A 1993 letter from author George R.R. Martin reveals his original story line for “A Song of Ice and Fire,” which would later be adapted into popular HBO series “Game of Thrones.”
The letter to Martin’s publisher leaked when Waterstones Books originally tweeted photos of the document, which were later deleted. But, a Tumblr user did fans a solid and re-posted the photos.
The typed letter details Martin’s original plan for the book series before it was published, which included that the series would be a trilogy with five surviving characters: Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow and Stark children Arya and Bran.
For those who’d like to see what else Martin envisioned for the book series, here’s some highlights from the original synopsis:
Ed and Catelyn Stark still die: The Starks still don’t end well. Ed Stark dies at the hands of Joffrey Baratheon, and Catelyn flees North with her children Arya and Bran. Catelyn still meets her demise – like on Season 3 of the HBO series – but by the hands of The Others. Her son, Robb, will die in the battlefield against the Lannisters but not before killing the despicable Joffrey.
Arya and Jon fall in love: Arya and her half-brother Jon fall in love although they never act on their feelings. Their love comes to a halt when his true lineage – heavily speculated by book readers – is revealed. While on the run from his brother, Tyrion falls for Arya when he sides with the Starks.
Sansa bears Joffrey’s heir (Gross, right?): Betraying her family, Sansa weds Joffrey and bears him an heir before regretting her decision.
Daenerys avenges her ruthless brother Viserys: Khal Drogo kills Viserys who keeps pushing his claim to the throne. Drogo’s wife, Daenerys, avenges her cruel brother and prepares an invasion of the Seven Kingdoms.
At letter’s end, the final paragraph is blacked out before Martin writes his goodbye.
“I hope you will find some editors who are as excited about all of this as I am. Feel free to share this letter with anyone who wants to know how the story will go,” Martin wrote.
The fans wish they knew, Martin. They really do, especially with no plans to publish the next novel, “The Winds of Winter,” this year.
HBO’s “Game of Thrones” returns for Season 5 Sunday, April 12 at 9 p.m.