I've been wondering about this for a while before I even came across all the speculation (I avoided Game of Thrones discussions for ages to avoid spoilers). I think it would be most fitting and awesome for the Night King to be the long dead Rheygar Targaryen reclaiming the Seven Kingdoms - and since Targaryen's can only ride dragons...
shareHighly unlikely.
The Night's King was last seen several thousand years ago during the legendary Long Winter, while the Targaryans came to Westeros about three hundred years ago. Of course a new schmuck may take the title of Night's King every few centuries, or he may somehow change host bodies, but probably not. He's probably immortal and thousands of years old, I actually wonder if he's one of the forgotten Old Gods.
Personally, I don't find it that implausible - new Night Kings being crowned not unlike living kings, with the qualification for a Night King is for them having been a dead ruler or heir. Having him a Targaryen or even a long dead Stark just sounds like a great George R.R. Martin thing to do.
shareIf they must, better a Stark than a Targaryan.
Targs are heavily associated with fire, and are a poor fit for the job.
It's not implausible (and I can totally get behind the idea), if it weren't for the fact that, when Bran watches the Children of the Forest creating the NK, it's the same actor dude as the present NK. I know that could be construed as non canonical, since characters do change actors. But I don't think so in this instance. If what Bran sees in that particular moment is true, he's probably one of the First Men, who became immortal upon becoming the NK.
shareYeah I've read about that and it's probably the most likely outcome. Or could be that every Night King takes on the form of the first (probably a stretch).
share*every Night King takes on the form of the first (probably a stretch).*
That's not unheard of in fantasy though. In the Belgariad series, the Queen of Nyissa is always chosen based on how closely she resembles the first one.
Maybe he's really Ned Stark.
shareI’m amazed you haven’t heard the rumors/news. After all it’s been out all over the place so I’m not really spoiling anything.
The Nights King is really Bran Stark. An alternate Bran Stark or maybe a Bran Stark from the future OR past but Bran Stark nonetheless. Where’s exactly were you when this revelation broke during the last season?
He somehow got a dragon of his own dont know how, so maybe he's a tagaryan. Guess a dragon died out there at some point. Otherwise big plot hole.
shareAs I mentioned in the OP I avoided all discussion regarding Game of Thrones in case I encountered spoilers. I since read the Bran Stark theories, and I don't think there was an all out revelation in the last season that he is the Night King. He was seen to have a connection with the Night King, given his powers, and was able to see where the Night King was heading. Or am I wrong?
shareCan’t say that you’re wrong. I’m not sure how it’s going to work out, but for what it’s worth I personally do believe the news that Bran is the Nights King or rather the Nights King is/was Bran but we'll see I guess.
shareI doubt the night king is a targaryan after reading up a bit more on this. I suppose I should probably watch the relevant episodes since I have yet to see any of them. I heard they are very good. Perhaps that will shed some light on the situation.
share