Will George R. R. Martin Change the Ending of Game of Thrones?

One of the most anticipated aspects of the upcoming A Song of Ice and Fire book trilogy is the potential changes that author George R. R. Martin might introduce to the ending. Many readers and fans are eager to know whether the original plans for the books will remain intact, or if Martin will make significant alterations to his narrative.

Reaction to the Show's Ending

Why the Show's Conclusion Caused a Split: According to Martin, the longevity of the Game of Thrones show might be attributed to the showrunners' decision to deviate from the original manuscripts. Martin himself has mentioned that he ‘wanted to kill off Jon Snow’ and even considered a female ending. This bold departure from the source material likely played a significant role in shaping his current mindset towards potential changes to the books.

Many fans were disappointed with the show's ending, feeling that it didn't live up to the high standards set by Game of Thrones as a whole. The question remains: Will Martin rectify these issues in the books?

Process of Writing and Intentional Uncertainty

Intentional Uncertainty and Spoiler Protection: Martin often emphasizes the element of "plausible uncertainty" in his work. During the development of the show, he likely advised the showrunners to stay away from certain plot points, such as Dani not sitting on the Iron Throne and Jon Snow not being King in the North. These stipulations weren't because those exact events would happen, but rather to maintain a sense of mystery and endless possibility.

While it's true that Martin gave the showrunners a set of boundaries to work within, this doesn't necessarily mean he will change the original ending of the books. Fans have always known that the books would diverge from the show in many aspects, and their acceptance or rejection of this concept is an integral part of the reading experience.

Future Changes and New Elements

Potential Changes from Show to Books: It is highly likely that significant changes will occur, not because of Martin's initial plans, but due to the show's execution and the characters' arcs. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the showrunners, made numerous alterations to the characters' storylines, such as Sansa Stark being a bastard daughter of Littlefinger, while Arya Stark fights alongside her childhood friend who is now Ramsay Bolton's wife. These changes significantly impact the narrative and will inevitably influence the books.

Furthermore, a multitude of characters and plotlines unique to the books are bound to affect the storyline. Characters like Lady Stoneheart (a resurrected Catelyn Stark) and Young Gryff, who is supposedly Aegon Targaryen, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell, are bound to play pivotal roles. These new elements, along with untouched plotlines like the ones mentioned, promise to reshape the ending dramatically.

The Major Plot Points: Although certain iconic scenes like the Battle of the Bastards, Cersei's destruction of the Sept of Baelor, and the Battle of Winterfell are expected in the books, the overall arc and outcomes will be vastly different from the show's conclusion.

Conclusion

In summary, while George R. R. Martin might not drastically change his original plans, the show's impact on the books is inevitable. The characters' storylines and unique elements in the books will undoubtedly alter the ending. Fans and readers alike are excited for the new and unexpected twists that will come with the conclusion of the A Song of Ice and Fire trilogy.