Game Of Thrones: 8 Ways Season 6 Spoilt The Winds Of Winter (And 3 It Didn't)

6. The Gravedigger Is The Hound

The seventh episode of Season 6, titled The Broken Man, started with a rare cold open, rather than the usual credits. Starting in a grassy location, we pan up to reveal none other than Sandor Clegane, last seen being left for dead by Arya Stark.

It's a general rule of TV that if we don't see them die, there's a good chance it didn't happen, and such is the case with the Hound. Fans have long awaited his comeback, especially with numerous references to him in Arya's storyline, and while The Broken Man wasn't a great episode, it was nevertheless great to have him back on our screens.

This fits with a theory that far pre-dates his death on the show, known as the Gravedigger theory. In the books, Brienne visits a place known as the Quiet Isle (a monastery) and while there she speaks to the leader, the Elder Brother, about Sandor Clegane. He has some pretty choice words about finding the man, and the Hound being dead. After that, there's a brief mention of a gravedigger, who has his face covered, walks with a limp, and is bigger than Brienne. As if to drive the point home, he bends down and pets a dog.

Given that the clues were already there, the show basically seems to be confirming something that will also happen in the books. Furthermore, considering his location, it's quite probable that in the novels he will also go with the Brotherhood Without Banners, albeit with a rather different leader.