Game of Thrones" fans have concocted a massive number of theories to try to figure out everything on the show, and one of the most popular ones circulating makes the case that Bran Stark is actually the Night King.
The Reddit user turm0il26 is credited with the spread of this fan theory, thanks to a post expanding upon and linking to a popular "Game of Theories" YouTube video that explained the theory.
The Bran Stark/Night King theory suggests that Bran tries to use his powers to go back in time to save the people of Westeros from White Walkers, and in the process turns into the Night King.
We already know Bran has visions, can see and travel into the past and future, and can warg -- or inhabit -- another person's body and control them.
The idea is that Bran makes three trips to the past, using all his powers in an attempt to eradicate the White Walkers, but inadvertently creates all the events that cause the present chaos and destruction he was trying to prevent in the first place.
The Mad King
The Mad King (HBO)
According to the theory, the first time Bran travels back in time, he visits the Mad King, Aerys Targaryen II. Bran whispers in his ear "Burn them all" to try to warn him about the White Walkers and persuade him to burn them, which would prevent their return. But instead, the message drives the Mad King well, mad, and he then burns his people instead of the White Walkers.
Strike one.
(Game of Thrones/HBO screenshot)
The second time Bran travels back in time, according to the theory, he tries to go back to when men were first able to eliminate the White Walkers to learn how they did it. However, Bran miscalculates and misses this event, so he instead wargs into the legendary Bran the Builder and helps build the Wall, which we now know is not a permanent solution to separate the White Walkers from Westeros.
Strike two.
The Children of the Forest create the first White Walker, the Night King.
The Children of the Forest create the first White Walker