For centuries, the legends of Westeros have whispered of ancient evils, forgotten powers, and chilling prophecies buried beneath layers of time and snow. At the center of these eerie tales stands the Night King—a figure not only of terror but of mythic resonance. The connection between the Night King’s actions and the ancient mythologies of Westeros is more than coincidence; it is a deliberate echo of the realm’s oldest stories, woven into his every step and strike. This article explores how his rise, tactics, and ultimate purpose mirror age-old legends, revealing a deeper, often overlooked meaning behind his cold march toward the living.
The Mythic Foundations of Westeros
Mythology in Westeros is a rich and complex tapestry that plays a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the land. The legends of the First Men, the Children of the Forest, and the Long Night are deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of the people of Westeros. The First Men are believed to be the original human inhabitants of Westeros, who migrated from the eastern continent of Essos. Their interactions with the Children of the Forest, a mysterious and magical non-human race, are a central part of Westerosi mythology. The Children are said to have lived in harmony with the land and its creatures, using their powerful nature magic to shape the world around them.
The Creation of the Night King: A Mythological Perspective
In the world of Game of Thrones, the Night King is a legendary figure who was created by the Children of the Forest, a mysterious and ancient race. According to the show’s mythology, the Children created the Night King by using a shard of dragonglass to pierce the heart of a captured First Man, transforming him into the Night King. This act was a desperate attempt to defend themselves against the invading First Men, but it ultimately led to the creation of a powerful and malevolent force that threatened all of humanity. The origins of the Night King draw inspiration from various real-world mythologies, particularly those surrounding frozen death gods, ice demons, and cursed kings.
The Long Night: A Legendary Precedent for the Night King’s Actions
The Long Night is a legendary event in the history of Westeros where a winter that lasted for generations brought about a time of darkness and terror, as the White Walkers and their army of the dead descended upon the land. According to the prophecy of Azor Ahai, a hero wielding a flaming sword called Lightbringer would be reborn amidst salt and smoke to defeat the darkness and save humanity. The return of the Night King and his army of the dead in the present time mirrors the ancient catastrophe of the Long Night, as once again, Westeros is faced with the threat of endless winter and the impending doom brought by the White Walkers.
The Night King as a Mythic Figure of Doom and Ice
The Night King embodies the themes of death, cold, and inevitable destruction commonly found in mythology. He can be compared to legendary figures like the Norse frost giants, who bring about a harsh and unforgiving winter, and the Slavic Morozko, a personification of frost and cold. In various cultures, there are also figures who bring about death and destruction, serving as a reminder of the impermanence of life. The symbolic contrast between the Night King and fire-based myths like Azor Ahai further emphasizes his role as a bringer of death and cold. While fire is often associated with life, warmth, and renewal, the Night King represents the opposite, embodying the harshness and finality of death.
The Night King’s Army and the Myth of the Undead
The wights are a terrifying element of folklore and undead myths that have been depicted in various cultures throughout history. In Westeros, different cultures interpret the Night King’s army in different ways, with some viewing them as a symbol of impending doom and others seeing them as a tangible threat to their survival. The idea of an unrelenting, soulless force reflects humanity’s deepest fears of an unstoppable and malevolent entity that seeks to destroy all in its path. This concept has been a recurring theme in many cultures and has been used to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the fear of the unknown.
The Wall as a Mythic Barrier Against the Supernatural
The concept of a wall as a boundary between civilization and chaos is not only a physical one, but also a symbolic one that has been depicted in ancient myths and legends. Many ancient cultures had stories of great barriers that were built to keep out evil forces, such as Hadrian’s Wall in Britain, the Great Wall of China, or supernatural barriers in various legends. In the popular television show “Game of Thrones,” the Wall plays a crucial role in containing the Night King and his army of White Walkers. This concept of a great wall serving as a defense against a powerful and malevolent force is reminiscent of the legendary defenses found in ancient myths and tales.
The Night King’s Downfall and the End of a Mythic Cycle
The defeat of the Night King in Game of Thrones can be seen as a reflection of the familiar mythological trope of a prophesied savior overcoming an ancient evil. This motif is a recurring theme in many mythologies and legends throughout history. The Night King’s demise can be interpreted as the end of an era, much like the overthrowing of mythological gods or demons in various cultures. As for whether the Night King’s defeat suggests an end to the myth or the emergence of a new legend, that ultimately depends on the direction the story takes in the future. It’s possible that the defeat of the Night King could lead to the rise of a new hero or the continuation of the existing myth in a different form.
Conclusion
The connection between the Night King’s actions and the ancient mythologies of Westeros in Game of Thrones. These myths play a significant role in shaping the history and reality of the world of Westeros, influencing the beliefs and actions of its inhabitants. The idea of a never-ending cycle of myth and rebirth is prevalent throughout the series, and the Night King’s existence could potentially be part of this larger cycle. Reflecting on how myths influence the perception of history and reality in Game of Thrones prompts us to consider the impact of storytelling and folklore on the characters’ understanding of their world.
