Bran Stark definitively remembers who pushed him from the window of the First Keep in Winterfell in Season 6, Episode 5, titled “The Door.” This pivotal moment, accessed through a vision, solidifies Jaime Lannister’s culpability and sets in motion a chain of events that reverberate throughout the remainder of the series.
The Vision and Its Impact
Bran’s ability to delve into the past through visions grants him access to events that transpired long before his birth, and even events he personally experienced but had forgotten or couldn’t fully comprehend. These visions, initially disjointed and fragmented, become increasingly coherent under the tutelage of the Three-Eyed Raven. In “The Door,” Bran greedly wargs too deeply into the past without the Three-Eyed Raven’s supervision and witnesses a sequence of events connected to the White Walkers and the Children of the Forest. Amidst this chaos, he glimpses Jaime pushing him from the window.
The impact of this revelation is profound. Not only does it confirm the audience’s long-held suspicions, but it fundamentally alters Bran’s perception of the Lannisters and their role in the unfolding drama. This knowledge becomes crucial to Bran’s later decisions and actions as he transforms into the new Three-Eyed Raven, a repository of Westeros’s history and secrets. He no longer sees individuals as simply “good” or “evil” but understands the complex web of causality and consequence that shapes their actions. The memory is not just a piece of information; it’s a catalyst for Bran’s ultimate purpose.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Push and its Consequences
Here are some frequently asked questions about Bran’s memory of being pushed and its implications for the series:
What exactly did Bran see in his vision?
Bran witnessed a scene of Jaime and Cersei Lannister engaging in an incestuous relationship in the First Keep. As Jaime turned, he saw Bran observing them. To protect their secret, Jaime pushed Bran out of the window. Bran saw the entire action unfold, from Jaime’s realization to the moment of the fall. The vision wasn’t blurred or ambiguous; it was a clear and direct depiction of the event.
Why did Jaime push Bran in the first place?
Jaime pushed Bran to protect his incestuous relationship with his twin sister, Cersei. He feared that Bran, being a child of a powerful house, would reveal their secret, leading to dire consequences for their family and their claim to the throne. Jaime acted impulsively, prioritizing the preservation of his family’s power and reputation above all else.
Did Bran tell anyone immediately after remembering?
Upon fully awakening to his role and memories, Bran does not tell anyone in explicit detail exactly what he knows concerning the push, however, he does make a remark to Jamie when they see each other at Winterfell during the end of the series which hints at his knowledge of the event. He focuses on the bigger picture of the coming war against the Night King.
How did this memory affect Bran’s relationship with the Lannisters?
The memory profoundly impacted Bran’s relationship with the Lannisters, especially Jaime. While Bran understood Jaime’s motivations, he never forgave him for the act itself. However, as Bran embraced his role as the Three-Eyed Raven, he seemingly moved beyond personal feelings and viewed events from a more detached, historical perspective. This detachment allowed him to see the complexities of Jaime’s character and his ultimate sacrifice.
Did this knowledge play a role in the outcome of the series?
While not directly dictating the final outcome, Bran’s knowledge of the past, including the truth about Jaime pushing him, significantly influenced events. His ability to see potential futures and understand the consequences of past actions helped him guide the characters towards their respective fates. As the Three-Eyed Raven, he held the key to understanding the patterns and cycles of history, making him a powerful and influential figure.
Was Jaime remorseful for pushing Bran?
Yes, Jaime displayed clear remorse for pushing Bran throughout the series. He struggled with the guilt and the knowledge that his actions had irrevocably altered the young boy’s life. His eventual redemption arc, culminating in his death alongside Cersei, can be interpreted as an attempt to atone for his past sins, including the act of pushing Bran.
How did Bran access these memories?
Bran accessed these memories through his abilities as a Greenseer and with the guidance of the Three-Eyed Raven. Warging into the Weirwood Trees allowed him to see the events, although the visions were initially fragmented. The Old Gods network allowed access to all that has happened in Westeros history. His training with the Three-Eyed Raven helped him to interpret the visions and focus on specific events.
What would have happened if Bran hadn’t remembered?
If Bran hadn’t remembered, the dynamics of the series would have been drastically different. The distrust and animosity between the Starks and the Lannisters might have been less pronounced. The strategic decisions made by various characters, influenced by the knowledge of the past, would have been different. The overall narrative arc, driven by the unfolding revelations of the past, would have been significantly altered.
Did the writers always plan for Bran to remember Jaime pushing him?
While it is difficult to definitively know the writers’ original plans, the narrative progression suggests that the revelation was a key plot point from an early stage. The foreshadowing and the focus on Bran’s abilities hinted at the eventual reveal. The significance of the push and its consequences were clearly central to the overall storyline.
Could Bran have prevented the push if he knew it was going to happen?
This is a complex question related to the nature of Bran’s abilities and the linearity of time within the Game of Thrones universe. Some interpretations suggest that the past is immutable, and Bran could only observe events, not change them. Others propose that his actions could potentially alter the timeline, creating different realities. The series does not offer a definitive answer to this question, leaving it open to interpretation.
Beyond Bran, did anyone else know about the push?
Only Jaime and Cersei were direct witnesses to the event. Tyrion, the astute observer, was aware of the tension between Jaime and Bran, though unsure of the reason why Jamie had pushed him from the tower. While others may have suspected foul play, no one else had direct knowledge of the truth until Bran remembered and subsequently hinted at his knowledge to Jamie.
What is the significance of the location (First Keep window) in this event?
The location – the window of the First Keep in Winterfell – holds symbolic significance. Winterfell represents the Stark family, their honor, and their sense of justice. The First Keep, a place of historical importance, underscores the ancient and enduring nature of the conflict. The window symbolizes vulnerability and exposure, highlighting Bran’s innocence and the betrayal he experienced. This location emphasizes the violation of trust and the disruption of the natural order, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.