What if the Night King Defeated the Living? In the Game of Thrones series, the Night King’s ultimate goal was to destroy humanity and bring an endless night to the world. He nearly achieved this goal during the Battle of Winterfell, where he and his army of White Walkers came perilously close to wiping out all of humanity. If the Night King had emerged victorious, Westeros would have been plunged into darkness and despair. The surviving characters would have had to live under the Night King’s rule, or face certain death. The legacy of humanity would have been in jeopardy, with the Night King’s reign of terror threatening to erase all traces of human civilization.
The Night King’s Victory: A Brief Recap
The Night King, a powerful and menacing figure in the Game of Thrones universe, possesses a range of abilities that make him a formidable force. He has the power to raise the dead and control them, creating an army of the undead that he can command at will. This ability makes him a significant threat to humanity, as he can use his army to wage war and wreak havoc on the living. In addition, the Night King has been shown to have the ability to destroy humanity, as seen in his relentless pursuit to eradicate all life in Westeros. These abilities make the Night King a truly terrifying antagonist in the world of Game of Thrones.
The Battle of Winterfell was a pivotal moment in the story of Game of Thrones, as it marked the epic confrontation between the living and the dead. The Night King’s defeat was significant because it brought an end to the existential threat posed by the White Walkers and their army of the dead. This victory not only saved the characters at Winterfell, but also had far-reaching implications for the rest of Westeros. It shifted the balance of power and set the stage for the final battles for the Iron Throne. Additionally, the Battle of Winterfell showcased the bravery and sacrifice of the characters, as well as their ability to unite against a common enemy.
If the Night King had won the battle, it’s likely that he would have continued his march south, bringing his army of the dead with him. The Night King’s ultimate goal was to wipe out all of humanity and spread eternal darkness across the world. It’s possible that he would have targeted major cities and strongholds, such as King’s Landing, in an effort to eliminate any remaining resistance. The surviving characters would have been forced to retreat and regroup, potentially seeking refuge in other regions or even across the Narrow Sea. The Night King’s victory would have plunged the world into a never-ending winter, with the threat of the White Walkers and their army hanging over humanity’s head.
The Immediate Consequences of the Night King’s Victory
The Fall of Westeros’ Major Kingdoms:
The White Walkers would likely take control of the North by overpowering the Night’s Watch and other defenses, potentially turning the Stark stronghold of Winterfell into their new capital. As for the South, the destruction of King’s Landing and the devastation of the Seven Kingdoms would have significant consequences for key characters. Cersei, Daenerys, Jon Snow, and others would likely face difficult choices and confrontations as they navigate the aftermath of such a catastrophic event.
The Fate of Key Characters:
Well, it’s all just speculation at this point, but it’s certainly interesting to think about the potential fates of these beloved characters. As for Jon Snow, it’s possible he could become a part of the Night King’s army if he were to perish, but it’s also possible he could play a crucial role in leading a resistance against the Night King. As for Daenerys Targaryen, Dragon’s fate is uncertain, but she could certainly become a target of the Night King’s forces or lead a last stand against them.
The Night King’s undead army would continue to grow through his ability to raise fallen soldiers, animals, and even dragons. As his forces march through Westeros, the never-ending expansion of the undead army would consume all in its path, posing a formidable threat to the living. With each battle, the Night King’s forces would only continue to swell, making it increasingly difficult for the living to stand against them. The relentless expansion of the undead army would create a sense of impending doom and despair for all of Westeros.
The Long-Term Consequences: A Frozen, Lifeless Westeros
A Frozen Landscape:
The Night King’s connection to winter could potentially result in a permanent winter, leading to crop failures and widespread starvation and freezing among surviving populations. Additionally, once-great cities such as King’s Landing, Oldtown, and Riverrun would likely deteriorate into ruins, leaving the world bleak, lifeless, and eerily silent.
Cultural and Social Collapse:
Without living rulers to carry on their legacies, the major houses of Westeros would likely be wiped out as the undead take over. Their legacy may be forgotten as the focus shifts to survival in a world dominated by the undead. Without rulers or social systems in place, the culture, economy, and governance of Westeros would undergo a significant transformation, likely leading to a loss of civilization as it was once known.
The Impact on the Greater World
The Iron Throne and the End of Dynasties:
The idea of the Iron Throne and the power struggles between the Targaryen dynasty and the Lannister legacy would indeed become irrelevant in a world where the undead have risen and are conquering the living. The symbolic end of these powerful families highlights the shift in focus from political power to the fight for survival against a common enemy. The concept of power becomes meaningless as the remaining living humans band together to combat the undead threat, making the previous power struggles seem insignificant in the face of this new, apocalyptic reality.
The Role of Magic and the Old Gods:
Religions like the Lord of Light, with their belief in the power of magic and prophecies, would likely try to fight back against the Night King’s victory using their mystical abilities. They may interpret the Night King’s rise as a sign of a great impending battle between the forces of light and darkness, and would likely seek to rally their followers and use their powers to combat the threat. As for the ancient powers of the Starks and the Old Gods of the Forest, it is believed that they have a deep connection to the land and the natural world.
Psychological and Philosophical Implications
The Death of Hope:
Living under a world ruled by the undead would undoubtedly take a significant emotional and psychological toll on humanity. The constant fear of being attacked or turned into a member of the undead, the loss of loved ones, and the struggle for survival in a world where hope is scarce would create a sense of despair and hopelessness. The constant struggle against the inevitable would lead to feelings of helplessness and isolation. The lack of a future to look forward to and the absence of any sense of normalcy would have a profound impact on mental well-being. Furthermore, the constant need for vigilance and the trauma of witnessing horrifying events would likely lead to symptoms of PTSD and other mental health issues.
The Tyranny of the Night King:
The Night King can be seen as a symbol of ultimate power due to his merciless and empathetic nature, as well as his unending reign. In contrast, the rulers we’ve seen throughout the series, such as Cersei, Tyrion, and Daenerys, have all demonstrated varying degrees of empathy, mercy, and the capacity for change. Cersei, for example, is known for her ruthless and manipulative nature, while Tyrion has shown a more compassionate and strategic approach to ruling. Daenerys, on the other hand, has struggled with finding a balance between her desire for power and her empathy for the people she rules. These contrasting rulers highlight the complexity of power and leadership in the world of Game of Thrones.
Possible Resurrections or Reversals
There are many potential storylines and theories for how humanity could rise again in the face of the Night King’s reign. One possibility is the emergence of a new hero or the discovery of a magical artifact that could turn the tide in the battle against the White Walkers. Additionally, the return of dragons, such as Drogon, could provide the spark needed to revive hope and play a crucial role in combating the icy threat. Furthermore, forgotten lore, ancient secrets, and hidden prophecies, like the power of the First Men or Valyrian spells, could hold the key to reversing the Night Kings dominion. The ruins of Westeros also offer the potential for new possibilities and solutions to the ongoing struggle.
Conclusion
In a world ruled by the Night King, Westeros would become a bleak and frozen landscape, devoid of life and warmth. The dead would roam freely, spreading fear and death wherever they go. Humanity would be on the brink of extinction, with little hope for survival. The defeat of the living would indeed signify the ultimate failure of humanity, as they would be unable to overcome the ultimate threat to their existence. However, there could still be a glimmer of hope for the future, as long as a few survivors remain to carry on the legacy of the living and fight for a better tomorrow. As we ponder the potential outcome of the Night King’s victory, we are left to wonder how the story of Westeros might have been forever altered.