Look, this one might seem a bit crazy, stupid, and annoying, but, believe me, it's important to entertain every single Game of Thrones conspiracy theory, no matter how goddamn ridiculous it is. As fans of both the books and shows know well, no character is ever completely dead on Game of Thrones. Jon Snow, The Hound, Beric Dondarrion, The Mountain, and, in the books, Catelyn Stark—they all are resurrected in some form or another. And since fan theories are pretty much writing the show going forward, we've got to at lease give every one a chance.
There's a theory that has been around for a number of years on A Song of Ice and Fire fan forums that suggests Ned Stark is actually alive.
RELATED STORY
Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Mysterious Letter from Sansa Arya Found in Littlefinger's Room
Yes, everyone watched as Ned's head was very clearly severed from his body and placed on a spike on the ramparts of King's Landing. But, what if that wasn't actually Ned Stark who was beheaded in front of his entire family, the fancy royalty, and a bunch of angry, dirty commoners?
According to the theory, Jaqen H'ghar of the Faceless Men and Ned Stark were being held prisoner in the Red Keep at the same time. If you recall, back in Season One Arya first meets Jaqen when he's being transported out of the Red Keep as a prisoner. Now, it seems strange that a Faceless Man would be so easily imprisoned. So, it's logical to believe that he was captured on purpose. That purpose was for Varys to pay Jaqen to replace Ned Stark at his execution with an imposter. Now, there are a few versions of this theory that could make sense. In one, Jaqen himself takes Ned's place, and the man who we know as Jaqen (at least by appearance) is just a dead prisoner whom the Faceless Man sacrificed in Stark's place.
Another possibility is that Arya's sword teacher Syrio Forel was not killed by Ser Meryn Trant before he made his escape. Instead, he also ended up in the Red Keep with Jaqen and Ned and was given the face of Ned and sacrificed in his place. And/or he's actually a Faceless Man and made the swap between himself and Jaqen and he's been Jaqen this whole time. That's why Jaqen telling Arya that "There is only one God, and A Girl knows his name," seems so similar to Syrio telling Arya that "There is only one God and his name is Death."
RELATED STORY
And this would make sense, because there are a number of clues in the books that point toward Ned's body looking different after he was executed. Sansa points out that the head on the Red Keep doesn't look like her father's, and Catelyn Stark notes that his bones look smaller.
So, where the hell has Ned disappeared to when this whole war is going on and his entire family is getting steadily killed off?
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Good question! According to this theory, Ned has had to stay in hiding and travel away from Westeros where he won't be discovered. He's also working for Varys to help pay off the debt owed to the Faceless Men. And, hell, weirder things have happened in Game of Thrones, anyway.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Matt Miller is a Brooklyn-based culture/lifestyle writer and music critic whose work has appeared in Esquire, Forbes, The Denver Post, and documentaries.
-
The Best Hair Straighteners Add Instant Shine to Your Style
These picks are coming in hot.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
32 Beauty Products That Are Just So Good
Sponsor Content Created With Walmart
By Caitie Schlisserman Published
-
Are "Roe-Bots" the Future of Abortion Access?
As the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could severely curtail medication abortion nationwide, one organization showed that reproductive healthcare is here to stay—no matter what.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know on the upcoming episodes.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Kim Cattrall Didn't See or Speak to Her Costars When Filming 'And Just Like That' Cameo
That's some type of commitment.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The 60 Best K-Dramas You'll Be Completely Hooked On
Wait, how is it already 2 a.m.?
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Sophia Brown on Joining the World of ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’
The actress opens up about the “surreal process” of playing the Lark in the Netflix fantasy prequel.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated