Prophecy

At several points throughout the novel, several characters experience or receive a prophecy. Melisandre has a vision of Stannis as a legendary hero returned; Jojen Reed has greendreams in which he sees future events, and Daenerys Targaryen sees both future and past events in the House of the Undying. Prophecies such as these are very important to the people of the Seven Kingdoms. By knowing what is to happen, those who receive the knowledge can try to adjust their course or be on the lookout for important events they know are coming. Prophecies can also be twisted to the giver's intentions, however.

At the outset of the novel, a giant red comet in the sky seems to foretell a important event is about to happen in the Seven Kingdoms. However, the meaning of the comet is different to each of those who behold it. For Maester Cressen, the...