“The north remembers”: is there a Grand Northern Conspiracy?

Summary

The video script delves into the intricate political landscape of George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, focusing on the 'Grand Northern Conspiracy' theory. It explores the Stark family's historical rule, their fall from power, and the speculated secret plots among various northern houses to restore a Stark to Winterfell. Key players like House Manderly, Glover, and Umber are highlighted, along with the potential roles of characters like Jon Snow, Rickon Stark, and the mysterious Lady Stoneheart. The script suggests multiple, overlapping conspiracies rather than one grand plan, reflecting the complex loyalties and motivations driving the story's narrative.

Takeaways

• 👑 The Stark family has a long history of ruling the North, but their rule was disrupted when Ned Stark was executed, leading to a period of instability and division.
• ⚔️ After Ned's execution, Robb Stark declared himself King in the North, but his reign was short-lived due to the infamous Red Wedding orchestrated by the Boltons and Freys.
• 🏰 Winterfell, the Stark stronghold, suffered a series of betrayals and attacks, culminating in its capture and burning by Theon Greyjoy and later by Ramsay Snow.
• 🌨️ In the TV adaptation, the Starks make a dramatic comeback with Jon and Sansa reclaiming Winterfell, but in the books, the fate of the Starks and the North remains uncertain.
• 🧐 The 'Grand Northern Conspiracy' theory suggests that various northern houses are secretly plotting to overthrow the Boltons and restore a Stark to Winterfell.
• 🔍 Lord Wyman Manderly of House Manderly is a key figure in the conspiracy, having discovered the truth about the Boltons' crimes and harboring a deep loyalty to the Starks.
• 🤝 There are indications that other northern houses, such as the Glovers, Flints, and Umbers, may be involved in the conspiracy against the Boltons.
• 🗣️ The Boltons are deeply unpopular due to their残忍 methods and numerous atrocities, which have created widespread resentment and a desire for vengeance among the northern lords.
• 🏰 The crypts of Winterfell and the missing swords within them provide clues to the conspiracy, suggesting that some lords are aware of the Starks' survival and are plotting to restore them.
• 🔮 The possibility of a unified Grand Northern Conspiracy is debated, with evidence pointing to multiple smaller conspiracies and plots that may or may not be connected.

Q & A

Who are the Stark family and why are they significant in the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series?

The Stark family are the traditional rulers of the North in the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, known historically as the Kings of Winter and later as the Wardens of the North. They are significant due to their long-standing rule and the strong loyalty they command from the people of the North.

What event led to the Stark family losing control of the North in the series?

The Stark family lost control of the North when Ned Stark was executed by King Joffrey, leading to a series of events including the secession of the North under Robb Stark, and subsequent betrayals and conflicts that resulted in the Boltons taking control.

How does House Manderly play a role in the potential restoration of Stark rule in the North?

House Manderly, led by Lord Wyman Manderly, is secretly plotting against the Boltons and Freys. They are aware of the Boltons' atrocities and are motivated to restore a Stark to Winterfell, potentially rallying around Rickon Stark.

What is the 'Grand Northern Conspiracy' and what does it involve?

The 'Grand Northern Conspiracy' is a fan theory suggesting that various northern houses are secretly plotting to overthrow the Boltons and restore a Stark to Winterfell. It involves complex political maneuvering and alliances among several northern houses.

What is the significance of the snowmen shaped like northern lords in the Winterfell chapters?

The snowmen shaped like northern lords, specifically Wyman Manderly, Whoresbane Umber, Harwood Stout, and Barbrey Dustin, are strong evidence of a conspiracy among these houses against the Boltons, indicating their secret collaboration and intentions.

How does the character of Lady Stoneheart, the resurrected Catelyn Stark, tie into the potential conspiracy?

As Lady Stoneheart, Catelyn Stark leads the Brotherhood Without Banners and holds a personal vendetta against those involved in the Red Wedding. She possesses Robb's crown, which could be used to crown a new King in the North, potentially Jon Snow, if certain conditions are met.

What role does the mysterious Howland Reed play in the potential restoration of Stark rule?

Howland Reed, being the only living witness to Jon Snow's true parentage, holds crucial information that could legitimize Jon's claim to the North and possibly the Iron Throne. His involvement is suspected in plots to restore Stark rule.

What is the significance of the missing swords in the Winterfell crypts?

The missing swords in the crypts are significant because they were taken by Osha, Meera, and Bran when they escaped Winterfell, indicating that the Boltons' claims about the Starks' deaths were false, and that Bran and Rickon are alive.

How might the mountain clansmen be involved in the conspiracies to restore Stark rule?

The mountain clansmen, part of Stannis' army, are passionately loyal to House Stark and may be involved in separate plots to install either Rickon or Jon Snow as the King in the North. Their exact involvement is hinted at but not explicitly confirmed.

What challenges might the various northern houses face in coordinating a large-scale conspiracy?

The challenges include the difficulty of secret communication in Westeros, the risk of betrayal, and the complexity of coordinating multiple separate plots with different goals and loyalties, which makes a unified 'Grand Northern Conspiracy' less likely.