A Song of Ice and Fire: Ned and Ashara

What happened between Ned Stark and Ashara Dayne?

Ned's trip to Starfall is one of the most mysterious events in the series. What exactly happened between Ned and Ashara? Does it relate to George R.R. Martin's life?

This Tower of Ashes:

Meathouse Man:

Dying of the Light:

[richafk]

I always assumed Brandon went over to talk to Ashara FOR Ned, sort of like a "Hey my bro really likes you"

[chrisfoye]

Has GRRM ever contacted you? I imagine he'd be all like, "quit psychoanalyzing me bro" lol

[roebuckmckinney]

I think you make a mistake by underplaying Ned bringing back Dawn to the Daynes. It's not merely an heirloom. It is a symbol of their house, part of their identity as a family. Ned could have taken it home to Winterfell as a prize, or he could have ransomed it back to the Daynes, and they'd have likely paid any price for it. Instead, he delivered it back personally, out of respect for Ser Arthur.

[smallz]

Personally I believe the only part Brandon played was the introduction between the two. Ned being the "Quiet Wolf" was simply too shy to approach the beautiful Ashara Dayne. I think Ned and Ashara were in love and romantically involved during the tourney of Harrenhall. Ned being Ned, probably pledged to marry Ashara after the tourney (he was in love, possibly took her virginity and as a second son free to marry who he wished) but Robert's rebellion made that impossible. Honorable Ned felt compelled to honor the betrothal and marry Cat in Brandon's place after his death (plus the Riverlands/Tully alliance would be crucial to Robert's fledgling Rebellion). Upon learning of Ned's marriage to Cat, a heartbroken, and now dishonored, Ashara leapt to her death. I would think she'd have committed suicide long before that if she was truly in love with Brandon.

[Ani]

lmfao "jaime, cersei, lancel, osmond kettleblack and moonboy for all i know" omg i cant breathe so fucking funny.

[mpunk]

Ned wanted a good girl, but he needed the bad poosey.

[connorrandles]

I laughed at "Jaime, Cersei and Lancel; Osmund Kettleblack and Moonboy for all I know"

[pevlez]

It feels soo weird that you're talking about GRRMs life like he was an ASOIAF character

[toneriggz]

You took it to social security. Holy shit.

[Grivian]

Came here wanting to hear about a got theory. Left thinking about my ex gf

[eliotk]

This video was brilliant. Though some of your theories are definitely a stretch for me, out of everybody analyzing ASOIAF you're the one who seems to have the best thematic grasp on it. Even when I completely disagree with you I come away having learned something or having to at least reckon my currently held theory or belief. Sometimes, your interpretations of Martin's work are so well done that I not only redefine my understanding of the series but feel its full impact in a way my reading hadn't before.

You're a top quality critic.

[ekeb]

I think that Ashara only looked to Brandon because Ned was too shy ask her out, so Brandon would act the big brother and ask her out for him. It kinda fits him, because Ned would be red top to bottom, which Brandon may get a kick out of. And if there were a triangle, Ned would probably have some kinda scorn towards him, but Ned names his second son in honor of him. It makes sense for a triangle, but my initial thought were that Ned was too shy and Brandon helped him out.

[troygonewild]

I really hope Jon is from N + A, not R + L. It makes him more human, he really is just a bastard who achieved greatness, not some special promised hero with a Prince for a father. It also makes Ned more human; that even he lost his honour once.

[jboylman]

I think Dany’s love for Drogo was Stockholm syndrome

[magicma]

I don't think Aero Hotah is in love with Arianne. I think he sees her as a daughter.

[amf]

What...?
Brandon asked her if she will dance with his brother, because Ned was quiet and shy. She laughed and said yes, and that was it. Then they fell in love. That was it.
If you want love triangle, than take Ned, Ashara and Catelyn. There it is.
Really, from what we heard, Brandon talked with her once. Come on.

[CarlSinclair]

Think it's more likely that Ashara and Ned were in love and remained in love, but Ned was forced by politics + Hoster Tully to marry Cat for the war. Ashara is clearly not dead, and most likely is Septa Lamore and Young Griff is probably the child of Rhaegar and Lyanna, with Jon being her baby with Ned. Ned switching kids and the whole story is heavily foreshadowed and repeated (a trope of Martins) with what Jon forces Gilly to do.

[FernandesRafael]

Brandon was the wingman.
help his shy little brother get the girl

[L.J.Kommer]

I didn't expect this video to be such a feel trip. :/

[MGsergiu]

Preston, you are really amazing! The detailed research, general knowledge and passion you put in your work are amazing. Not to mention your complex parallels between ASOIAF and other GRRM's books or even general philosophy. It's a delight to watch your videos and I haven't seen anybody that compares to your work on ASOIAF. Keep up the exquisite work you do!