A new season of Game of Thrones [1] means a brand new title sequence featuring that three-dimensional map depicting the continents of Westeros and Essos. The opening credits vary from season to season — even from week to week — depending on the locations visited in the current episode. But for the eighth season premier [2], we are given snippets of the past events as well as potential hints to the future [3]. Several interesting locations make their debut, such as the crypts under Winterfell as well as the Qyburn's dungeon laboratory beneath the Red Keep. So let's take a moment to review a few key elements, because they pose a great many questions . . . and may have a few answers, too.
The Wall
Last season, Viserion blazed a fiery blue hole through the Wall and allowed the Night King's army to advance. While we've since learned that Tormund and several members of the Night's Watch were able to escape the damage, the prominent placement of this image make it clear that it won't be long before our heroes are faced with the greatest fight of their lives. In the sequence, the nearest homestead, the Last Heath, is quickly overtaken by ice.
Is this indication that places closest to the Wall, like Winterfell, will fall just as hard and fast as the homes near the Night's Watch?
The Crypts of Winterfell
We've already learned from the season eight trailer [4] that the crypts will be a place of great revelation for the Starks. In the premiere episode, aptly titled "Winterfell," Jon Snow learns of his true birthright as King of the Seven Kingdoms. We also know from the second episode's preview that he will have a conversation with Dany in the crypts — will he tell her about his true heritage in there as well?
Might this also become a place where one of favourite characters meet their demise?
The Dungeons Beneath the Red Keep
When first faced with the threat of dragons in season seven, Cersei tasked Qyburn with creating a weapon that would defeat the beasts. He creates a long-range artillery weapon known as a scorpion [5] to shoot bolts large and fast enough to pierce the skull of a dragon. We learn later in the season during the Battle of the Goldroad that the weapon is not as effective as Qyburn believes.
However, the fact that the weapon and a demonstration of its power has surfaced in the opening sequence leads us to believe that Cersei and Qyburn will find a way to make the weapon powerful enough to finally bring down one of Daenerys dragons.
The Iron Throne and Its Sigil
A game of thrones though this may be, the seat of honour has rarely made an appearance in the title sequence. This episode not only gives us a prominent shot of the iron throne but also a clear view of the Lannister sigil floating above. This may be a reference to Cersei's current occupation of the throne, or an indication that her double dealing will keep her sitting in the seat of power for several episodes to come — perhaps (heaven forbid) until the end.
Last But Not Least
The opening sequence ends with three images: a lion with a fish in its mouth, a wolf riddled with arrows, and man holding a head. While this could be interpreted a number of ways, is this an indication of who wins the great war? Does Cersei, represented by the lion, gain control of the Seven Kingdoms, including the iron-born? Does Jon Snow die another horrific death once his new lineage surfaces? Does the Night King triumph ripping off the heads of his enemies and holding them high for all to see?
Only time will tell.