Who Let The Hounds Out: 'Game Of Thrones' Theory Teases Major Storyline For The Hound

As HBO's Game of Thrones comes roaring back onto our screens, the next seven weeks are sure to be packed full of dragons, deaths, and enough theories to fill a library at the Citadel. As those still alive in Westeros become fewer in number, it is safe to assume that most of those still alive on the show must mean something to the #GameofThrones endgame.

While the stories of the season still seem pretty scattered, the premiere gave us a grim look at life for Sandor Clegane, a.k.a. The Hound, who finds himself among the Brotherhood Without Banners. However, did the return of #RoryMcCann during Season 6 mark the beginning of a storyline that is more than just the resurrection of a missing character?

Every dog has its day.

Given one of the best arcs of any character, the younger Clegane brother has undergone something of a Jaime Lannister-esque overhaul. Going from the King's mad dog to a noble potty mouth, The Hound is one of the best characters to make it from #GeorgeRRMartin's novels to TV show. However, there is now a major theory about The Hound doing rounds on the internet — namely, is The Hound actually #AzorAhai?

The season premiere focused on Clegane alongside Beric Dondarrion and Thoros of Myr. There was a nod back to Season 4 and the cabin that The Hound robbed with Arya Stark, and the showcasing of a (nearly) fully reformed villain. "Dragonstone" also introduced Clegane to the Lord of Light, where The Hound had a grim vision of the future and some possible dangers at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.

If you remember the legend, Azor Ahai was a legendary hero who could defeat the White Walkers with a flaming sword known as Lightbringer. It just so happens that the various trailers and teasers have shown Dondarrion wielding such a blade. However, with the Lightning Lord tipped for an early demise akin to the books, who will be the next to pick up Lightbringer? Up until now, the most popular theory is that #KitHarington's Jon Snow is a reborn Ahai, a.k.a. the Prince That Was Promised, but as the obvious choice, showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are probably queuing someone else up to fill the role.

The Lord Of Lightbulb Moment

The Red Woman Melisandre had originally thought that Stannis was the Prince That Was Promised, but quickly switched her allegiance to Jon after Stannis kicked the bucket. With a track record that isn't exactly accurate, it is perfectly possible that Mel is wrong again. The prophecy states that Azor Ahai will be born "amidst salt and smoke." Sticking on our Hound hats, the smoke clearly references the fire that scarred him as a child, while the salt could refer to the Battle of Blackwater, which also nearly cost him his life. We always assumed that The Hound was afraid of fire because The Mountain shoved his face into it, but could it actually have something to do with his role as the Prince That Was Promised?

Of course, all of this is just speculation, technically anyone still alive in the Seven Kingdoms could be a candidate to be Azor Ahai. Theorists note that "Prince" in High Valerian is gender-neutral and could point to Daenerys Targaryen picking up the mantle. Elsewhere, the "salt" element of the prophecy may point toward the Iron Islands and those seafaring Greyjoys — there are even outside rumors that Ser Davos Seaworth could move over to the side of bonfires and child burning to become the Prince That Was Promised.

As it stands, Azor Ahai's identity is more of a secret than Bruce Wayne being Batman, but we can assume that it will be one hell of a reveal before the series reaches its end. While we try and decipher the clues, this is one mystery that is sure to keep "hounding" us.