The Defeat of the Others/White Walkers in A Song of Ice and Fire: Unveiling the Final Battle
Throughout the epic saga of A Song of Ice and Fire, the Night King and his army of Others (or White Walkers) have posed a constant threat to the realms of Westeros and beyond. As the series progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that only Arya Stark holds the key to defeating this formidable enemy. Her ultimate victory sets the stage for the restoration of peace and the commencement of the new dawn.
The Stark's Destiny: Arya's Crucial Role
In a twist that many readers did not expect, it is Arya Stark, rather than the prominent characters such as Jon Snow and Bran Stark, who slays the Night King. In a climactic scene, Arya uses a dragonglass knife to pierce the Night King's heart, vanquishing the last of the Others and wights. This victory ensures the survival of the remaining forces at Winterfell and paves the way for a more subdued but significant defeat of the Others.
Winterfell and Southern Relief Forces play a crucial role in weakening the power of the Others. The combined forces of the Starks, the Southern armies, and the looming presence of the dragons align to kill enough Others and wights, significantly diminishing their threat. This coordinated effort sets the stage for Bran Stark's eventual magical intervention.
Bran's Magical Intervention: Restoring the Seasons
Bran Stark, through the accumulated magical power of the greenseers embedded in the weirwood trees and the “fires beneath the Earth” at Winterfell, launches a powerful spell. This magical intervention aims to throw back the Others, thus bringing about the return of the winter season and restoring the balance of the seasons to normal. The exact details of Bran's plan remain somewhat unclear, but it appears to be a carefully orchestrated effort to stabilize the world.
Theories and Prophecy of Azur Ahai
My theory is that the original Bran the Builder's attempt to fix the seasons failed, leading to the persistent cycles of winter and summer. The Wall, with its woven spells, serves as a safeguard against the full return of the Long Night, a "hinge of magical power," according to Melisandre. This temporary defeat of the Others raises the question of whether it is permanent, though the possibility of the Long Night recurring is not entirely ruled out. Moreover, the prophecy of Azur Ahai may play a significant role in the final chapters, as indicated by its absence in the show but likely inclusion in the books.
The Unforeseen Turn of Events
The battle seems to be lost. The White Walkers have eliminated a substantial portion of the forces, and some minor characters have perished. Just as the Night King is on the verge of finishing Bran Stark off, Samwell Tarly, the bravest and most powerful knight of the Seven Kingdoms, appears before him. Armed with the sword Heartsbane, plucked from the corpse of Jorah Mormont, Samwell's arrival marks a pivotal moment. 'I didn’t want to have to get my hands dirty, but I see now I have no choice,’ Samwell declares. The Night King, underestimating Samwell's immense power, eagerly engages and is swiftly defeated.
Samwell's swift action proves decisive, and he reverts to his meek persona, unnoticed by the others. Through a combination of strategy and sheer determination, Samwell Tarly ensures the ultimate defeat of the White Walkers, marking a new chapter in the ongoing saga of A Song of Ice and Fire.