As Game of Thrones season eight’s premiere date draws nearer, fans have been speculating about what will happen. While most major storylines will revolve around the central characters and the oncoming war against the Army of the Dead, many are hoping to see the Hound aka Sandor Clegane (played by Rory McCann) and the Mountain aka Gregor Cleagane (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson) return for a showdown christening Cleganebowl by fans. But who would win?
What is Cleganebowl?
Cleganebowl is a Game of Thrones fan theory that the Clegane brothers will face each other in a battle epic proportions.
The two characters are some of the most skilled warriors to ever grace the world of A Song of Ice and Fire and they both hate each other.
The last time they faced each other was in season one when the Mountain lost a joust to Ser Loras (Finn Jones) and the Hound stepped in to protect the young knight.
The fight was called off by the King and the Mountain cut his horse’s head off in a rage.
Both brothers have been through a lot since then and a tense moment in season seven fuelled rumours that Cleganebowl would take place in season eight.
Who will win Cleganebowl in Game of Thrones season 8?
WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Game of Thrones season 7
Fans will of curse be aware that the Mountain is no longer the man he used to be but is instead a zombified version of himself that Cersei (Lena Heady) uses has her personal bodyguard.
The Hound was also left for dead in season six before joining up with the Brotherhood Without Banners in season seven.
Last west him he took part in Jon Snow’s (Kit Harington) mission to show Cersei a wight.
It was at this meeting the Hound came face to face with his brother.
“What they did to you doesn’t matter,” he said.
GAME OF THRONES SEASON 8 FIRST LOOK IMAGES: SPOILERS REVEALED
“It’s not how it ends for you, brother. You know who’s coming for you. You’ve always known.”
This heavily hints that fans will be treated to the long-awaited showdown in the upcoming season – but who will emerge the winner?
There are endless theories and guesses online about how this fight will ultimately go down, but the truth is we don’t know for sure.
Buzz Bingo recently surveyed 1000 Game of Thrones fans about the upcoming season.
One of the questions was Who will win Cleganebowl and most think Sandor will be the victor.
“The Hound (54.7%) is the slight favourite over his zombified sibling.”
One Reddit user, garcondecuisine, agrees the Hound is more likely to win.
They wrote: “Sandor, he’s always been a more skilled fighter, and he knows how his brother fights. If you watch his fight in season one to save Loras, the mountain keeps making kill swings, but the hound fends him off without trying to kill him, and then does a badass kneel while the mountain swings his sword. The Mountain isn’t the best warrior, he’s just really strong.”
But another user theorised: “But could Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) beat the Mountain? The Hound was defeated and nearly killed by Brienne, so wouldn’t it make sense that zombie Gregor would win? Not to mention he’s undead and likely even stronger than before knowing the maester’s ways. That being said, I hope Sandor survives.”
Game of Thrones season 8 starts on April 14 on HBO and Sky Atlantic
