The Prospects of Sam Tarly Becoming a Maester in 'Game of Thrones'
The possibility of Sam Tarly becoming a Maester in the court of Daenerys Targaryen is highly unlikely, primarily due to the thematic focus of his character and the specific paths outlined for him in the narrative.
Sam's Journey and Future Role
Samwise "Sam" Tarly was appointed as the Grand Maester in Bran Stark's council through King Gendry Baratheon's decree. This appointment is a significant milestone in Sam's character development, marking his transition from the Night's Watch to a more influential position in the Seven Kingdoms. His official release from the Night's Watch oath was a step towards a new kind of service, with Sam eventually being granted Highgarden and founding House Tarly of Highgarden, a testament to his valor and loyalty.
Uncertain Future and Rules of Being a Maester
However, the specifics of Sam's future role are not fully resolved, either in the show or the books. In George R.R. Martin's writings, particularly in A Dance with Dragons, Sam abandons the Citadel, viewing it as a waste of time and choosing to return to help Jon Snow. Given that Maesters are bound by strict celibacy rules and that Sam is involved in a relationship with Gilly, who is expecting his child, it raises significant questions about his potential path to becoming a Maester.
Opinions on Sam's Future
On the one hand, it is widely believed that Sam's character has a thick plot armor, meaning he is likely to survive the end of the series and could possibly attain the title of Maester. Some speculate that with the right gifts or talents, Sam could earn his Maester's chain within five years. Notable examples include Sarella Sand, who despite her disguise, managed to earn three Maester links within a year. However, this path is fraught with obstacles, primarily the issue of his relationship with Gilly.
The Love Life and Ambiguity
The situation is made more complex by Sam's deep affection for Gilly. Maesters are required to live in celibacy, which poses a significant barrier to Sam's potential Maester's path. It is proposed that if Gilly cannot be held back by this rule, she could become Sam's secret lover, or the rules themselves could change in the future, allowing married Maesters.
Speculations and Foreshadowings
There are several disturbing foreshadowings around Gilly's fate, with hints from A Dance with Dragons suggesting that Gilly or her child might face a tragic end. These foreshadowings add an air of ambiguity to Sam's future and the potential for his character arc to take unexpected turns. Without Gilly, Sam might find cold comfort in books and scholarly pursuits, barriers that could delay his path towards becoming a Maester.
In conclusion, while the path to becoming a Maester is certainly possible for Sam Tarly, the specific circumstances and the rules of the Citadel make it a challenging and uncertain journey. His future remains both intriguing and ambiguous, leaving room for a variety of outcomes in the final chapter of the Game of Thrones saga.