George R.R. Martin, author of the "Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy series
George R.R. Martin, author of the "Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy series that is the basis of the television series "Game of Thrones", gestures during his masterclass at the Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) in Neuchatel July 10, 2014. Reuters/Denis Balibouse

Fans of “A Song of Ice and Fire” who are worried that “Game of Thrones” Season 6 will contain spoilers of “Winds of Winter” may have something to cheer about. The author of the book series, George R. R. Martin, has pointed out that the show and the books have diverged to a very large extent.

[Spoiler alert]

In a blog post, the author confirmed that he will not be able to finish the book before the premiere episode of the popular TV series. Talking about whether the show will contain spoilers of the book, Martin said “yes and no.” The author pointed out that the small changes that the producers made in the show have had a “butterfly effect” and now these changes have led to big divergence from the books.

Some of the spoilers that will be found in “Game of Thrones” Season 6 may not be spoilers at all, according to the author. He emphasised his point by pointing out that some of the characters like Mago, Irri, Rakharo, Xaro Xhoan Daxos, Pyat Pree, Pyp, Grenn, Ser Barristan Selmy, Queen Selyse, Princess Shireen, Princess Myrcella, Mance Rayder and King Stannis are dead in the TV series, but are still alive in the books.

Similarly, characters like Balon Greyjoy is dead in the book series, but is still alive on the show. He also pointed out that Jhiqui, Aggo, Jhogo, Jeyne Poole, Dalla (and her child) and her sister Val, Princess Arianne Martell, Prince Quentyn Martell, Willas Tyrell, Ser Garlan the Gallant, Lord Wyman Manderly, the Shavepate, the Green Grace, Brown Ben Plumm, the Tattered Prince, Pretty Meris, Bloodbeard, Griff, Young Griff and many other characters are not a part of the TV series.

Martin did not say whether or not Euron or Victarion will be a part of “Game of Thrones” Season 6. About the deaths of the characters, the author explained that not all the characters who die in the TV series will also die in the books. Some of the characters’ deaths will also be at different times in the story and even the way they die will be different.

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