Where Did the Dothraki Go: Their Fate and Adaptation After Winterfell
In the later seasons, particularly Season 8, the Dothraki fought alongside Daenerys in the Battle of Winterfell against the Night King and his army of the dead. Post-battle, their fate remains uncertain as they continue to serve Daenerys. However, the series does not provide a detailed conclusion about their future after the final season's events.
Life After Season 8
After the end of Season 8, the Dothraki were likely to return to their homelands. As nomadic warriors, they were primarily focused on their traditional way of life. Due to the uncertainty and destruction caused by the War of the Five Kings and the events leading up to the Battle of Winterfell, it would be natural for them to return to their own lands. Given their origins, it is plausible that they simply disbanded and went their separate ways.
Comparisons with Other Cultures
The story of the Dothraki parallels that of other cultures throughout history. Much like the Vikings, who started as warriors and eventually transitioned to farming and fishing, the Dothraki would adapt to their new environment. In the case of the Vikings, they slowly integrated into societies, often intermarrying with native women and adopting new lifestyles. Similarly, as noted in the scenario of the Old West, women who were originally prostitutes or mail-order brides found themselves in new circumstances and had to adapt to survive.
Adaptation and Survival
After the abrupt change following the Battle of Winterfell and the subsequent turmoil in Westeros, the Dothraki experienced a significant "sea change" in their way of life. Their traditional way of existence, centered on the grass plains, no longer applied. They were forced to adapt to a completely different environment, one that presented new challenges and opportunities. Without a clear objective to fight for, they were left to focus on day-to-day survival.
It is possible that some Dothraki warriors chose to establish new tribes, maintaining as many old traditions as possible. Others might have blended into the society of Westeros, taking in the native women and adapting to a more sedentary lifestyle. In the absence of a strong leader, it is also plausible that the Dothraki could revert to a more primitive state. Alternatively, they might have found inspiration in the Wildlings, adopting a chaotic yet free way of life. Some might have finally realized they were truly free for the first time, choosing to live their lives according to their own design rather than as a resource for war.
When one has been caught up in a cycle of conflict and destruction for an extended period, the thought of achieving true freedom becomes a deeply tempting prospect. After the catastrophic events of Winterfell, even the most battle-hardened warriors like the Dothraki might begin to question their purpose. Perhaps, for the first time in their lives, they could envision an existence free from the demands of a king or chieftain, where they could enjoy the rare commodity of freedom by designing their own lives and experiences.
From the chaos and destruction, a new chapter for the Dothraki might have opened, one where they finally found the peace and freedom they had once been fighting for. In the end, the Dothraki's fate is as uncertain as the world of Westeros from which they came.