Six Reasons to Doubt Jon Snow's Death on Game of Thrones

It may just be deep denial, but we don't think we've seen the last of Jon Snow on Game of Thrones after the shocking season five finale. We have a number of theories of how his character will live on on the show, but it's not just show-specific things that make us think Jon Snow is still alive in some capacity. One of actor Kit Harington's quotes may actually be a clue, author George R. R. Martin has even said something that makes us hopeful, and there's more. The most recent clue? Harington might have been spotted near the Game of Thrones season six set. Find out why you don't have to let go just yet.

1. The Writers Focused Too Much on This Theory to Leave Us Hanging

Game of Thrones' writers foreshadow the hell out of a story when they want to, and this season, they laid hints everywhere about this theory of who his parents are. The writers didn't reveal his true parentage by the end of the season, but they are also in the habit of thinking about the bigger picture. I still think the long game is to reveal Jon as being of royal blood, because they alluded to it so heavily. The writers regularly leave out subplots and details from the book for time and story constraints, so there would have been no need to drop those hints if they weren't going to point to something in the future.


 

2. This Glimmer of Hope From George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin giveth, and George R. R. Martin taketh away. We are very accustomed to the author being the bearer of very bad news for our favorite characters, but in this case, he may not be the angel of premature death. When Martin weighed in about Jon's death, he said, "Oh, you think he's dead, do you? . . . My readers should know better than to take anything as gospel." Good enough for 
 us.

 

3. The Possibility of a Season 7 Return

OK, fine. Maybe Kit Harington was telling the truth when he spoke about Jon's death and said, "I'm not coming back next season." But that doesn't mean he can't be gone for a season (like Bran) and then return the season after next — season seven, the final season. If one of these theories about his possible return is correct, any of them could mean that we won't see Harington as Snow for a whole season . . . but could see him later.

4. This Conversation Between Jon and Maester Aemon

The name of the fifth episode of season five might be a big clue. It's called "Kill the Boy," and it refers to this advice that Maester Aemon gives to Jon when he's asking what he should do about inviting the wildlings to the Wall. Imploring him to be strong, Aemon says, "Kill the boy, Jon Snow. Winter is almost upon us. Kill the boy and let the man be born." In context, Aemon means it figuratively, but given what we know — that Jon dies as a result of the very decision he's asking about — could it be that it's actually literal, especially if you buy one of these theories about how he could return? It would be so fitting to have Maester Aemon get to deliver such a profound clue.

5. Kit Harington Has Been Spotted in Belfast

The latest evidence? Harington has been spotted in Belfast, where season six is currently filming. (And he's hanging out with his Night's Watch brother, Ben Crompton). Sure, he may be filming a funeral scene or a flashback, but that still equals Harington in season six — and of course, still gives us hope for more.