Why the Dothraki were Sent to Die in Battle Against the Night King
In HBO's critically acclaimed series Game of Thrones, the militaristic Dothraki are depicted as formidable cavalry fighters. Their inclusion in the battle against the Night King raises several intriguing questions about the strategic choices made by the leading characters, particularly John Snow and Daenerys Targaryen. Here, we explore the reasons behind sending the Dothraki in first and the implications of this decision.
Shock and Awe: The Initial Charge
The Dothraki's reputation as swift, fierce, and highly mobile cavalry is well-documented. By deploying their forces at the beginning of the battle, the goal was to create a “shock and awe” effect. The hope was to rout the Night King's army (including the wights and White Walkers) before they could fully engage the rest of the allied forces.
Testing the Enemy: Gaining Intelligence
Furthermore, sending the Dothraki into battle first allowed the allied forces to assess the capabilities and vulnerabilities of the Night King's army. This initial engagement provided valuable insights into how the undead would respond to different types of combat, enabling the coalition to better prepare for the full-scale assault.
Cavalry Advantage: Disrupting the Enemy Lines
The Dothraki's prowess in open-field combat and their mobility could have proved crucial in disrupting enemy formations. Their cavalry could have potentially broken through the ranks of the wights, creating gaps or disarray that would allow for a more organized and effective subsequent assault by other forces such as the Unsullied and the Northmen.
Desperation and Loss of Hope
As the battle unfolded, it became apparent that the situation was dire. The decision to send the Dothraki in first can also be seen as a desperate maneuver to stave off immediate defeat or to create an opening for other forces to regroup and prepare for a more organized defense. Despite the Dothraki's bravery, the charge ultimately resulted in devastating losses, showcasing the overwhelming power of the Night King's army and foreshadowing the grim outcome of the battle.
The Dothraki's One-Trick Pony
However, some viewers believe the Dothraki's charge was more a reflection of their inherent nature, known as "one-trick ponies." It could be argued that their decision to charge headlong into battle was simply their fighting instinct rather than a strategic choice. This perspective suggests that the Dothraki's charge was a result of their cultural attitude towards warfare rather than a deliberate tactical plan.
Learning Too Late: The Flaws in Strategy
The initial plan seems to have been a hit-and-run charge, utilizing the fire from trebuchets as distraction. However, it appears that the allied forces, particularly Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, made a fundamental error in thinking of the undead as “light infantry.” This flawed assumption reflects the overall strategy that underestimated the unique capabilities of the enemy.
Character Development: The Harsh Reality
From a narrative perspective, the decision to send the Dothraki in first served to highlight their bravery and willingness to fight for their allies. However, it also underscored the grim reality of the battle against the Night King. The devastating losses suffered by the Dothraki charge set a somber tone for the subsequent events, emphasizing the scale of the impending disaster.
In conclusion, the strategic rationale behind sending the Dothraki into battle against the Night King involved exploiting their strengths, but it also exposed the flaws in the overall tactical plan. The Dothraki's fateful charge remains a pivotal moment in the series, illustrating the complexities and challenges of waging war against an unprecedented adversary.