Few characters in Game of Thrones evoke as much mystery and dread as the Night King. With his chilling presence and supernatural power, he became a symbol of death and ancient magic. But beyond his icy glare lies a deeper tale rooted in the very foundation of Westeros. Understanding how the Night King’s backstory is tied to the mythology of Westeros unlocks the secrets of the realm’s oldest legends, from the Children of the Forest to the First Men. In this article, we’ll uncover the forgotten myths and powerful forces that shaped one of the series’ most enigmatic figures.
The Creation of the Night King
The First Men and the Children of the Forest:
The ancient history of Westeros is a rich and complex tapestry of different cultures and conflicts. One of the earliest and most significant conflicts was between the First Men, who migrated to Westeros from Essos, and the Children of the Forest, who were the original inhabitants of the land. The First Men brought with them bronze weapons and agriculture, which led to tensions and eventually war with the Children of the Forest. In an effort to defend themselves, the Children of the Forest created a powerful weapon known as the Night King. This was done through a ritual involving dragonglass, which transformed a human man into a powerful being with the ability to control the dead.
Mythological Themes in His Creation:
In literature and mythology, the theme of unintended consequences of power and vengeance is a common one. For example, in the Greek myth of Prometheus, the Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity, he faced severe punishment from Zeus for his defiance. In the case of Frankenstein, the classic novel by Mary Shelley, the creature created by Victor Frankenstein becomes a symbol of the destructive nature of unchecked scientific ambition. Similarly, in real-world myths and stories, we often see the theme of individuals or groups wielding power or seeking revenge, only to have it backfire and lead to unforeseen negative consequences.
The Role of the Long Night
Historical Context:
The legend of the Long Night is a pivotal part of Westerosi history and folklore. According to the stories, the Long Night was a period of great darkness and cold that lasted for an entire generation, causing widespread famine, death, and destruction. It is said that during this time, the White Walkers, led by the Night King, descended upon Westeros, bringing with them an army of the undead known as wights. The catastrophic effects of the Long Night are well-documented in the annals of Westerosi history. The darkness and cold brought about by the Long Night led to the deaths of countless people and the near-collapse of civilization.
Mythology Behind the Long Night:
The Long Night in the Game of Thrones series has been compared to apocalyptic myths in various cultures, particularly the concept of Ragnarok in Norse mythology. Just like Ragnarok, the Long Night signifies a period of darkness and chaos, where the forces of evil threaten to bring about the end of the world. Both myths involve a final battle between the forces of good and evil, with the outcome determining the fate of humanity. In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is a series of events that lead to the destruction of the world and the death of many of the gods, paving the way for a new world to emerge.
The Night King’s Connection to Westeros’ Mythology
The Night King as a Symbol of Fear and Death:
The Night King in Game of Thrones can be seen as a representation of existential threats in mythologies. His character embodies the cyclical nature of winter and darkness in Westeros’ folklore. Just like in many mythological stories, the Night King represents a force of nature that brings chaos and destruction, threatening the very existence of humanity. His relentless pursuit and ability to raise the dead also symbolize the fear of death and the unknown in human consciousness. Overall, the Night King serves as a powerful symbol of existential threats that have been present in mythologies throughout history.
The Role of the Wall and the Night’s Watch:
The Wall in the Game of Thrones universe is a massive structure of ice and magic that stretches across the northern border of the Seven Kingdoms. It is often depicted as a mythical barrier that separates the realms of men from the dangers that lie beyond, such as the White Walkers and other ancient evils. The Night’s Watch is an ancient order of men who have sworn to defend the Wall and the realms of men from these threats. They are often portrayed as the first line of defense against the supernatural dangers that lurk in the frozen wastelands beyond the Wall.
Prophecy and the Prince That Was Promised:
In the story, prophecy holds a significant mythological importance as it shapes the destiny and actions of the characters. Prophecies are often seen as foretelling events that are crucial to the survival of the realm and the characters within it. The existence of the Night King amplifies the stakes of these prophecies as he is a powerful and malevolent force that threatens to bring about the end of the world. The prophecies surrounding the Night King’s actions and the chosen one who will defeat him become even more vital as the characters must rely on these prophesied events to guide their actions and ultimately determine the fate of the realm.
Parallels to Real-World Mythologies
The Night King in “Game of Thrones” draws parallels to figures in global mythology, adding depth and richness to the world-building in Westeros. In Norse mythology, the Night King’s connection to the Frost Giants and the impending doom of Ragnarok align with the themes of destruction and chaos. In Greek mythology, the Night King embodies the themes of hubris, vengeance, and punishment, mirroring the consequences of defying the gods. Additionally, in medieval European myths, the legends of undead armies and eternal winters reflect the Night King’s army of White Walkers and their relentless pursuit of the living.
Key Themes in the Night King’s Backstory
Humanity’s Role in Its Own Doom:
The creation of the Night King in the popular television series “Game of Thrones” reflects humanity’s capacity for self-destruction in several ways. Firstly, the Night King was created by the Children of the Forest as a weapon against the First Men, showing how the desire for power and control can lead to the creation of destructive forces. Additionally, the Night King’s relentless pursuit of wiping out humanity parallels our own destructive tendencies, such as war and environmental destruction. The Night King’s ability to raise the dead and turn them into mindless soldiers also symbolizes how our actions can have long-lasting and destructive consequences.
Balance Between Magic and Reality:
The Night King’s story in Game of Thrones blends mythological magic and historical realism by incorporating elements of both fantasy and real-world history. On one hand, the Night King is a mythical figure with magical powers, such as raising the dead and controlling ice and cold. This aligns with traditional fantasy tropes of powerful, otherworldly beings. On the other hand, the Night King’s story is grounded in historical realism through its exploration of power struggles, political intrigue, and the consequences of war. The Night King’s rise to power and his quest to conquer Westeros can be seen as a reflection of historical conflicts and the impact of unchecked ambition. The blending of these two elements creates a compelling and multi-dimensional narrative that resonates with audiences.
The Eternal Struggle Between Light and Dark:
The Night King in Game of Thrones embodies the mythological theme of duality through his portrayal as a figure of pure evil. As the leader of the White Walkers, he represents darkness, death, and destruction. On the other hand, he also embodies the duality of good and evil by being a complex character with a tragic backstory, which adds depth to his motivations. This duality is a common theme in mythology, where characters often have both light and dark aspects to their nature. The Night King’s embodiment of this duality adds an intriguing layer to the story and creates a more compelling antagonist for the series.
The Night King’s Impact on Westeros
The Night King’s influence on the political and social fabric of Westeros was significant, as his arrival brought together various factions and houses in a united front against a common enemy. His relentless pursuit to bring an end to humanity forced individuals and leaders to set aside their differences and work towards a common goal. Even after his defeat, the Night King’s legacy continues to have symbolic and literal impacts on Westeros. Symbolically, his presence serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat of the White Walkers and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. His defeat also had significant political ramifications, as it solidified alliances and reshaped the power dynamics within the realm.
Conclusion
The Night King’s backstory is deeply tied to the mythology of Westeros, adding layers of depth and complexity to George R.R. Martin’s world-building. According to the lore, the Night King was a human who was turned into the leader of the White Walkers by the Children of the Forest as a weapon against the First Men. This connection to ancient beings and an epic struggle between different races adds a mythological element to the story, emphasizing the enduring power of mythological storytelling in the world of “Game of Thrones.” George R.R. Martin’s rich and intricate world-building has created a tapestry of interconnected myths and legends that have captivated audiences for years.
