"Game of Thrones" hasn't exactly been kind to House Stark throughout the show's six-season run. But in the penultimate Season 6 episode, titled "Battle of the Bastards," the prominent Northern family was able to reclaim Winterfell after winning a bloody battle against usurper Ramsay Bolton. However, despite re-establishing the Stark name as the rulers of the North, uncertainty still lies for the Stark brood, especially as winter picks up pace.
For the most part, viewers have yet to see the immediate effects of war. Will the other Northern houses pledge their support for the Starks? So far, it appears that most of the houses in the North are still on the Starks side, but larger houses such as the Umbers allied with the Boltons by offering Rickon Stark, who eventually died during the war. Sansa Stark has grown to become the headstrong leader, and there's no telling what she may do to traitors.
Since she is the sole legitimate Stark kid currently at Winterfell, Sansa is the logical choice to take on the leadership of the North. But she may need to deal with the scheming Petyr Baelish, who also wants to become Warden of the North. Theories suggest that Baelish may convince Sansa to marry him as a way to repay him for providing her with an army that led to Ramsay's defeat. Marrying Sansa is the only way Baelish could legally assume the status of Warden.
But there's another theory that would ensure Winterfell will remain under the Stark banner. According to Hypable, individually, neither Jon nor Sansa has the authority to become Lord of Winterfell or Warden of the North, but if they were to marry, they would be able to secure that title together. In the promo for "Game of Thrones" Season 6 episode 10, Jon reminds Sansa that they already have a lot of enemies, and that they need to "trust each other." This seems to suggest that both characters understand the risks at stake, and that their union would quell their worries.
On the other hand, a "Game of Thrones" finale is not complete with a shocking death, and there are several candidates in line. According The Hollywood Reporter, Uncle Benjen Stark will likely kick the bucket.
Beyond the Wall, Bran Stark is still on the run from the White Walkers. After accidentally coming into contact with the Night's King, Bran was left with a mark that serves as a tracking device for the White Walkers. Uncle Benjen, who's been missing since he disappeared in "Game of Thrones" Season 1, saved Bran in the nick of time.
It also turned out that he has learned so much about the White Walkers during his time of absence. Bran's story has been left out in the past couple of episodes, but it is likely that we will see him again in the season finale. Will Benjen sacrifice himself to save Bran from the White Walkers?
If the White Walkers do reach the Wall, the Night's Watch will be on the frontline of defense, also making them potential casualties.
Winter is coming, but will it bode well for the Starks? Find out on the highly-awaited "Game of Thrones" Season 6 finale on HBO this June 27, Sunday.
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