Game of Thrones season 6: Why the episode 8, 9, and 10 titles hint at a grim future for the people of Westeros

The last few episode titles hint that a terrifying, grim new future may be in store for the people of Westeros

*CAUTION: POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR GAME OF THRONES SEASON 6, EPISODES 8, 9, AND 10*

The end is nigh.

Game of Thrones season 6 is hurtling towards its finale, with fans aching to know how the show plans to conclude all of its running threads: Arya's training, the conflict between Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton, and Bran's encounter with the Night King.

SKY Germany has gone and dropped a huge hint about the show's conclusion, releasing the titles of the final three episodes; which, when translated into English, give a pretty sure indication of what's waiting in store. Read on...

608: Niemand (No One)

Obviously, we're talking about Arya Stark here; one can only hope this episode marks the end of her seemingly perpetual stick training, finally giving her the chance to leave Braavos and play a little more of an active role in the struggles of House Stark.

609: Die Schlacht der Bastarde (Battle of Bastards)

Again, it's not exactly hard to figure out who's being talked about here. What's interesting, though, is that the teased climactic battle between Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton won't be the season finale; suggesting there might be a giant twist in store leading to...

610: Die Winde des Winters (The Winds of Winter)

With a title like that, you can pretty much bet season 6 will close on the White Walkers charging a full-on assault on The Wall; with the suggestion being they may even be successful in bringing it down.

There's the possibility here that the key to it all could be Bran himself; the mark of the Night King's touch has already proven its ability to break protective magic, as happened in Bloodraven's cave. Meaning, if he passes south of The Wall, he could have the potential to break whatever magic has so far prevented the White Walkers from breaching it before.

Which, really, will make the Battle of Bastards a little irrelevant when there's a full army of humanoid ice gods swarming into Westeros. Could this event also be what finally brings on Winter to its lands?

Also, there's the fairly obvious fact this episode happens to share a title with the desperately awaited next book installment from George R.R. Martin. Maybe the big season finale twist will merely be that we get an actual release date for it?

Game of Thrones airs on Sunday nights in the US, at 9PM on HBO; and will be simulcast at 2AM on Sky Atlantic in the UK.