The Strategic Reasoning Behind Leaving the Wildlings North of the Wall

Selecting the exact moment when the Wall of Ice was built can be a daunting task, given the fantastical setting of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. According to the show, the Wall was constructed approximately 8,000 years before the events narrated. During this period, the Wildlings, also known as the Free Folk, were left north of the Wall, primarily due to political and strategic considerations.

Geographical and Cultural Separation

The Wall served multiple purposes during the conception and construction. One primary objective was to create a geographical and cultural separation between the Seven Kingdoms and the North. The Wildlings had a distinct culture and way of life that was different from the inhabitants of the Seven Kingdoms. Their northern wilderness homes were seen as a barrier that would protect the realm from external dangers, providing a cultural distinction.

Perceived Threat

At the time of the Wall's construction, the Wildlings were often perceived as a barbaric and chaotic group. The primary threat to the realm was envisioned to be the White Walkers and other supernatural and magical threats. The Night's Watch, tasked with monitoring the Wall and the lands beyond, considered the Wildlings to be a secondary concern compared to the imminent danger posed by the White Walkers.

Strategic Defense

The Wall itself was a powerful defensive structure against the Wildlings and other threats. By keeping the Wildlings on the other side of the Wall, the Night's Watch could focus its resources on defending the realm from more significant dangers. This strategic location allowed the Night's Watch to better monitor and counter any potential invasion from the North.

Historical Context

The construction of the Wall was part of a larger effort during the reign of King Bran the Builder to unify the realm against external threats. The Wildlings, who had previously inhabited the lands north of the Wall, understood that they would likely remain there due to their established presence and way of life. This historical context highlights the balance between protection and cultural coexistence.

The decision to leave the Wildlings north of the Wall was influenced by a combination of cultural distinctions, strategic military considerations, and a historical context that prioritized protection from more immediate threats. However, the legends and myths surrounding this period are vast, and it is possible that a small group of Wildlings may have been unaware of the construction due to their nomadic lifestyle and the vastness of the North.

Conclusion

While the legends surrounding the construction of the Wall are rich with detail, much of the historical accuracy of these events remains unknown. The strategic decision to leave the Wildlings north of the Wall was a complex one, influenced by both the need for protection and the cultural distinctions between the inhabitants of the Seven Kingdoms and the northern free peoples. This strategic placement has left a lasting impact on the narrative and history of Westeros.

Keywords: Wildlings, Wall of Ice, Game of Thrones