In the vast, mysterious world of Game of Thrones, few beings are as enigmatic and awe-inspiring as the Children of the Forest. Long before the Targaryens, the Starks, or even the First Men walked Westeros, the Children lived in harmony with the land, guided by powerful magic and ancient beliefs. But what were the ancient traditions of the Children of the Forest, and why do they still echo through Westerosi culture today? In this article, we journey deep into the forgotten past to uncover their spiritual practices, sacred rituals, and the profound legacy they left behind—revealing a hidden chapter of history that shaped the realm we know.
In the vast, mysterious world of Game of Thrones, few beings are as enigmatic and awe-inspiring as the Children of the Forest. Long before the Targaryens, the Starks, or even the First Men walked Westeros, the Children lived in harmony with the land, guided by powerful magic and ancient beliefs. But what were the ancient traditions of the Children of the Forest, and why do they still echo through Westerosi culture today? In this article, we journey deep into the forgotten past to uncover their spiritual practices, sacred rituals, and the profound legacy they left behind—revealing a hidden chapter of history that shaped the realm we know.
Who Were the Children of the Forest?
The Children of the Forest were the original inhabitants of Westeros, living thousands of years before the First Men arrived. They were small, elusive, and deeply connected to nature. With brown skin, golden eyes, and bark-like features, they were often mistaken for forest spirits.
They didn’t build cities or castles. Instead, they lived in caves and trees, respecting the land and its magic. Their way of life was peaceful—until the First Men came and began cutting down their sacred weirwood trees.
Skilled in magic and known for their deep knowledge of the earth, the Children used powerful spells and ancient wisdom to protect their lands. They were the first to worship the Old Gods and were closely tied to the weirwoods, which they believed held the spirits of nature.
Though now thought extinct, their legacy lives on through the weirwood trees, the greenseers, and the stories passed down through the ages. Understanding who they were is the first step in unlocking the mystery behind the ancient traditions of the Children of the Forest.
The Ancient Traditions of the Children of the Forest
The ancient traditions of the Children of the Forest were deeply rooted in nature, magic, and spiritual balance. Their customs shaped early Westeros and still influence the beliefs of the North today.
Worship of the Old Gods
The Children believed in nameless spirits found in nature. They didn’t pray to human-like gods but to the rivers, trees, and stones. The weirwood trees, with their carved faces, were sacred. They believed these trees could see and hear, acting as a link to the Old Gods.
Sacred Weirwood Rituals
Weirwoods weren’t just holy—they were central to daily life. Ceremonies, prayers, and even justice were carried out beneath them. Greenseers, the Children’s spiritual leaders, would sit by the trees to receive visions and wisdom from the past.
Greenseers and Greensight
Greenseers were gifted individuals with the ability called “greensight”—the power to see through time and into dreams. They could enter the minds of animals, see distant places, and speak to the weirwoods. This ability was rare and honored.
Nature Magic and Balance
Magic was not for control but harmony. The Children used spells to protect forests, heal the land, and defend against threats. They believed in keeping the world in balance, never taking more than they needed.
Rites of Passage
Young ones were taught to respect life and listen to the earth. Rituals marked their growth—silent walks in the woods, dream journeys, and learning from the trees. These rites helped them connect to their powers and their place in the world.
Through these traditions, the Children of the Forest lived in deep unity with the land. Though their time has passed, their magic and beliefs live on in the weirwoods—and in the hearts of those who still follow the Old Ways.
The Children’s Impact on Westerosi History
The Children of the Forest may be forgotten by many, but their impact on Westerosi history is deep and lasting. Their traditions, magic, and actions helped shape the world long before the rise of great houses.
War with the First Men
When the First Men arrived, they began clearing forests and building settlements. This led to a brutal war between them and the Children. The conflict lasted for centuries until both sides agreed to a pact—the First Men would stop cutting weirwoods, and peace would follow. This pact became the foundation of early Westerosi culture in the North.
Creation of the Night King
In desperation during the war, the Children used powerful magic to create the first White Walker—the Night King. They intended to protect themselves, but this choice led to future devastation. It shows how their magic could both save and curse the world.
Building the Wall
After the Long Night, the Children worked with the First Men and possibly the early Night’s Watch to raise the Wall. Their magic helped create this massive barrier, protecting the realms of men from the dark powers in the North.
Legacy in the North
Even after their decline, the Children’s beliefs survived. The worship of the Old Gods, sacred weirwoods, and the presence of greenseers like Bran Stark all trace back to their influence. Northern houses like the Starks still follow these ancient ways.
The ancient traditions of the Children of the Forest continue to shape Westeros—through its religion, its legends, and the lingering presence of their magic. Their legacy lives on in silence, roots, and snow.
The Children of the Forest in the Game of Thrones TV Series
In the Game of Thrones TV series, the Children of the Forest appear as mystical, ancient beings tied to nature and deep magic. Though their screen time is limited, their role is powerful and meaningful.
First Appearance
The Children are first seen in Season 4 when Leaf, one of their kind, saves Bran Stark from the wights. This moment reveals their ongoing presence and their connection to the Three-Eyed Raven.
Creators of the Night King
In Season 6, Bran sees a vision of the Children creating the Night King. They drive dragonglass into a man’s heart to stop the First Men—but this act unleashes a greater evil. This twist shows how even their ancient magic had unintended consequences.
Guardians of the Three-Eyed Raven
The Children protect the cave of the Three-Eyed Raven. They are loyal to the greenseers and serve as guides for Bran. Leaf sacrifices herself during the wight attack, showing their deep commitment to preserving the old knowledge.
Magic and Mysticism
The series shows the Children using firebombs, symbols, and spells. While simplified from the books, their portrayal highlights their magical nature and their bond with the weirwoods and greenseers.
Legacy Through Bran Stark
Bran inherits their powers—greensight and warging—and becomes the new Three-Eyed Raven. His transformation carries the Children’s legacy into the future of Westeros.
The ancient traditions of the Children of the Forest may be quiet in the show, but their influence is loud. They remind us that the oldest magic still shapes the fate of the realm.
What Can We Learn from the Children of the Forest?
The ancient traditions of the Children of the Forest offer timeless lessons that go beyond fantasy. Their way of life teaches us about balance, respect, and the power of quiet wisdom.
Respect for Nature
The Children lived in harmony with the land. They took only what they needed and protected the forests. In a modern world facing climate challenges, their example reminds us to live more sustainably and respect natural resources.
The Value of Silence and Stillness
Unlike the loud power struggles of Westeros, the Children followed a quiet path. Their strength came from listening—to the trees, to the world, and to each other. We, too, can benefit from slowing down and connecting with what truly matters.
Power Doesn’t Need to Be Loud
Their magic wasn’t flashy—it was deep and unseen. Real strength often lies in subtlety, patience, and inner knowledge. The Children show that lasting power comes from understanding, not domination.
Protecting the Past
They held on to ancient knowledge and passed it on. In a fast-changing world, remembering where we come from—our history, traditions, and values—is vital.
Unity Over Division
Even after conflict with the First Men, the Children chose peace. Their story teaches that healing and cooperation are always possible, even after war.
By studying the ancient traditions of the Children of the Forest, we don’t just explore the lore of Game of Thrones—we uncover lessons that inspire wisdom, balance, and peace in our own lives.
Conclusion
The ancient traditions of the Children of the Forest are more than just myth—they are the spiritual roots of Westeros. From their deep connection to nature and quiet wisdom to their lasting influence on magic, religion, and history, the Children left a legacy that still shapes the world of Game of Thrones.
Though they vanished from sight, their presence lives on in the weirwood trees, the Old Gods, and characters like Bran Stark. By understanding their traditions, we gain a richer view of Westeros—and a deeper appreciation for the forgotten powers that once ruled the land.
The Children of the Forest may have been small, but their story is vast, timeless, 0-and unforgettable.
