How were the White Walkers created?
The White Walkers, a supernatural force from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its television adaptation Game of Thrones, have captured the imagination of audiences worldwide with their mysterious nature and relentless pursuit of destruction. While the author has not explicitly confirmed any specific sources of inspiration for these enigmatic beings, several myths, legends, and historical groups from various cultures may have influenced their creation. This essay will delve deeper into the origins of the White Walkers and compare them to some of their mythological inspirations, focusing on their motivations and the shared themes that emerge from these comparisons. By examining the White Walkers and their counterparts across cultures, we can gain a deeper understanding of the universal fears and concerns that have shaped human societies throughout history.
In the world of Westeros, the White Walkers are an ancient race of ice creatures that first appeared during a period of darkness and extreme cold known as "The Long Night." According to the show's adaptation, they were created by the Children of the Forest as a weapon against the First Men who invaded Westeros. However, the White Walkers soon turned against their creators, threatening all life on the continent. Their primary motivation appears to be the destruction of humanity and the creation of an endless winter.
The Wild Hunt: Origins and Motivations
The Wild Hunt's origins are rooted in various European mythologies, with its leader varying depending on the region and the tale. Its motivation is often unclear, but the Wild Hunt is generally associated with chaos, danger, and the supernatural. It is a manifestation of humanity's fear of wild, uncontrollable forces that can sweep through societies, bringing destruction in their wake.
Celtic Mythology: Sidhe and Aos Sí
The Sidhe and Aos Sí are supernatural beings from Irish and Scottish mythology, thought to inhabit an alternate world called the Otherworld or the realm of the fairies. Their motivations are diverse and often ambiguous. They may be benevolent, malevolent, or simply indifferent to human affairs. The fear that they evoke stems from their otherworldly nature and the potential harm they could inflict upon humanity.
Norse Mythology: Frost Giants and the Fimbulwinter
In Norse mythology, the frost giants (jötnar) are ancient enemies of the gods, often associated with the destructive forces of winter and ice. They represent chaos and natural disasters, opposing the order maintained by the gods. The Fimbulwinter is a great winter that precedes Ragnarok, an apocalyptic event leading to the end of the world. The frost giants' motivations are rooted in their desire for revenge against the gods and the eventual overthrow of the cosmic order.
Wendigo: Origins and Motivations
The Wendigo, a malevolent spirit from Algonquin folklore, is associated with winter, ice, and starvation. It is born from humans who resort to cannibalism in times of extreme deprivation. The Wendigo's motivation is to feed on human flesh, growing stronger with each victim it consumes. It embodies the fear of scarcity and the terrible acts people may commit in the face of desperation.
Shared Themes and Anthropological Insights
Creation and Rebellion: Both the White Walkers and the frost giants were created by other beings (the Children of the Forest and the gods, respectively) and eventually turned against their creators. This theme represents humanity's fear of its creations spiraling out of control, as well as the potential consequences of meddling with powerful forces beyond our understanding.
The Cycle of Destruction and Renewal: The White Walkers and their mythological counterparts, particularly the frost giants and the Fimbulwinter, are often associated with the end of the world or a catastrophic event. However, these apocalyptic events may also lead to a new beginning, as seen in the aftermath of Ragnarok in Norse mythology. This cycle of destruction and renewal reflects humanity's understanding of the cyclical nature of life, death, and the natural world, as well as the potential for rebirth after catastrophe.
The Duality of Nature: The White Walkers and many of their mythological inspirations, such as the Sidhe and Aos Sí, embody the duality of nature. They represent both the beauty and the danger that exists within the natural world. This theme emphasizes the human fascination with and fear of the unpredictable aspects of nature and the powerful forces that govern it.
The Inevitability of Conflict: The White Walkers, the frost giants, and the figures of Gog and Magog all represent an unstoppable force that threatens the very fabric of society and the world. This theme underscores the recurring nature of conflict throughout human history and the fear of an enemy that cannot be reasoned with or easily defeated.
Conclusion
By examining the origins and motivations of the White Walkers and their mythological counterparts, we gain a deeper understanding of the shared themes and anthropological insights that these stories reveal. The White Walkers serve as a powerful symbol of humanity's fears and concerns, uniting us in our shared struggle against the unknown, chaos, and the potential end of the world. By comparing the White Walkers to their mythological inspirations, we can appreciate the complex tapestry of human beliefs and experiences that has shaped our collective imagination and storytelling traditions.
