A Dance with Dragons question

On the Other (heh) hand, Leaf says Coldhands "died long ago," and 2 years isn't that long for someone whose lifespan is measured in centuries.

I always assumed it was, and was waiting for it to be revealed all throughout A Dance with Dragons, but didn't get it.

Maybe the Others tried to convert him to one of them, but he resisted somehow? Either way, I think Benjen's fate will reveal a lot about who (and what) the Others are.

I heard a theory that Cold Hands was an old lord of the Nights Watch that died centuries ago when the Others were around the first time. The theory says he's either the founder of the Nights Watch or another former Lord of the Nights Watch that "consorted" with the Others. The link shows some of them. If you don’t want spoilers though I wouldn’t go to the Wiki...its easy to stray and have something spoiled for you if you haven’t read all the books (like me with the Red Wedding)

http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/...

That's what I gathered. :)

THat's what I've thought as well.

Probably. He's a pretty conspicuous character, I don't see why Martin would make him just some random ranger.

First time I've heard this theory, and I like it!

Yes, we have been expecting the big Benjen reveal in the books at some point, too. It can't be coincidence. Plus, we know the line between the living and the dead gets more blurred as the story progresses, as does time and space now that Bran is "evolving". There are no hard and fast rules in the world of G.R.R.M., and there's the possibility of an ancient soul merging somehow with Benjen. I don't think anything is too crazy at this point, but it's a fun fun ride.

Just wish it was him for sure so the mystery is solved. GRRM just has to reveal where Benjen is or what happened to him. Not sure how I would feel if it's not revealed

I always supposed that Coldhands and Benjen were one and the same (well, not exactly the same anymore).
Some things didn't fit however, though I can't give any examples off the top of my head. I was going to reread the last book anyway, and will keep an eye out for any clues!