Quit playing games: George RR Martin says Stannis is alive, 'beyond a doubt'

When Jon Snow was stabbed to death in Game of Thrones season 5 finale in Julius Caesar fashion, the whole world went mad with rage and grief. People protested and since the episode aired, there have been numerous rumours of Jon Snow being alive , and fans have been in denial when it comes to his death. [caption id=“attachment_2412410” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Stannis Baratheon. HBO[/caption] On the other hand, no one cared when Stannis Baratheon died. Good riddance to bad rubbish, they said. However, Game of Thrones author George RR Martin turned the tables and revealed that Stannis is very much alive in the books. According to a report in Entertainment Weekly,  Martin answered a fan’s question on his LiveJournal website about whether Stannis Baratheon is dead. “In my books? Alive, beyond a doubt,” Martin replied to the fan’s query. The fan had asked, “Alright Mr Martin, lets cut the crap, is Stannis alive or dead?” So, you might not be able to see Jon Snow in the next season and he might actually be dead, but chances are that Stannis isn’t and could very well be back. Stannis was done in by Brienne, and while no one doubts mighty Brienne’s skill and the sharpness of her Valyrian blade, Stannis’ survival could actually be a major plot point and will thus keep another claimant to the Iron Throne alive. Also, eagle-eyed viewers will remember that in Mother’s Mercy, the season finalé of the television show’s fifth season, Stannis’ ‘death’ is merely alluded to, never shown. In fact, the camera even pans away, just as Brienne delivers her coup de grâce. So much for director David Nutter’s point about being gratuitous. But, a note of caution to fans of the Lord of Dragonstone, the television show has been known to veer from the storyline in the books. Regardless, to sum up, Jon Snow is dead but Stannis for now at least, is not. That might seem unfair, but then Game of Thrones, as fans would agree, doesn’t care about that. Bold, backstabbing, brutish, but beautiful, Game of Thrones will keep throwing surprises your way, and not necessarily good ones.