The song of ice and fire

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The song of ice and fire is a subject of a prophecy and is eponymous for the A Song of Ice and Fire series. The song of ice and fire is said to be the prince that was promised's but the content remains unknown.

At the House of the Undying, Daenerys Targaryen sees a man (Rhaegar Targaryen) and overhears him talking to a woman (Elia Martell) nursing a baby. "Aegon… What better name for a king… He is the prince that was promised, and his is the song of ice and fire"; When Rhaegar's eyes meet Daenerys's, he says either to her or Elia, "There must be one more… The dragon has three heads", and he picks up a silver harp and begins to play.[1]

However, neither Daenerys nor Ser Jorah Mormont know what the song of ice and fire means. It is implied that there is a connection between the song, the promise, and Daenerys herself. This is established more clearly when Maester Aemon identifies Daenerys as the "prince" that was promised. [2]

The phrase "ice and fire" is also mentioned in the Reeds' oath of loyalty to Bran Stark.[3][4] The phrase "ice and fire" appears two more times in the books as an example of opposites.[5][6] However, the song and the promise are never mentioned again, and the song itself remains a mystery.

Incidentally, George R. R. Martin has said that he was influenced by Robert Frost’s poem Fire and Ice

I mean... Fire is love, fire is passion, fire is sexual ardor and all of these things. Ice is betrayal, ice is revenge, ice is… you know, that kind of cold inhumanity and all that stuff is being played out in the books.[7]

Quotes

It’s no song I’ve ever heard.[8]

- Ser Jorah Mormont, to Daenerys Targaryen

See also

References and Notes

  1. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 48, Daenerys IV.
  2. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 35, Samwell IV.
  3. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 21, Bran III.
  4. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 9, Bran I.
  5. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 24, Bran II.
  6. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 25, Davos III.
  7. George R.R. Martin: "Trying to please everyone is a horrible mistake" Adria's News
  8. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 63, Daenerys V.