George R.R. Martin has debunked a popular fan theory on one of the characters in his epic fantasy series, "A Song of Ice and Fire."
A popular fan theory speculated that Coldhands, the one whom Bran Stark met beyond The Wall, was actually Benjen Stark. It was believed that he may be making a reappearance in Martin's highly-anticipated book, the "Winds of Winter."
However, the "GoT" author has dispelled the rumors himself through a handwritten note on the original manuscript. In the document, his editor, Anne Groell, asked whether Colhands was, indeed, Benjen but Martin denied it.
"Winds of Winter" will most likely be published no earlier than 2016. The much-awaited release date of the sixth installment of Martin's saga has been the subject of speculations among excited fans.
It was reported that "Winds of Winter" will most probably be released by 2016 as the earliest and latest by 2017, based on GRRM's writing pace. The book's predecessor, "A Dance with Dragons," came out in Jul. 2011 and, prior to that, "A Feast for Crows" was released in 2005, which was published five years after "A Storm of Swords" (2000).
The first three books of the series, though, were released within one to three years apart. "A Game of Thrones" (1996) was followed by 1999's "A Clash of Kings." However, this is most likely caused by Martin having enough materials to finish the books faster.
Last December, fans mistook a series of tweets from George R.R. Martin's official Twitter account as a countdown to the release of "WoW." The tweets were tagged #12DaysofWesteros which was supposed to be a Westeros-style "Twelve Days of Christmas" promotion.
The author had to clarify the matter through his Live Journal profile, which he personally maintains. He also mentioned that he will definitely let fans know when the upcoming novel is finished and will not coincide it with any occasion.
