re: Crackpot ASOIAF Theories SPOILERS

On a more crackpot note. I really want to see Mance Rayder turn out to be Ser Arthur Dayne. Its the only theory involving Mance I really get behind. Explains his protective like attitude of John, why he was apparently watching John at the feast in Winterfell, yada yada. Not to mention explaining where he learned his swordsmanship. The fact that he was supposedly raised on the wall, even though nobody remembers him and the men of the watch are sworn to not raise children.

My theory being that Ned offered him the wall, Benjen was sent with him. This gives a little further insight into Ned's sadness at the tower of Joy. He said that Dayne would have killed him had Reed not stepped in the way; I feel like Reed stepped in the way and died. Leaving only Dayne and Ned to walk away from ToJ. Also explaining the cryptic arse turn of heart when the wildling woman added red to Mance's cloak and he decided to leave the wall. The red reminding him of John's rightful Targ cloak possibly.

This then leaves the possibility of Dawn being Lightbringer, possibly to be handed down to John by Mance. Further explaining his current mission to Winterfell. Assuming that it is hidden in the crypts along with whatever else. There is still a reason that Lyanna is the only woman buried there.

Its certainly a crackpot, but one I would like to see played out. I can think of few better plot twists than Mance Rayder being the Sword of the Morning.