Do You Know How the "Song of Fire and Ice" Series Will End?

[Jim]

While speaking at the Edinburg International Book Festival, George R.R. Martin, author of the popular "Song of Fire and Ice" series, revealed that he has discovered, through correspondence via the "Game of Thrones" message board, that, so far, two fans have correctly theorized how the story will end, through subtle clues he has sprinkled throughout the books.

With two books remaining to be published, he has no intention of changing the ending.

[Nicola]

I'm pretty sure I have a good idea - but he has a habit of throwing in some pretty good twists...

[Jim]

Nicola wrote: "I'm pretty sure I have a good idea - but he has a habit of throwing in some pretty good twists..."

Nicola,
Now you've sparked my curiosity. Come on! Share! I personally have no idea of how it may end.

I am reading the series and watching the TV version. I have either overlooked the subtle hints mentioned by Mr. Martin or I'm just too dense to know one when I see it.

[John]

I'm curious as well; knowing how a story will end rarely lessens my enjoyment of it, once I'm fully invested in it. Anyone who wants to share what they know (or even what they've theorized) is certainly welcome to tell me privately.

[Jim]

Keep in mind that, whatever anyone contributes will be nothing more than an educated guess or theory, so it will not constitute a spoiler. Unless, of course, the person happens to be one of the two referred to during Mr. Martin's Edinburg presentation.

[Nicola]

I most people have some educated guesses. But some of the clues do seem to add up to a certain conclusion. But then, I thought that about a few things when I was reading that he then completely changed.

I only know my own theories - but I could be wrong - which is why I wouldn't want to share them.

The Jon Snow theory is pretty common, but I think there is even more to it than people realise...

[K.D.]

Based on what has happened in the series so far, I can only assume that Martin will eventually kill off everyone in some sort of global dragon apocalypse.

[John]

In a way, I shudder at that... I loved the literal "game of thrones" of heartless, filthy politics in the low-magic medieval environment. And how fate deals out a sort of rough justice to the ruthless, not through avenging heroes but through the natural course of events.

I was sort of hoping that Martin would avoid the apocalyptic confrontation with ancient evil, showing that human civilization is perfectly capable of destroying itself. You know, maybe find the White-Walkers (or whoever) finally ready to invade Westeros, only to find that the place is already devastated due to war and mass starvation.

Going out with a whimper instead of a bang, you know?

Oh well, who knows. Maybe he'll still do it.

[Jim]

John wrote: "In a way, I shudder at that... I loved the literal "game of thrones" of heartless, filthy politics in the low-magic medieval environment. And how fate deals out a sort of rough justice to the ruthl..."

John,
I like your idea for an ending and agree with its basis. Throughout history, humans have been their own worst enemy; primariarly due to their lack of humanity.

[Jonathan]

John wrote: "In a way, I shudder at that... I loved the literal "game of thrones" of heartless, filthy politics in the low-magic medieval environment. And how fate deals out a sort of rough justice to the ruthl..."

I like that idea. I have no idea how it will end but that would work for me. It would also be very satisfying if they lost the war against the White walkers simply because they are too busy warring amongst themselves. I was watching an episode of Game of Thrones on monday night, a scene with Stannis plotting his conquest, and thought, "If they don't stop squabbling over this blooming throne, they won't stand a chance when the walkers arrive..."

[Michael]

My opinion is that "3 dragon riders" will be the only who will survive (it's obvious that John, Daenerys and Tyrion are all Targaryens).
Maybe Rickon will be crowned as ruler of North (Starks must survive).
But, as time pass by and I see how greedy Martin became (just giving people another series with nonsense twists and not writing books) I really don't care. I found far better fiction to read and I'm happy with it (Malazan Book of the Fallen).
Cheers!