The Impact of the White Walker's Touch on Bran Stark: A Deep Dive into Game of Thrones
In the Game of Thrones series, the touch of a White Walker on Bran Stark's arm in Season 6, Episode 5, marks a crucial turning point. This touch not only reveals Bran's latent greenseer powers but also highlights the intricate plot lines and the theme of the consequences of one's actions.
The Origin of Bran's Powers
Bran Stark, known as the Three-Eyed Raven, possesses the greensight—a unique ability that allows him to see through the eyes of the trees. Unlike his greenseer mentor, Bloodraven, who merely guided him, Bran’s powers come from a natural gift. In the show, this powershiptype is somewhat exaggerated, leading to a moment of plot contrivance when the White Walker touches Bran.
The Touch and Its Consequences
The White Walker's touch leaves a visible mark on Bran, allowing the Night King and his army to breach the protective barrier of the cave where Bran is hiding. This breach leads to a devastating confrontation that results in the death of the Three-Eyed Raven and the destruction of the cave. This event serves to emphasize the theme of the consequences of Bran's powers, showing how his actions in the past can have dire repercussions in the present. The inextricable link between the living and the dead is further highlighted in this episode.
An Analysis of the Touch
While the exact nature of the touch is not fully explained, it can be interpreted as the Night King's ability to detect and counteract Bran's greensight. The Night King seemed to be aware that he was being observed and chose to retaliate with his own magic. This interaction breaks the unwritten rule that the cave was protected from unauthorized intrusions into the Old Gods' realm.
The destruction of the cave can be seen as a result of this broken trust. The Others knew the cave's location, but the magic and the implicit agreement (do not spy on me, and I will not assault you) kept them at bay. This interaction is pivotal as it hints at the future and the potential for conflict as Bran's powers grow and he continues to uncover secrets.
Future Implications and Bloodraven's Knowledge
The touch also raises questions about the extent of Bloodraven's knowledge. Bloodraven seemed to know everything, including the outcome of warging Hodor in the past. This suggests a deeper connection and foreknowledge that hints at a larger conspiracy or prearranged sequence of events. Bloodraven watched Bran grow up through the trees, and he clearly knew that a replacement for Hodor needed to be born. The touch confirms that the forms Bran and Bloodraven inhabit while greenseeing do have physical locality, and that the Night King knew exactly what Bran was doing.
Based on this, it is possible that Bloodraven knew about Bran's existence years before he was born, specifically at the moment Hodor fell. The knowledge of Hodor's fate and the subsequent actions of Bloodraven suggest a timeline where past events influence present outcomes. This knowledge of Bran's existence even at the age of his conception hints at the interconnectedness of events in Westeros, all influenced by Bloodraven's foresight.
Why Bloodraven Cut Down Weirwoods
The head-scratching moment is why the children were upset about the cutting of weirwoods. Cutting down weirwoods would have alerted Bloodraven, and the repercussions could have been dire. Weirwoods are magical gateways to the Old Gods, and their destruction could harm the balance of power in the series. The magic that kept the cave safe from the Night King and kept the Others at bay could be inextricably linked to the protection of the weirwood trees.
In conclusion, the touch by the White Walker on Bran Stark not only demonstrated the complexity of his greensight but also set the stage for the larger plot of Game of Thrones. This event underscores the interconnectedness of past, present, and future, and adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the series as we wait to see how Bran's powers evolve and how they will shape the destiny of Westeros.