Whether you tuned into last night’s True Detective premiere and caught the first glimpse of the new Game of Thrones teaser trailer and release date, or you’ve gone down a GoT black hole at work today, you already know: April 14.
While the new trailer left us with a haunting suspicion that we’re not ready for what’s in store (and neither are the Stark kids), we weren’t really provided with any new footage. Instead of using scenes from the upcoming eighth and final season, HBO created a promo that’s a clip all its own. Though, one thing that did feel like a clue to season eight: that feather.
In the first few seconds, viewers see a mysterious feather drop to the ground in the crypts of Winterfell. Eagle-eyed fans will remember that this is the feather Robert Baratheon placed on the statue of Lyanna Stark, his deceased fiancee and Ned Stark’s sister, during his season one visit to Winterfell.
This feather falling to the ground might symbolize the extinguishing of Robert’s belief (which many in the Seven Kingdoms also believe to be true) that Lyanna was kidnapped by Rhaegar against her will. Instead, as Bran saw during one of his visions, she secretly eloped with Prince Rhaegar and had a baby, Jon Snow, who is the true heir to the Iron Throne. Perhaps this means the world will know Jon’s true lineage once the last of the Stark enemies are gone.
Sheesh. Who knew a feather could hold so much weight?
