(Warning! This post is dark and full of spoilers!)
NO-dorrrrrrr!!! If you have tissues, the time to get those is now.
In the waning moments of the fifth episode of "Game of Thrones" Season 6, "The Door," we finally learn where Hodor comes from, and, sadly, it costs him his life. This post isn't so much a recap as it is a tribute to a fallen hero.
First, Bran learns that the Children of the Forest are responsible for creating the White Walkers. (Twist!) Then he gets touched by the Night’s King while in a vision, which we saw in a scene from the teasers. And after that, he learns from the Three-Eyed Raven that the Walkers are coming for him.
Later, Bran and the Three-Eyed Raven travel back in time in a vision of Winterfell, but the cave they’re in during the present is attacked. The Three-Eyed Raven and Summer, Bran’s direwolf, are both apparently killed. (Nooooo!)
Summer is over. And winter has come.
OK, stay with us here now, because this gets confusing. While still in the past, Bran seems to warg into young Hodor, then known as Wylis. In the present, Hodor is being told to “hold the door” to hold back the wight attack. This link between past and present Hodor messes with Wylis’ mind. Hodor in the present is being told to “hold the door,” so Wylis of the past starts repeating that, which turns into “Hodor.” (Whoooooaaaa!)
Bran and Meera escape, but Hodor ― our little, lovable Hodor, our precious, precious friend ― appears to be torn apart by wights.
This episode literally changes everything. Yes, that’s a big statement, and, yes, it’s totally true.
It appears that everything that’s happening has already happened before. The Three-Eyed Raven must’ve known Wylis needed to be turned into Hodor, which explains why Bran and the Raven stay in the vision during the wight attack.
The sequence also confirms that Bran can influence the past. In fact, he might be the sole reason anything is happening at all.
But none of this could’ve been possible if Hodor didn’t get Bran to the Three-Eyed Raven in the first place. Bran is everything he is because you loved him.
Make sure to check out HuffPost Entertainment’s “Game of Thrones” after-show on Facebook Live every Sunday night at 10 p.m. EST following the new episode.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.