‘Game Of Thrones’ Season 5 Theories: Does The Mountain Die? Possible Connection To Ser Robert Strong

The Mountain may not have been in Season 4 for long, but he most certainly left a lasting impact. The monstrous knight, whose real name is Ser Gregor Clegane paused his blundering of Westeros to appear in the capital for a royal occasion. In episode 8 of Season 4 “The Mountain and the Viper” Tywin Lannister’s “mad dog” served his royal duty as he champion of the crown in the trial by combat of Tyrion Lannister. Fighting against Dorne’s prince Oberyn Martell, the enormous knight seemed to have the upper hand due to size and strength, however half way through the trial, The Mountain was losing and even Cersei Lannister showed signs of worry. However despite Martell’s nickname as The Red Viper, The Mountain was the last man to strike.

As Martell was distracted, attempting to coax a confession out of the wounded Clegane, the crown’s champion reached out and overpowered the smaller Viper, crushing his skull and killing him instantly. Despite The Mountain’s victory is the trial by combat, The Red Viper, true to his name achieved his posthumous revenge by coating his spear in poison. But at the end of Season 4, The Mountain wasn’t in a grave, in fact, he was still on the examination table of Qyburn, and form the looks of it, some experimenting was set to occur. So what will happen to The Mountain in Season 5?

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Season 5 of “Game of Thrones.” If you do not want to know what will occur in forthcoming episodes do not read any further.

In “A Feast for Crows” Cersei grants Qyburn permission to experiment on the dying or dead Mountain, he then grants Cersei with a giant skull, presumably the Mountain. The is sent with regards from Tywin Lannister to Dorne, a peace offering of sorts, the head of killer of both Elia Martell and Oberyn Martell is meant to smooth over relations between Dorne’s ruling family and the Lannisters. Despite the delivery of the ginormous skill, there are stil whispers regarding the death of The Mountain, mainly due to two factors the skull was stripped of flesh, and no one has seen The Mountain’s notable large body.

The true death of The Mountain is once again revisited in George R.R. Martin’s “A Dance With Dragons” when Cersei Lannister finds herself in a trial by combat. The details surrounding Cersei’s arrest and subsequent trial by combat are tricky, read more about Cersei’s storyline in “A Dance With Dragons” here. In addition to the obvious symbolism between Cersei’s arrest and trial and that of Tyrion’s, another aspect is consistent—an abnormally large champion for Cersei, who looks eerily familiar. Upon Cersei’s return to King’s Landing following a walk of penance, Qyburn introduces her to her champion, Ser Robert Strong. Strong is described as being over 8-foot tall, and is the newest member of Tommen’s Kingsguard. Strong never shows his face, hiding his head under a great helm, and allegedly does not eat, drink or visit the privy.

In addition he does not speak, but according to Qyburn, Strong took a vow silence until “all of (King Tommen's) enemies are dead and evil has been driven from the realm.” Despite the explanation, other members of the Kingsguard are suspicious and considering The Mountain apparent lack of head, and Qyburn’s comments to Cersei in the Season 4 finale of “Game of Thrones,” its safe to say that The Mountain will be back in Season 5, but this time he will be Ser Robert Strong.