George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire almost went in a different direction based on his early outline as revealed in a 1993 letter to his publisher. Fans may have been surprised to discover the major changes that the author made to his novel series, as well as the many details that never made it to the final version.
Perhaps one of the most striking impressions about the said letter is that it didn’t contain information on the infamous Red Wedding chapter—that is because Martin never planned it at the time. It was a decision he made later on as the story evolved, but if there’s one thing that’s even more devastating than the massacre scene, it is the fact that he had a more upsetting plan for Catelyn Stark.
George R.R. Martin’s original plan for Catelyn Stark was worse than her Red Wedding death
In George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, Catelyn Stark was murdered at the Red Wedding with her son Robb Stark. A similar thing happened in Game of Thrones, but they left out the part where she was resurrected by Beric Dondarrion and transformed into the ruthless Lady Stoneheart.
In the original outline shared by Business Insider, none of these happened as Martin planned another death for the Lady of Winterfell. After Lord Eddard Stark was accused of treason and subsequently executed, Robb Stark would call the banners in rebellion. The fight against the Lannisters will decimate Winterfell, leaving Catelyn Stark terrified for her children and forcing her to flee with Bran and Arya.
Wounded and helpless, she would seek shelter at the Wall but would not receive any help, not even from Jon Snow. With no aid coming from the Night’s Watch, she resolves to find refuge beyond the Wall where she meets Mance Rayder, the King-beyond-the-Wall. She would witness the attack of the Others, or White Walkers, at their encampment, and while her children would survive, the Lady of Winterfell would perish.
Knowing what happens to someone attacked by a White Walker, we’re certain that this is a more upsetting turn for Catelyn. Her death in the Red Wedding was brutal, but at least, she was revived in a way that allowed her to avenge those who hurt her family. Becoming a wight would mean that she could unknowingly hurt her own children.
Game of Thrones deliberately ditched Lady Stoneheart’s story
We never got to see Lady Stoneheart come to life in Game of Thrones as David Benioff argued via Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon that too many resurrections happening would take away the essence of death in the show. They also didn’t want to spoil Martin’s novels so they opted not to do it.
It’s difficult to imagine the story panning out differently because Catelyn’s death in the Red Wedding was so tragic yet sensational, so it was definitely a good call for Martin to have changed his mind about the character’s arc.
Game of Thrones is currently available to watch on Max.
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