Game Of Thrones: 5 Fan Theories Confirmed By Season 6 (And 5 That Were Bullsh*t)

3. Benjen Is Coldhands (On The Show)

Game of Thrones Benjen Stark
HBO

Many fans, including myself, had long given up on Coldhands ever appearing on the TV series. Bran's storyline was well beyond the moment the mysterious wight-like figure arrives on his giant elk, and it seemed this would be another intriguing side character left behind (still not over Strong Belwas being left out to be honest).

Similarly, it was unclear if Benjen Stark, the long-missing uncle of Sansa et al, would ever be returning. However, fans of both the book and the show had speculated for years that the two were one and the same. Given the mystique around Coldhands, the disappearance of Benjen, and the fact he chooses to help Bran, there were pieces that fit.

Season 6 confirmed it, with Benjen showing up to save Bran from wights, but quite clearly being a bit of an ice zombie himself. The 'how' of it all wasn't explained particularly well, but the meaning was clear: Benjen is Coldhands.

Of course, since Martin has already confirmed this isn't the case in the books, don't expect this reveal in The Winds of Winter... unless he's changed his mind. It has been a while.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.