Game Of Thrones Season 8: 13 Predictions & Theories For The Battle Of Winterfell
11. Beric Revives The Hound
Although the Hound never actually died, he was for all intents and purposes 'killed off' in Season 4, only to return towards the end of Season 6. He joined up with the Brotherhood Without Banners, went beyond the Wall to fight the dead, and will be battling at Winterfell. But why? His story could feasibly have been finished when Arya left him, so why is he back?
The answer lies in his connection to the Lord of Light, which is something we saw develop last season when he looked into the flames, but may have always been a part of him, given he has been kissed by fire. Beric certainly believes the Lord of Light has a job of Sandor Clegane to do, and that should prove crucial at the battle.
In the books, Beric sacrifices his life to bring Catelyn Stark back from the dead, giving her the last kiss, and she returns in the guise of Lady Stoneheart. It's a HUGE moment, and never happened in the show - but now they have a chance to do it, sort of. They've given Stoneheart's role to Arya and Sansa, but not her resurrection. If the Hound falls in battle, which is very likely considering the circumstances, then Beric - who is more than willing to die in order to stop the Night King - will give his life to bring him back (whether that involves a literal kiss or not remains to be seen).
The Hound, overcoming his fear of fire, will wield Beric's flaming sword to take on the dead, and continue that path to face his brother at King's Landing. He told him he'd always known who was coming for him. That someone is, quite possibly, the Lord of Light, working through a revived Sandor.
[James Hunt]