season 6.
The mother of all Game of Thrones rumors emerged over the weekend. Yes, it involves a Stark. No, not that one.
According to Game of Thrones fan site, Winter is Coming, some very interesting rumors have sprung up around the closed set in County Down. News broke last week of a large-scale battle scene, not unlike the one featured in Game of Thrones Season 5’s “Hardhome” set in the North of Westeros. Reportedly, the battle sequence will likely feature in the ninth episode of Game of Thrones Season 6, and will feature the Umbers, the Boltons, and at least some wildlings. But, ultimately, the rumor that Jon Snow would somehow figure into the battle got the most attention. This rumor has been bolstered by frequent sighting of actor Kit Harrington in Belfast, with the Game of Thrones trademark long hair and beard.
However, rumors emerged this week that Jon Snow won’t be the only representative of House Stark to ride against the Boltons.
*Rumour.* We are getting from 'several' sources that Benjen Stark returns and he and Jon have Vengeance. Again… rumour. So Health warning!
— Irish Thrones (@IrishThrones) September 20, 2015
Dedicated Game of Thrones fans will remember that Benjen Stark is the younger brother of Ned Stark. Benjen, played by English actor Joseph Mawle, was a recurring character in Game of Thrones Season 1, and a brother of the Night’s Watch. He disappeared on a ranging expedition beyond the Wall in Season 1. Benjen Stark’s disappearance served as a primary motivator for the Night’s Watch plot in Season 2, but wasn’t mentioned again until Game of Thrones Season 5 when the brothers of the Night’s Watch lure Jon Snow into an assassination attempt by telling him they’ve captured a man who has information about Benjen Stark.
So, could Benjen Stark appear in Game of Thrones Season 6 to claim vengeance for his family?
Maybe.
Benjen’s still hasn’t been addressed in A Song of Ice and Fire. A long-running theory among fans holds that Benjen Stark became Coldhands, but author George R.R. Martin debunked that theory in a note to his editor. Benjen Stark disappeared before Ned Stark’s execution, the Red Wedding, and the Lannister’s push to make House Stark go extinct. Therefore, is reactions to those event are never seen. From a story standpoint, Benjen Stark could be anywhere, including serving as an anonymous member of the White Walker’s undead army.
Of course, as always, Game of Thrones fans won’t know the fate of Benjen Stark or Jon Snow until Season 6 airs in 2016.
[Image via HBO]
