HBO recently released teaser images from the upcoming Game of Thrones Season 7. Most of the images seem innocuous enough — especially one which features Sam and Gilly reading and writing in Oldtown.
But that image actually holds a potential clue.
What is Gilly reading?
Reddit user itsjayrr was able to decipher the book Gilly is reading in the teaser image. They discovered that the text is lifted straight from The World of Ice and Fire book — a real compendium that goes in-depth into the history of Westeros.
Here’s what the passage says, per itsjayrr:
“It is also written that there are annals in Asshai of such a darkness, and of a hero who fought against it with a red sword. His deeds are said to have been performed before the rise of Valyria, in the earliest age when Old Ghis was first forming its empire. This legend has spread west from Asshai, and the followers of R’hllor claim that this hero was named Azor Ahai, and prophesy his return. In the Jade Compendium, Colloquo Votar recounts a curious legend from Yi Ti, which states that the sun hid its face from the earth for a lifetime, ashamed at something none could discover, and that disaster was averted only by the deeds of a woman with a monkey’s tail.”
- The World of Ice and Fire
Another eagle-eyed Reddit user notes that the passage in Gilly’s book seems to substitute “R’hllor” for “Lord of Light,” because that’s what they call R’hllor in the show.
Who is Azor Ahai?
There are several theories trying to figure out who Azor Ahai will be. Daenerys and Jon Snow have been considered, as has Jaime Lannister. Heck, even The Hound could be Azor Ahai.
Up until this point, the show hasn’t gone into great detail about the legend of Azor Ahai. Essentially, Azor Ahai is the prophesied savior who will help the living in the upcoming fight against the dead.
Stannis Baratehon was thought by Melisandre to be Azor Ahai. One of Azor Ahai’s key attributes is that he/she will wield a flaming sword. Stannis had a flaming sword, but it did him no good in the end.
What could this mean?
The people of Westeros are definitely going to end up in a battle with the Night’s King and his army. The show is not going to bring up the prophecy of Azor Ahai — such a central figure in the upcoming battle — only for Azor Ahai to play no part.
At the very least, this easter egg suggests that the legend of Azor Ahai will become a more important part of the HBO show “Game of Thrones.” They will begin to address the prophecy in full.