As we await the last ever episodes of Game of Thrones, there's a lot to come to terms with. One thing we all have to be prepared for is the fact that our favourite characters are likely going to die incredibly painful deaths (will Brienne of Tarth last another week? Panic stations!).
But, as we all know, death isn't always the end for the Westoros residents we have come to know and love over the past eight years. In fact, there's a fairly good chance they will return as White Walkers to kill their families and friends.
One character we certainly wouldn't like to see as a member of that icy army is Bran Stark, who has made quite the name for himself as the Three-Eyed Raven over the past few years.
Check out the trailer for Game of Thrones season eight, episode three:However, if one Reddit theory is correct, then perhaps the fourth child of Eddard Stark being turned into a White Walker is the only way to beat the Night King.
As crazy as it sounds, a Redditor named cabtx believes that there is evidence that Theon will turn Bran into a member of the ancient race of formerly-human ice creatures. Does this theory have legs? Let's take a look.
First of all, cabtx wants to remind you of all of the times Theon has saved Bran's life, writing:
"Theon sent an arrow through the back of a wildling (straight through the heart) when the wildling held a knife to Bran’s throat. The second time was by staging Bran’s and Rickon’s deaths when they ran away from Winterfell. By pretending they were dead he inadvertently protected them. This prevented them from being hunted, chased, or sought after by other possible foes."
Watch Theon and Bran plan together in the most recent episode:With this in mind, their theory goes that Bran has figured out that, with his powers as the Three-Eyed Raven, he is the ultimate weapon against the Night King. With this knowledge, he will ensure he is turned into a White Walker by Theon to beat him once and for all.
"Bran has a master plan and he is going to start putting it into action in episode 3 when he arranges to have Theon turn him into a White Walker at the weirwood in Winterfell! With powers of greensight, warning [sic], AND the vast knowledge of the 3ER [three-eyed raven] Bran could turn into a WW with the same powers of the Night King. In fact, he may be able to be more powerful that the NK. This might allow Bran to warg or control the Ice Dragon and/or WW & wights. My guess is that he will be able to. He will be key in taking out the Night King by interrupting or challenging the NK’s powerful abilities of warging."
That's all very good and well - but where does Theon come into this? According to the Redditor, the sole surviving son of Balon Greyjoy will turn Bran into a White Walker to finally atone for his crimes against the Stark family, and his final sacrifice will be helping Bran weaponize himself by shooting a dragonglass arrow through his heart (i.e. how the Children of the Forest created the Night King).
What does Isaac Hempstead Wright have to say about Bran Stark's creepy stare? Find out here:"By fulfilling this last wish of Bran, Theon will forge Bran into the only weapon capable of beating the NK. Bran will become the Lightbringer who will drive back the darkness [...]All the guilt, punishment, and regrets Theon has are wrapped up in Bran. Bran is the key to Theon’s redemption. By turning Bran into a New Night King, Theon Will finally be fully redeemed."
Controversial theory indeed! Are you buying it?