‘Game of Thrones’: Podrick’s Song Echoes a Major ‘Song of Ice and Fire’ Prophecy

This article contains spoilers for “Game of Thrones” Season 8 episode 2, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”, read our review of the episode here. 

There’s nothing quite like a good ol’ haunting song that says farewell even before the funeral starts. In which case, Game of Thrones “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” episode gives us sweet quiet Podrick Payne (Daniel Portman) delivering a poignant song that echoes a solemn goodbye to the beloved characters who might not survive the coming battle. It’s a chilling reminder to everyone of what’s at stake in the next coming hours. But more than that, Podrick’s song might just be a hint of what lies after the battle.

The first lines of Podrick’s song are plucked from a song in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire entitled “Jenny’s Song.” However, the rest of Pod’s lyrics are completely new and original to the show. Nevertheless, they echo the same prophecy that hangs over our last two Targaryens.

Jenny of Oldstones

Podrick’s song centers around Jenny of Oldstones, a commoner who caught Duncan Targaryen’s heart. She was also an alleged descendant of the First Men. Before that, Duncan was engaged to the daughter of Lyonel Baratheon. But, he loved Jenny so much. So, he broke his engagement and gave up his claim to the throne to marry her. This left Duncan’s younger brother (in the show at least) and Dany’s father Aerys II in the line of succession.

After a while, Jenny was accepted into court. She brought with her a friend, a woods witch who is rumored to be one of the Children of the Forest. Unfortunately, Duncan, his father, and most probably Jenny died in the Tragedy of Summerhall. It was a massive explosion that destroyed the castle. And it was reportedly caused by the king’s failed attempt at bringing back dragons to life long after they had gone extinct.

The witch survived and she reportedly resembled the Ghost of High Heart, a woman whose prophetic dreams always came into fruition From her came the most relevant prophecy in Westerosi history as of the moment: The Prince Who Was Promised. According to this prophecy, The Prince Who Was Promised and the savior of the living would come from the line of Prince Aerys and his sister Princess Rhaella.

To make things a little more complicated, no one knows who wrote Podrick’s song. But, many think that it’s Rhaegar himself. It was mentioned more than once how the prince loved to sing. Additionally, after Podrick finishes the song, the episode cuts directly to Jon and Dany. And Jon finally reveals their true relationship as the descendants of King Aerys. Given its proximity to the subject as well as it’s history, Jenny’s song is indirectly about The Prince Who Was Promised. But, it’s also about great love where a rightful heir gives up his throne for it. Take it all as you may. After all, Podrick’s song is only a small part of the scheme of things and Game of Thrones never ceases to surprise.

Game of Thrones continues next Sunday, April 28th at 9/8c on HBO.