This wild Game of Thrones theory about the Crypts of Winterfell actually sounds legit

23 April 2019, 16:19 | Updated: 23 April 2019, 16:20

Emma Clarke

By Emma Clarke

Tbh, this Game of Thrones theory from Reddit isn't completely off the mark...but we're hoping it ain't so!

Over the years, we've grown accustomed to the barrage of funny memes and far-out Reddit theories after each Game of Thrones episode - some more convincing than others.

We've heard conspiracy theories about Bran Stark being the actual Night King (which is a personal fave), and Samwell Tarly being the true Prince That Was Promised.

But one that's stuck - and seems like it could legit happen - is this latest theory about the Crypts of Winterfell.

**WARNING: If you didn't spend the bank holiday watching episode 2 like us, look away now!**

This Game of Thrones theory from Reddit has us quaking in our boots
This Game of Thrones theory from Reddit has us quaking in our boots. Picture: HBO

Why are the Crypts of Winterfell so significant?

Since the new Game of Thrones kicked off, we've spent an awful lot of time in the crypts - hell, one of the teaser trailers released ahead of the S8 premiere was called 'The Crypts of Winterfell'.

As you'll recall, it is in the crypt - amidst long-awaited reunions, overdue knighthoods, piss-ups and unexpected sex scenes - that Jon Snow learns about his Targaryen lineage from Sam. It is also in the subterranean passages that Jon reveals to Dany that they are related.

The reason the location is so symbolic, is that Ned Stark, his sister Lyanna and his wife Caitlyn are all buried down there.

It is in the Crypts of Wintefell where Jon Snow learns of his Targaryen lineage
It is in the Crypts of Wintefell where Jon Snow learns of his Targaryen lineage. Picture: HBO

What's the plan?

The plan, as was revealed in episode 2, is to lure the Night King away from the White Walkers and the Army of the Dead by using Bran - AKA, the Three-Eyed Raven - as bait.

According to Bran, he's the only reason the Night King is coming beyond The Wall (it's not all about you, Bran, ffs), because he wants to stamp out memories and the living.

Bran will be strategically placed near the Weirwood Tree, where Theon and the Iron Born will be waiting to jump out and shout "SURPRISE, BITCH!"

Now, we can get on board with allllll of that. It makes sense.

What doesn't make sense? Jon, Ser Davos and Gilly sending all those frail, helpless women and children who can't fight (LOL), down in the crypts for when the White Walkers storm Winterfell. IT'S FULL OF DEAD PEOPLE!!!

The plan is to send all the women and children down into the crypts for their safety. Seriously??
The plan is to send all the women and children down into the crypts for their safety. Seriously?? Picture: HBO

The Reddit theory

Now, we've got it on good authority (from this Reddit thread), that Stark parents, Ned and Caitlyn, will rise from their deathly slumber, returning as muther-effing Wights.

The theory has kinda been alluded to in the books. Those who can read have pointed out this passage, which states:

"Last night he had dreamt the Winterfell dream again. He was wandering the empty castle, searching for his father, descending into the crypts. Only this time the dream had gone further than before. In the dark he’d heard the scrape of stone on stone. When he turned he saw that the vaults were opening, one after the other. As the dead kings came stumbling from their cold black graves, Jon had woken in pitch-dark, his heart hammering."

It is also the case in the books that Caitlyn Stark (née Tully) is resurrected by the Lord of Light, coming back as Lady Stoneheart. While the show has never touched upon this storyline, which sees a merciless Lady S on a quest for revenge, they could well factor it in, in the show's final season.

Will Lady Stonheart (Caitlyn Stark) come back from the dead?
Will Lady Stonheart (Caitlyn Stark) come back from the dead? Picture: HBO

When is episode 3 on and how can I watch it?

The third episode of Game of Thrones comes out in the US on Sunday, April 28, and in the UK on the Monday.

It kicks off on HBO at 9pm Eastern Time in the States, or 9pm on Sky Atlantic in the UK. You can also stream the show online, via NOW TV.