'The Winds of Winter' release date news, rumors: Sixth book could reveal why a Stark-Targaryen union is forbidden

"Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin. [Photo credit: George RR Martin | Twitter]

While there is no concrete date announced for the release of George R.R. Martin's "The Winds of Winter," speculations say that it may finally answer the question as to what hinders an alliance between the Targaryens and the Starks.

According to a report by University Herald, the two houses are forbidden from uniting because it would concentrate the powers of the two families into a single entity.

The Targaryens are known for controlling dragons, while the Starks of Winterfell have the ability to warg into animals and other human beings. Having a child that has the ability to both warg and possibly control a dragon could translate to an unequal distribution of power.

The theory came just as it was revealed that the seventh season of HBO series "Game of Thrones" is poised to introduce an alliance between the King of the North Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and the Mother of Dragons Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke).

It is unsure how Jon's parentage will figure into the plot after it was revealed that he was indeed the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenerys' brother. Earlier fan theories also speculated that he was the incarnation of Azor Ahai, or The Prince that was Promised.

Meanwhile, the Night King in the books may well be different from the Night King in the series, reported Digital Times. While the Night King in the show is described by showrunners as the personification of darkness, the Night King in the books was actually a Stark who fell in love with a woman of ice and cold.

Until Martin comes out with the sixth and seventh books in the series, fans won't know for sure if the entity may even be included in the final battle.

Rumors are rife that both "The Winds of Winter" and "A Dream of Spring" will come out in 2017 before the release of the eighth and final season of HBO's "Game of Thrones" to provide more context to the show. 

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?
What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?

24 May 2026 is Pentecost Sunday, when Christians recall the importance of the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are the virtues that are produced in the life of a believer through the work of the Holy Spirit. This is the story …

Pentecost: Its meaning, significance and relevance for Christians today
Pentecost: Its meaning, significance and relevance for Christians today

Today is Pentecost - a special day in the Christian calendar that many Christians may have heard of, but do not always fully understand. Yet Pentecost is incredibly important, because it is deeply connected to the work of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church.

Christian aid organisations mobilise emergency Ebola response in Democratic Republic of Congo
Christian aid organisations mobilise emergency Ebola response in Democratic Republic of Congo

Christian aid organisations are mobilising emergency health responses in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a deadly Ebola outbreak in the country’s north-east that has prompted international concern.

Three Baptist pastors killed in Manipur ambush after peace conference
Three Baptist pastors killed in Manipur ambush after peace conference

The victims were senior leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI), a Baptist denomination rooted in the Thadou-Kuki community of Manipur.