I was an R+L=J sceptic for a long time, until I read a Tower of the Hand summary of all the evidence. I’d say the evidence for this character’s survival is even stronger.
I’ve no memory of this prophecy. Could you refresh my mind?
I’m also a skeptic regarding R+L=J . First there are people out there advancing counter-evidences. Also, there are excellent evidences too in favour of another theory, equally satisfying (involving a woman who commited suicide. I guess it will be enough to mention that for book readers to understand whom I’m talking about). Second, even if it were Martin original intent, he might well change his mind possibly just because readers expect R+L=J now.
One shadow was as dark as ash, with the terrible face of a hound. Another was armored like the sun, golden and beautiful. Over them both loomed a giant in armor made of stone, but when he opened his visor, there was nothing inside but darkness and thick black blood.
That’s about as cut and dry as it gets and it is clearly spelling out a future event that is already in the offing. More specifically The Hound and (guessing) Lancel fighting his now undead headless brother in Cerseis trial by combat in her church trial.
Hmmm…interesting. I had never heard of that. Well, if true we should know in the next book, then. Although what you propose contradicts a bit the current attitude of the man who is supposed to be the man who is supposed to be dead (clear as mud, eh?).
Also, a 2 vs 1 trial by combat???
ETA : Also,
Didn’t someone steal the hound’s helmet? Can’t remember for sure. He ended in someone else’s hands, I believe.
Right, one of the surviving bloody mummers i believe. But it is just a prophecy, not an exact description of events. The giant in armor made of stone with no head and thick black blood perfectly describes the franken gregor creature, and the hound has said repeatedly that if someone is going to kill his brother it will be him. I would be incredibly surprised if that prophecy applied to anyone else, the only other thing it could possibly apply to would be if Jamie had to fight the new hound at the foot of a statue.