New cast members, such as Max von Sydow, have pointed the show in intriguing directions this season
How do you top a resurrection? HBO has managed to keep interest high in the sixth season of “Game of Thrones” by bringing back the beloved Jon Snow (Kit Harington).
The supernatural aside, it also has deftly introduced new characters into the action.
The most prominent is Max von Sydow’s Three-Eyed Raven, an ancient wise man fused with the roots of a tree who serves as a subterranean Yoda to powerful young psychic Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead-Wright).
The Three-Eyed Raven character has appeared before – fleetingly at the end of season 4, with a different actor in the role – but his importance is much clearer this season, as he guides Bran through scenes from his family’s past.
Looking ahead, viewers have been led to expect more from the Tower of Joy, of which the Raven gave Bran a tantalizing glimpse at a pivotal moment in the history of Westeros last week.
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At the Tower, a younger version of Bran’s father, Ned Stark (Robert Aramayo), defeats famed swordsman Ser Arthur Dayne (Luke Roberts) with the help of an ally, Howland Reed (Leo Woodruff).
Bran is more interested in the screams coming from the tower, but the Raven cuts him off before he can go see for himself.
The cries are likely coming from Lyanna Stark, Bran’s late aunt, and one popular fan theory suggests that it is because she’s giving birth to Jon Snow.
It might be some time before the show’s story either confirms or denies this, though.
Another new character who has made a big impact, despite limited screen time, is Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk).
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OTHER WSJ.COM STORIES:
– George R.R. Martin Reveals a New Excerpt From ‘The Winds of Winter’
– ‘Game of Thrones’ the Morning After: Welcome to the Tower of Joy
– ‘Game of Thrones’ Recap: Season 6, Episode 3, ‘Oathbreaker’
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