The note Samwell Tarly discovers in Citadel’s restricted section in Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 5, reads: “Azor Ahai’s prophecy speaks of a hero reborn amidst smoke and salt to wake dragons from stone. The Prince That Was Promised will bring the dawn.” This pivotal revelation underscores the importance of Jon Snow’s lineage and the imminent threat of the Night King, solidifying the prophecy as a key element in the final struggle for Westeros.
Unveiling the Significance of the Note
The discovery of this note by Samwell Tarly within the Citadel’s vast archives proves to be a crucial turning point in the series. It’s not merely a dusty record; it’s a confirmation, a piece of the puzzle that begins to solidify Jon Snow’s potential role as the legendary Azor Ahai, or the Prince That Was Promised. The information contained within, while fragmented, provides vital clues about the impending doom and the potential savior of Westeros. The fact that it’s located in the restricted section highlights its sensitive and potentially game-changing nature. This note serves as a vital link between ancient prophecies, forgotten histories, and the desperate present.
Azor Ahai: The Legendary Hero
The reference to Azor Ahai is perhaps the most significant aspect of the note. Azor Ahai is a legendary hero from the ancient religious texts of Essos, prophesied to return when darkness falls to combat the Long Night. The prophecy states that Azor Ahai will be reborn amidst smoke and salt to wield a flaming sword, Lightbringer, and lead the fight against the darkness. While interpretations vary, the core message remains the same: a savior will emerge.
The Prince That Was Promised
Linked to Azor Ahai is the prophecy of The Prince That Was Promised, a figure who will “bring the dawn.” In many interpretations, Azor Ahai and the Prince That Was Promised are considered to be the same individual, or at least closely connected. This note suggests that the Prince That Was Promised will be instrumental in defeating the Night King and his army of the dead. The emphasis on bringing the dawn signifies the end of the Long Night and the restoration of light and hope to Westeros.
Waking Dragons From Stone
The phrase “wake dragons from stone” carries profound implications. It’s interpreted as a metaphorical or literal act of bringing dragons back into the world or awakening dormant power. In the context of Game of Thrones, it foreshadows Daenerys Targaryen’s hatching of the dragon eggs, an event that dramatically shifts the balance of power in Westeros. The note suggests that these dragons, brought to life, will play a critical role in the fight against the Night King, fulfilling a vital part of the prophecy.
Strategic Implications of the Note
Beyond its content, the note’s existence and discovery have profound strategic implications. It fuels the narrative urgency and emphasizes the importance of historical knowledge in the fight against existential threats. Had Samwell Tarly completely dismissed his readings in the Citadel, the information might have remained buried, potentially dooming Westeros.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions about the note discovered by Samwell Tarly, designed to provide a more thorough understanding of its significance:
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Why was the note located in the restricted section of the Citadel?
The note was likely placed in the restricted section because its contents were deemed dangerous, heretical, or too sensitive to be readily available. The Citadel, while dedicated to knowledge, also harbors biases and seeks to control information. The prophecies surrounding Azor Ahai and the Prince That Was Promised could be seen as threats to established power structures or religious doctrines. -
Who wrote the note, and when was it written?
The exact authorship and date of the note are not explicitly stated within the show. However, given its location within the Citadel’s archives, it was likely written by a Maester or scholar of the past, someone who had access to ancient texts and knowledge of the prophecies. The writing style and materials suggest it was penned some time ago, likely before the events of the series. -
How did Samwell Tarly find the note amongst the Citadel’s extensive archives?
Samwell was diligently searching for any information that could help defeat the White Walkers. He was frustrated by the Citadel’s bureaucracy and lack of urgency, prompting him to delve into forbidden sections in a desperate attempt to find actionable knowledge. His persistence and dedication led him to uncover the crucial note. -
What is the significance of “smoke and salt” in the Azor Ahai prophecy?
“Smoke and salt” are generally interpreted as specific circumstances surrounding the rebirth of Azor Ahai. Many believe that these elements relate to events occurring at Dragonstone, which is volcanic (smoke) and surrounded by the sea (salt). Others suggest symbolic interpretations related to loss, sacrifice, and rebirth. -
Does the note confirm Jon Snow as Azor Ahai or the Prince That Was Promised?
The note provides compelling evidence that Jon Snow could be either Azor Ahai or the Prince That Was Promised. His parentage, the circumstances of his “rebirth” after being stabbed, and his leadership qualities all align with aspects of the prophecy. However, the prophecies are open to interpretation, and other characters, such as Daenerys Targaryen, also fit some criteria. -
Why didn’t Samwell Tarly immediately recognize the importance of the note?
Samwell Tarly, despite his knowledge, lacked the immediate context to fully grasp the implications of the note. He was focused on practical solutions to the White Walker threat and initially dismissed the prophecies as superstitious tales. It was only later, after connecting the information with other events, that he began to understand its true significance. -
How does this note relate to Melisandre’s interpretations of the prophecy?
Melisandre was a fervent believer in the Azor Ahai prophecy and initially believed Stannis Baratheon was the chosen one. The note reinforces the core tenets of the prophecy, validating Melisandre’s beliefs, albeit with a different potential candidate, Jon Snow. -
What other information did Samwell Tarly uncover at the Citadel that proved useful?
While the note about Azor Ahai was arguably the most significant, Samwell also discovered crucial information about dragonglass being abundant at Dragonstone. This knowledge was instrumental in providing the Night’s Watch and others with a weapon effective against the White Walkers. -
Did other characters know about this specific note before Samwell found it?
It’s unlikely that other characters knew about this exact note. Maesters at the Citadel likely knew of similar prophecies and historical accounts, but the specific combination of information within this particular note appears to have been forgotten or deliberately suppressed. -
How does this note influence Jon Snow’s decisions and actions throughout the remaining episodes?
Although Jon Snow doesn’t immediately know about this specific note, the culmination of events and revelations about his parentage lead him to embrace his destiny. He acts with increasing purpose and confidence, making decisions based on his sense of duty to protect Westeros from the Night King, ultimately fulfilling key aspects of the prophecies. -
Why is understanding prophecies so important in the world of Game of Thrones?
Prophecies play a vital role in shaping the narrative and motivating characters in Game of Thrones. While their interpretations are often ambiguous and misleading, they provide a framework for understanding events and a sense of purpose for characters searching for meaning in a chaotic world. The prophecies surrounding Azor Ahai offer a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. -
Ultimately, did the prophecies in Game of Thrones come true, and was Jon Snow Azor Ahai or the Prince That Was Promised?
The extent to which the prophecies were fulfilled is a subject of debate. While Jon Snow played a crucial role in defeating the Night King and bringing about a new era, he didn’t precisely mirror the traditional depiction of Azor Ahai. Instead, the events can be interpreted as a more nuanced and complex fulfillment of the prophecies, highlighting the collaborative effort of multiple individuals and the ambiguity inherent in fate. Ultimately, the ending left room for interpretation, refusing to offer easy answers or definitive confirmations.