The Mystery of White Walkers' Communication: Why and How They Interact with Humans

White Walkers, the terror of Westeros, have long captured the imagination of fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series and Game of Thrones. However, one question remains unanswered: do White Walkers even try to communicate with humans? If they do, how do they do it? This article explores these mysteries and the limited evidence we have.

Do White Walkers Communicate with Humans?

According to the lore, White Walkers do not communicate with humans in the traditional sense. They view humans as mere targets, objects to be killed or enslaved. This is a stark contrast to the nuanced interactions seen in the books and the show. It is implied that they use a form of communication for their needs, but how much of it is intentional and how much is a violent, forceful demonstration of their will is still uncertain.

No Uttered Words

As far as reliable evidence suggests, White Walkers do not use any spoken language. Their interactions with humans are marked by icy stares and physical violence. The 'Other' in the show's opening seems to speak in a language unknown to some characters, but the exact nature and purpose of this communication remain ambiguous.

Possible Hand Gestures and Non-verbal Communication

Curiously, there is a scene in the show where a White Walker uses hand signals tocommunicate something. In one instance, a White Walker points at a human and then makes a chopping motion with its hand, only to have the human suddenly fall. This suggests that, at least in dire circumstances, White Walkers might resort to crude hand gestures to convey their intentions. However, it is a far cry from a structured language or communication.

The Sights and Sounds of White Walkers

For communication, White Walkers rely heavily on non-verbal cues such as their chilling energy and the sound they make when they die. When Ser Waymar Royce falls victim to an encounter with the White Walker, he is killed instantly, and his fall is a definitive act of silence. Similarly, when Samwell Tarly decapitates a White Walker, it results in a sharp, icy cry of pain. These sounds serve as a primitive form of communication, signaling the presence of impending danger.

The Old Tongue and the Language of Skroth

The books mention that the White Walkers speak the ancient language known as the Old Tongue. However, its nature and its use remain a mystery. The only example we have is the snippet from Prologue in A Game of Thrones, where an Other says something in a language the protagonist, Will, does not understand. The voice is described as crackling like ice, and the words are mocking. This should not be taken too seriously, as the specific language is not definitive.

On the other hand, Game of Thrones shows White Walkers speaking a language called Skroth. While this has a chilling, icy feel, it is rarely used in dialogue. There is one scene where a White Walker is seen giving commands, but it is unclear whether this is intentional communication or simply a demonstration of their power. Interestingly, the show also includes a scene where a White Walker screeches in pain, another non-verbal form of communication.

Conclusion

White Walkers do not use conventional language to communicate with humans. Their interactions are predominantly violent and based on power and dominance. However, there are hints and occasional gestures that suggest a form of non-verbal or primitive verbal communication. Despite the lack of clear evidence, the intriguing mystery of how White Walkers interact with humans continues to captivate fans and fuel imagination.

External Resources

For more in-depth analysis, you can refer to the following resources:

Analysis of Game of Thrones' Linguistics Interview with George R.R. Martin on White Walkers Game of Thrones Wiki: Communication Methods

Stay tuned for more insights into the world of Westeros and beyond!