Pink Letter: who will win Winterfell in the Game of Thrones books?

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Stannis Baratheon's fate diverges in the TV show and books, with complex Northern politics, alliances, and betrayals playing out in the books as Stannis plans a strategic move against the Boltons despite the looming threat of winter. The mysterious Pink Letter, demanding Stannis' surrender and sparking Jon Snow's departure from the Night's Watch, raises questions about its authorship, with Ramsay emerging as a prime suspect due to its emotional impact on Jon and the unfolding events in the story.

Insights

  • Stannis Baratheon's fate diverges significantly between the TV show and the books, with his strategic plans to confront the Boltons in Winterfell playing a crucial role in the intricate web of Northern politics and alliances.
  • The mysterious Pink Letter, potentially authored by characters like Mance Rayder, Stannis, Melisandre, or Barbrey Dustin, serves as a pivotal plot point, instigating Jon Snow's departure from the Night's Watch and triggering a cascade of fan theories regarding its true origin, with Ramsay emerging as a compelling suspect due to its emotional impact on Jon and the narrative.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Stannis Baratheon?

    A claimant to the Iron Throne in "Game of Thrones."

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Summary

00:00

Stannis Baratheon's Intrigue in Winterfell

  • Stannis Baratheon dies in the TV show with little fanfare, while in the books, he plans to defeat the Boltons in Winterfell.
  • Northern politics in the books involve alliances, rivalries, and secrets amidst an apocalyptic winter.
  • Stannis marches on Winterfell to confront the Boltons, who are supported by Freys and northmen.
  • Jon Snow tries to make peace between the Night's Watch and wildlings, sending Mance Rayder to rescue Arya Stark.
  • The Pink Letter from Ramsay claims Stannis is dead and demands his bride, Theon, and others, leading Jon to leave the Night's Watch.
  • Stannis is snowbound near Winterfell, planning to use a false beacon on frozen lakes to defeat the attacking Freys.
  • The Manderlys plan to betray the Boltons and support Stannis, potentially faking Stannis' defeat to trick the Boltons.
  • The Pink Letter's content and style suggest Mance Rayder might have written it to manipulate Jon and provoke action.
  • Stannis could also be a suspect for writing the Pink Letter to rally Jon and the wildlings to his cause against the Boltons.
  • Stannis capturing a Bolton maester and Theon could provide him with the means and information to fabricate the Pink Letter.

13:05

"Speculation on Pink Letter's Authorship Sparks Theories"

  • Stannis is in a rush to act due to the urgency of the situation, not having time to wait for Jon and an army to travel down from the Wall, as it would take weeks or months in winter.
  • Stannis is unlikely to have written the Pink Letter due to his lack of emotional manipulation skills and the fact that the letter doesn't align with his usual style of action.
  • Fans speculate that Melisandre or Barbrey Dustin might have written the Pink Letter, each with their own motives and connections to other characters in the story.
  • The Pink Letter is significant as it precedes Jon's death, sparking numerous fan theories about its authorship, with Ramsay being the most likely candidate based on the emotional impact it has on Jon and the story.
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