George R.R. Martin’s original A Dance With Dragons manuscript debunks popular fan theory

Reddit user _honeybird, journeyed to the Cushing Memorial Library, in order to look over the 1600 page original manuscript of George R.R. Martin’s A Dance With Dragons. Dance is the 5th book in Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, and with fans anxiously clamoring for The Winds of Winter (the 6th and supposedly penultimate book in the series), the prospect of pouring over an original manuscript of Martin ‘s work, is a once in a lifetime event, for most folks.

Warning: There are major spoilers for the books and show

after the jump. You have been warned!

During _honeybird’s working through the manuscript, she came across an interesting, brief back and forth between Martin and his editor. There were several instances of the editor, doing editor things and questioning George on possible numerical inaccuracies, redundant phrases,  and Davos Seaworth’s fingerbones. Martin’s editor also expressed concern over the context of Jaime Lannister’s chapters, as well as Jon Snow as Lord Commander.

The most interesting find is when the editor asks George about the identity of Coldhands, the wraith-like figure who aids both Bran and Sam at different points while they’re each north of The Wall.

On page 113 of the manuscript, the editor asks Martin, who had briefly described Coldhands, “Is this Benjen? I think it’s Benjen…“. You can clearly see the editor is proud, because they implemented the always sure sign of hubris, a smiley face. Mr. Martin’s response was a simple, yet emphatic “NO“.

Now, there’s been a popular fan theory that Coldhands was actually Benjen Stark, Lord Eddard’s brother and First Ranger of the Night’s Watch. Benjen has been missing since A Game of Thrones, and his disappearance has been the topic of many a debate on fan forums, everywhere. Searching for him was the reason the Night’s Watch rode north of The Wall in force at the end of A Game of Thrones, leading to Jon’s discovery of Mance’s army and the death of the Lord Commander, Jeor Mormont.

The last time Benjen Stark was seen, he was passing through The Wall on a ranging expedition to find Ser Weymar Royce. Benjen Stark’s actual page-time in A Game of Thrones was brief, yet he’s a surprisingly popular characters in the A Song of Ice and Fire universe, possibly due to the unsolved mystery of his disappearance. Coldhands’ lack of presence on the show caused some consternation, and perhaps should have been a clue that he wasn’t quite as important as the theories made him out to be.

Were you a believer in the Benjen-is-Coldhands theory? Or, do you have your own thoughts as to his whereabouts. Let’s talk about it in the comments!

• Published on 01/09/2015 at 6:15 PM CDT
• Last updated on 10/21/2016 at 1:07 PM CDT