With less source material to guide us, Season 6 of Game of Thrones has felt like a wild frontier. Fan theories take charge as we race to uncover what's coming next. However, in my opinion, we don't need the CleganeBowl on Game of Thrones. This fan theory is nice to think about, but wouldn't further the plot much.
If you are unfamiliar with the term and theory, it is referring to an alleged upcoming showdown between the Hound and the Mountain, also known as Sandor and Gregor Clegane, respectively. These two brothers have an infamously tetchy relationship, as the Hound's face was burnt by his older brother. The idea behind this theory is that when Cersei is given a trial by combat by the High Sparrow, she will choose Gregor and he will face Sandor in the arena. How the Faith will manage to find Sandor Clegane remains to be seen, but that's the theory.
I understand why this theory exists beyond the need to see the Hound confront his big brother once and for all. Maggy the Frog's prophecy in the books did say that Cersei would die at the hands of the Valonqar or "little brother" — and one of the many "little brothers" on Game of Thrones is The Mountain. Other Valonqar contenders include Tyrion Lannister, Jaime Lannister (by a few minutes), Tommen Baratheon, and even Loras Tyrell. Maybe the Cleganebowl is coming. Maybe it's not. Honestly, I don't think this showdown is absolutely necessary for several reasons.
Isn't The Hound Dead?
Sure, sure, sure — so was The Mountain. So was Jon Snow. So were a lot of people. Death is no more than a suggestion in Westeros these days. That said, why are we even thinking about this face-off when Sandor Clegane hasn't been seen, dead or alive, in ages? Let's check on him before coming up with grandiose theories.
Don't Other People Hate The Mountain?
There are so many people who can and should kill Gregor Clegane. Anyone from House Martell, for example. I bet Daenerys would enjoy telling Drogon to snuff him out, quite literally. He's on Arya's list, and I'm sure Sansa Stark would relish the opportunity to avenge the Hound by killing the Mountain as well. There are plenty of ways for the Mountain to go that would satisfy our fan bloodlust.
Why Should I Care?
I admit, I have finally come around to understand why fans of George R. R. Martin's books love House Greyjoy so much. They're a weird, fascinating bunch. However, the fervor for this sibling rivalry escapes me. Gregor Clegane is a mean guy who has done horrible things on behalf of other more interesting characters. He hasn't spoken much recently. Sandor Clegane is more noble and sympathetic, but still not that great of a guy. Why do fans love them so much? I want to know! In the grand scheme of Game of Thrones, I can't see what good would come of this fight other than pride, so I'm not interested.
Is This Really About Them?
Can we not make the trial for Cersei Lannister's life all about two men? Like, give the most powerful woman in Westeros some credit. Well, maybe the second most powerful, now that Margaery is out of jail and drinking the Faith's Kool Aid. Still, we've been following her story from the beginning. The Cleganebowl is a fun and certainly poetic thought, but let's stay focused on the fact that Cersei is going to be in a (debatably) unfair fight for her life on Game of Thrones and no matter who fights the Mountain, the outcome affects her the most.
Images: courtesy of HBO; Giphy (4)
