Why Were the Ironborn More Successful in Battle Than the Dothraki Despite the Lethality of the Army of the Dead?

One of the most compelling aspects of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones is the intricate and often gruesome battle sequences. Two notable factions, the Ironborn and the Dothraki, provide a fascinating comparison. The primary focus of this article will be to analyze the strategic differences that contributed to the success of the Ironborn in defending their position, compared to the seemingly invincible Dothraki.

The Strategic Differences

Ironborn and the Godswood: The Ironborn were strategically situated in the Godswood, a relatively protected area. This location provided them with an advantage in terms of timing and preparation. By entering this safe zone later in the battle, the Ironborn could regroup and conserve their strength. Moreover, they were supplied with dragonglass arrows, which were effective against the undead Wights. In contrast, the Dothraki were immediately thrust into the path of the Army of the Dead without any protective measures. This placement made them vulnerable and ultimately led to their devastation.

The Unnecessary Sacrifice of the Dothraki

One of the most criticized decisions in the episode was the decision to direct the Dothraki charge directly at the Wights without any preparation. The Dothraki were renowned for their exceptional horseback archery skills, but they were given no effective weapons and no time to prepare. The writers could have utilized the Dothraki’s strengths by providing them with dragonglass arrows and positioning them to disperse the Wights before the main assault. However, rather than strategically thinning the Wights, the Dothraki were merely given as sacrificial lambs. This approach was not only ineffective but also unnecessary, as the danger of the Wights had already been demonstrated in previous battles.

Ironborn Strategy and Success

The Ironborn, on the other hand, were allowed to remain in the Godswood until necessary. This gave them the advantage of being fresh and prepared for a fight. Additionally, they were able to take out the Wights from a distance, one by one, leveraging the numerical advantage of dragonglass weapons. This method of combat, rather than a suicidal charge, allowed the Ironborn to maintain their strength and conserve resources for a more effective defense.

Destiny and Moral Decisions

Another aspect to consider is the role of destiny in the battle. The Ironborn and Dothraki were presented with different roles and destinies. The Dothraki were meant to die a noble death, while the Ironborn were destined to defend Bran Stark and fulfill Theon Greyjoy’s honorable role. Theon, as a Greyjoy warrior, recognized his fate to die valiantly, yet his actions were crucial in buying time for Arya Stark to kill the Night King.

The strategic positioning and weaponry of the Ironborn allowed them to execute their role effectively, while the Dothraki were left to a fate that was less about strategy and more about a predetermined outcome. This highlights the importance of situational awareness and resource allocation in dire situations.

Conclusion

The comparison between the Ironborn and the Dothraki paints a vivid picture of the importance of strategic planning and resource management in a life-or-death scenario. The Ironborn’s approach, characterized by careful positioning and the strategic use of weapons, proved to be a more effective method of defense. The Dothraki, unfortunately, were not afforded the same advantages and were thus less successful in their battle against the Army of the Dead.

This episode not only serves as a highlight of the strategic depth of A Song of Ice and Fire but also as a reflection on the role of destiny in heroic narratives. The complex interplay between strategic decisions and predestined outcomes adds a layer of depth to the series, making it a timeless study of human endeavor and sacrifice.