The letter "Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin sent 24 years ago to his publisher Harper Collins reveals Martin's earliest plot ideas for his wonderful book series, "A Song of Ice and Fire." The letter includes the broad outline of his planned storyline which differs significantly to what has happened both in the books and the HBO's TV series. Many narrative arcs look even crazier than the ones we all know. If you don't believe it's possible, take a look at who Jon was in love with in the original pitch letter.
Jon's crazy love story
In the author's original plan, our dear Jon Snow is a member of the Night's Watch who matures into "a ranger of great daring," and ultimately becomes Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.
At a certain point in the story, Winterfell burns and Catelyn, Arya and Bran flee north, in the hope to find a safe refuge at the Wall. But the member of the Night's Watch swore an oath: Benjen and Jon can't help their family members.
Nonetheless, Arya can't hate Jon for this. Why? Because she realizes that she has fallen in love with her half-brother! The problem is, Jon is also a member of the Watch, a guy who (once again) swore an oath. He pledged celibacy. But Jon is in love with Arya as well, and their passion will torment them throughout the books.
Another major character loves Arya
There is more! When Tyrion abandons the Lannisters to join the Starks (Jaime kills everybody ahead of him in the line of succession, becomes king and blames his brother for the murders), he falls in love with Arya as well.
Arya loves only Jon, but Tyrion's passion is so strong that it will fuel a "deadly rivalry" with Jon.
In the end, everything changes for Arya and Jon Snow when Jon's true heritage is revealed. And oh, by the way, in George R.R. Martin's letter there are no hints that Tyrion is a dwarf.
Interesting, isn't it?
As we can see from the "Game of Thrones" season 7 latest episodes, a lot of things have changed from the "A Song of Ice and Fire" original plan.
Still, it's very interesting to see the ways that the story-as-plotted changed and what remained the same. Take the White Walkers: in 1993, Martin's described them as "half-forgotten demons out of legend... the greatest danger of all". It's quite fascinating to see how these monsters imagined by Martin almost 25 years ago are now going to terrorize the whole world in the next episodes of the show!
Don't forget: the third episode of "Game of Thrones" season 7, titled "The Queen's Justice", will air on July 30, on HBO.
