Game of Thrones’ New 2026 Prequel May Confirm a Huge Stark Theory After 26 Years

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The world of Game of Thrones is growing in 2026, and could potentially prove a long-held fan theory correct. Fans have a lot to look forward to this year, including the new show A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and the third season of House of the Dragon. Beyond television, a Game of Thrones prequel play is also being developed, even though there are currently no plans for a new book release.

This summer, a new play called Game of Thrones: The Mad King will debut in Stratford-upon-Avon. The play focuses on the tourney at Harrenhal, a significant event that took place a few years before Robert’s Rebellion and roughly 16-17 years before the start of the Game of Thrones series. Hosted by Lord Whent, the tourney brought together many important characters, including King Aerys II Targaryen (known as the Mad King), his son Rhaegar, and prominent figures like Ned Stark, Robert Baratheon, Oberyn Martell, and Jaime Lannister. A mysterious knight will also be featured.

The Knight Of The Laughing Tree Explained

In addition to the familiar characters, there’s a mysterious knight nicknamed the Knight of the Laughing Tree – a name earned from the smiling face carved onto the weirwood tree on their shield. Meera Reed shares this tale with Bran Stark in A Storm of Swords, the third book in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.

So, here’s the story as I understand it. Apparently, a guy from the Crannogs – most fans think it’s Meera and Jojen Reed’s dad, Howland – was at this big tourney. He got picked on by three young squires who were bigger and stronger than him, and they were really giving him a hard time. Luckily, Lyanna Stark – Ned Stark’s sister, and you know, Jon Snow’s mother in Game of Thrones – showed up and ran them off! Then, she brought Howland back to the Stark camp and introduced him to her brothers. It’s a cool little detail that adds so much to his backstory, don’t you think?

The three knights that the boys served as squires were all doing well in the tournament’s jousting competition. However, things changed when a mysterious knight appeared on the second day. This knight wore oddly mismatched armor, carried a leather shield, and was surprisingly small in stature. Despite this, they managed to defeat all three of the original knights, winning their horses and armor. But instead of keeping the prizes, the mysterious knight – known as the Knight of the Laughing Tree – made a deal: they would return the horses and armor if the knights agreed to teach the squires how to behave with honor.

It’s not surprising that a mysterious knight caused a stir, especially with the already anxious Mad King, who believed this knight was a threat. He insisted the knight reveal their identity during the next day’s jousting tournament, but when the time came, the Knight of the Laughing Tree was nowhere to be found.

Game Of Thrones: The Mad King Could Confirm Lyanna Stark Is The Knight Of The Laughing Tree

Many believe the Knight of the Laughing Tree was actually Lyanna Stark. Several clues point to this possibility, such as:

  • She’d be notably shorter of stature than the other knights.
  • As a girl, she wouldn’t have been allowed to take part in the tourney, so wouldn’t have armor, thus requiring the mismatched set.
  • She knew about the assault on the crannogman, and would want to avenge him.
  • She’s from the North, fitting with the weirwood tree symbol.
  • The knight had a “booming” voice, which could’ve been Lyanna’s through the helm and trying to disguise her real voice.
  • Bran has visions of a girl, who appears to be Lyanna, defeating what seems like her brother in a swordfight. That, plus her chasing off the squires, suggests she practiced and was skilled.
  • Arya Stark is described as being very similar to Lyanna, and this would very much fit with her character.

While other characters like Howland Reed or one of the Stark brothers could be the knight, most fans believe it was Lyanna. The upcoming prequel series might finally reveal the truth, unlike the books which only hint at it. Because we’ll be seeing these events unfold on screen, the show could even feature the same actress playing both Lyanna and the mysterious knight.

It’s possible this storyline will develop to deepen the connection between Rhaegar and Lyanna. Rhaegar searches for the Knight of the Laughing Tree, but only finds their shield. However, it’s suggested that Rhaegar may have secretly met the Knight and discovered it was actually Lyanna in disguise.

He quickly won the tournament and, as the victor, crowned Lyanna as queen of love and beauty. This caused a scandal because he was married to Elia Martell, and Lyanna was promised to Robert Baratheon, who were both present. If Rhaegar had known Lyanna was the disguised knight, it might have been what first attracted him to her. If they did interact in that way, the play should depict it, which would essentially confirm the popular theory about their connection.

As a huge fan of the lore, I always feel like we could use more depth when it comes to Rhaegar and Lyanna. While I appreciate a little mystery, The Mad King could really enrich their story by showing us more of how they first connected – that initial spark that led to their tragic romance. Honestly, in the books and the show, Lyanna feels like a phantom, always seen through the memories of Robert and Ned, and mostly just a piece of the puzzle surrounding Jon Snow’s origins. I’d love to see her as a fully realized character!

The play has the potential to establish her as a compelling character, and she deserves a central role, regardless of whether the story includes the Laughing Tree. Because the prequel details events leading up to Robert’s Rebellion and Jon Snow’s birth – key moments in the Game of Thrones timeline – it will be particularly interesting to see how these events are portrayed on stage.

Game of Thrones: The Mad King premieres in the summer of 2026 at the RSC.

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2026-02-25 22:11