Game of Thrones fans are waiting with bated eyes for what HBO is claiming to be their best yet battle choreography. The Battle of Winterfell, expected to be the bulk of episode 3, has been teased through out the promotion for the final season of this epic fantasy show.
Just to give you an idea of what at stake, the show-makers devoted 55 days to shoot this 90 minute battle sequence, something that puts it on par with the likes of Battle of Helm's Deep from The Lord of The Rings universe.
Whether or not it meets the fan’s expectations, Reddit and other communities are abuzz with fan theories - who will win the battle? What will be the highlights? And, who will survive?
We got our hands on some pre-released stills from the upcoming episode and we can’t help but ask these questions
Why are Jon and Daenerys Not at Winterfell?
In this still we have Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen looking at what we guess set up for the epic battle. What is both shocking and interesting is that Jon - who is usually scene at the thick of a battle, facing of enemies- is not even at Winterfell!
Infact Daenerys and him take in the site of the battle that is about to begin from afar. Does that mean him and Daenerys are not participating in the battle upfront? Why are they so far removed from the action? Did they ride their dragons and find a strategic position elsewhere?
All this while we know that our heroes are prepping up for an out and out battle with the White Walkers and the Night King. The only strategy they have is to lure Night King out - by using Bran Stark as a bait- to the Godswood behind the Winterfell castle. Will Jon and Daenerys surprise the White Walkers, or their companions in Winterfell?
Will Brienne of Tarth Survive The Battle?
The preview of season 8 episode 3 ends with a freshly knighted Brienne of Tarth shouting a war-cry before charging into her enemies. In this particular photo we see her in a battle stance - with clearly the wights. The troop behind her- which she painstakingly trained through season 7 and parts of season 8 - looking both scared and battle ready. Beside her, Jaime Lannister looks visibly distraught.
With all the foreshadowing fans have seen in the previous episode, it is tough to say if these two would survive the battle of Winterfell - especially when they are clearly the ones taking on the White Walkers head-on.
Why is Jon Snow so Terrified?
In this still we see a bloodied Jon Snow looking into a distance in horror. Unlike a previous visual, he seems to be at the heart of the conflict in this still, with things burning behind him.
Will Tyrion Lannister play an Important Role in the Crypt?
In this still released by HBO, we have Tyrion and Varys sitting together, looking tensed.
If you think back at the last episode, while our heroes prepped up Winterfell to hold off the impending White Walkers army, the Crypts -- or the ancient tomb-site dedicated to the dead Starks -- is referred to as the safe haven or hiding place. Women, children and those who cannot fight were taking refuge in the Crypts.
We know for a fact that Bran Stark and Lyanna Mormont refused the safety of the Crypts and fight against the Night King in their own way. There was one more person who refused this safety, but was denied. Tyrion Lannister insisted to fight alongside his Queen Daenerys Targeryan, but Danny flat out refused the idea.
She would rather have her hand alive. This brings us to believe that Tyrion is going to play a crucial role in the Crypts. But is he safe in the Crypts?
Are Sansa and Arya Stark Planning Something Together?
Sansa Stark has emerged as one of the wisest and smartest characters in the show, almost outwitting Tyrion Lannister. The way she has run the show at Winterfell, and how she has dealt with Littlefinger in the previous season has led even Arya Stark to admit to Jon that Sansa is the smartest of them all. Therefore this still of her emersed deep in thought, and yet with a purpose on her face makes us feel she has something up her sleeve.
Even the second shot - from the preleased visuals - show her and Arya Stark exchanging a moment on top of what looks like the castle of Winterfell. What are the Stark sisters up to? The fans have been witness to how great the girls work together to bring their enemies down.
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