Why Howland Reed Won't Join the Battle of Winterfell

The season finale of Game of Thrones has already revealed a portion of the Battle of Winterfell, proving that Howland Reed is not necessary to substantiate Jon Snow’s lineage or support Daenerys’s claim to the Iron Throne. In fact, bringing in a new character at this late stage would be poor writing and detrimental to the overall narrative.

Birthright and Political Claims

Daenerys’s claim to the Iron Throne is not based on birthright but on political maneuvering and the destruction of previous claims. Robert Bolanz broke the Targaryen claim, and Cersei broke the Baratheon claim, establishing a new order where power is taken by force, not birthright. The Targaryens, like Aegon the Conquerer, must secure their position by force rather than inheritance.

Daenerys’s motivations are rooted in her belief in her right to the throne, a belief partially supported by her advisors such as Bran Stark and Samwell Tarly. There is no need to introduce Howland Reed to validate her claim, especially as his presence would be a distraction from the core narrative and character arcs.

The Last Act: Where Is Howland Reed?

During the series finale, we see a significant portion of the Battle of Winterfell. No new characters like Howland Reed are introduced or prominently featured. He is, in fact, a character who could easily be forgotten, having already made his stand against the Night King and his army during the battle that took place in episode 2.

With the gates of Winterfell closed and fighting raging around the outer walls, Howland Reed’s entrance would be blocked. Any attempt to join the Battle of Winterfell now would not only be redundant but would also complicate the ongoing narrative at a crucial turning point in the story.

Continuity and Strategic Positioning

It is highly unlikely that Howland Reed would be called upon to join the Battle of Winterfell at this stage. For continuity reasons, it is more plausible that he has been ordered to hold the Neck, a crucial strategic location between the North and the rest of Westeros.

The Neck is a perfect choke point between the North and the south, providing a formidable barrier with almost impenetrable fortresses like Moat Cailin. This makes it an ideal position for supporting the Starks and protecting the southern flank of the North from any invaders. Additionally, Howland Reed’s forces, the Crannogmen, are experts in poisons, ambushes, and traps, making any southward movement by an attacking army a difficult task.

Security Measures and Past Contributions

House Reed has a long history of securing and supporting the abandoned castles of Moat Cailin. Their effectiveness in fortifying these positions ensures that no one, not even the Night King, can easily move south through the Neck. Notable historical figures like Tywin Lannister and Robb Stark have feared attacks from this direction, further emphasizing the importance of the Neck and the loyal support of House Reed.

Given the strategic importance of the Neck, it is highly probable that Howland Reed has been ordered to hold this position. The Night King, whether aware of the Crannogmen or not, will still need to face them if he decides to move south. Considering Howland Reed’s proven capabilities and strategic importance, it is more likely that he will remain in this crucial position, waiting to challenge any southward movement by the Night King and his forces.