Why Did Samwell Tarly Not Lose Weight at the Wall?
In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, Samwell Tarly's weight serves as a visual representation of his character's journey and struggles. Many readers and viewers have pondered why he did not lose weight after spending time at the Wall, despite the commonly held belief that a high-calorie diet and a sedentary lifestyle would lead to weight gain. This article delves into the complexities of Samwell Tarly's weight journey in Game of Thrones, examining dietary habits, levels of physical activity, psychological factors, and genetic predispositions.
Diets at the Wall
The Night's Watch at the Wall offers limited and often high-calorie food options, which might not be conducive to weight loss. In A Clash of Kings, Samwell Tarly expresses his desire for healthier meals:
If I could fly, I’d be back at Castle Black eating a pork pie. - A Clash of Kings
Despite the available options, the food at Castle Black is described as hearty and filling, making it difficult for Samwell Tarly to lose weight. A blog called The Inn at the Crossroads provides recipes for the food described in the books, emphasizing the thick and hearty nature of the dishes. These meals are designed to sustain the men on the Wall, thus making it challenging for Sam to maintain a lower body weight.
Physical Activity Levels
Samwell Tarly is often portrayed as more of a scholar and is not as involved in the physical tasks of the Night's Watch as his comrades. His role as a steward and later as a maester means that he might not be as physically active as others. While the Wall presents a physically demanding environment, Samwell's involvement in more intellectual pursuits rather than physical labor could contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which is not conducive to weight loss.
Psychological Factors
Samwell Tarly's character is marked by insecurity and emotional struggles. He has experienced bullying and trauma, which could lead to emotional eating rather than weight loss. Some people find comfort in food, and it is likely that Samwell turned to food as a way to cope with his emotional turmoil, rather than focusing on weight management.
Genetic and Body Type Considerations
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to gain weight due to their body type or genetics, which can make it harder for them to lose weight regardless of their surroundings. Samwell Tarly's struggle with weight can be linked to both his character development and his biological makeup, making it a multifaceted issue.
In the books, it is mentioned that Samwell Tarly does lose weight, albeit not as drastically as imagined. This is noted: I think it was in A Dance with Dragons when Jon was informed the Night's Watch didn't have enough supplies to feed the watchers and the wildlings. But Sam was sent to Oldtown Im not so fat as I was before. All those watches and nothing to eat but fruit and fish. Summer Islanders loved fruit and fish. - A Feast for Crows
However, in the show, because it is unrealistic to depict real-time weight loss in the short time frame of the series, Sam's weight is shown to remain largely the same. It is more about how Sam's weight reflects his character's personal journey and the harsh realities of living in a harsh world.
Understanding Samwell Tarly's weight journey helps us gain insight into the complexities of weight management in a fictional setting. It highlights the importance of considering multiple factors, including diet, physical activity, psychological well-being, and genetic predispositions, even in an environment that is fantastical and filled with magic and otherworldly creatures.