Game of Thrones: the 'real' ending, via George RR Martin
On May 20th, 2019, George RR Martin made an entry into his "Not a Blog" blog about the current state of Game of Thrones. The television series final episode, Season 8, Episode 6: The Iron Throne just popped up, and it was time for the original author to have his say. Not that he had a lot to say about the ending of this particular interpretation of the content. He confirmed that he's still working on additional material for his written ending(s) to A Song of Ice and Fire – and that his ending WILL be different. Or it won't – so he says.
"Let me say this much — last night was an ending, but it was also a beginning," said Martin. "Nobody is retiring any time soon." These words were precious to mine eyes – he's not going to stop! He's not going to let this series end here. He's actually going to complete the book series.
SEE TOO: Game of Thrones ending: The Drogon Theory
He wouldn't have to. He's rich beyond reason, at this point, and he's not particularly young. But given the amount of projects he's working on and is about to work on, one could assume George RR Martin is in his prime. Two books are in the making.
"The Winds of Winter" is certainly late, as Martin's said several times before. He's still not given a release date. "'The Winds of Winter' is very late, I know, I know, but it will be done," said Martin. Martin also suggested that the final book, "A Dream of Spring" will come afterward. If we're using the winter book as a guide for timing, maybe the last book will be out in a few decades? Who knows.
"How will it all end? I hear people asking," said Martin. "The same ending as the show? Different? Well... yes. And no. And yes. And no. And yes. And no. And yes."
Classic George RR Martin clarity right there, absolutely classic.
The Last Word from the author
In the end, there can be only... infinite different answers for how the story should be written, read, watched, etcetera. Understood is only the individual's interpretation of what's taken in and presented.
"Book or show, which will be the 'real' ending? It's a silly question. How many children did Scarlett O'Hara have?" said Martin. "How about this? I'll write it. You read it. Then everyone can make up their own mind, and argue about it on the internet."
The answer is obvious, isn't it? It's just like Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and each of its different mediums. Different, yet the same. Different formats allow for different details. All that matters is what we do with the time that is given to us.