Game Of Thrones: 10 Ways Season 5 Spoilt The Winds Of Winter
2. ...And No Arianne Martell
Arianne was the most popular character from the Dorne plot in the books, so no matter how they adapted it shed surely be in the show version, right? Sadly not, as her character was cut, replaced in some parts by the Sand Snakes and others by Ellaria, although none quite made up for not getting the character.
Her role may have been adapted, with Myrcella killed by Ellaria (Arianne actually plots to raise her to the Iron Throne), but her absence was very much felt. Going forwards it has implications for her future and Dornes.
The Dornish laws mean that she is the heir to Doran Martell, whereas in the show this is her brother Trystane. If Doran were to die at some point (which is quite likely), then in the show its the latter who would become ruler of Dorne. Does this mean that in the books itll simply be different, or a rather more unfortunate end befalls Arianne that leads to Trystane being heir?
Its also further indication that Aegon is a fake, as Arianne is sent to find him and discover whether or not he is really a Targaryen. Her absence, like his own, indicates that he will indeed be a pretender, and also that their fates may not be happy ones.