If the Night King Suddenly Appeared in Greenland in 2021: A Threat in the Modern World?

Imagine a scenario where the legendary Night King from A Song of Ice and Fire and the Game of Thrones universe suddenly appeared in Greenland in 2021. How much of a threat would he pose? The answer depends on a variety of factors, particularly the presence of an army and the capabilities the modern world possesses.

Capabilities of the Modern Military

With the large reserves of obsidian available on Earth, the modern military would have the resources to develop weapons far more advanced than any Valyrian Steel possessed by the Night King. Obsidian can be used to create sharp, effective weapons, and the use of firearms designed to fire obsidian projectiles would pose a significant threat to any wight or the Night King himself. Additionally, the potential use of flamethrowers to combat his fire magic would make him a formidable but not unmanageable adversary.

Modern Military Confidence vs. Skepticism

Despite the Night King’s apparent invincibility, soldiers armed with these highly advanced weapons would likely be confident in their ability to defeat him. However, the absence of an army would render him largely ineffective, as shown in past battles against Jon Snow. Therefore, the Night King’s only real threat would lie in the composition and number of his wight army.

Even with an army, the modern military would easily defeat the Night King. The infrastructure and technology of the modern world, coupled with the advanced military strategies and weaponry, would ensure that any army of the dead would be swiftly overcome.

Historical Precedents: COVID-19

The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a poignant reminder of human nature’s tendency to downplay threats that do not seem immediate or personal. Many initially dismissed the virus as a mere scare tactic, similar to how some might have underestimated the Night King and the White Walkers. However, it quickly became apparent that the underestimation had severe consequences. The world is still grappling with the ongoing impact of the pandemic, despite the unprecedented measures taken.

Unwillingness to Take Action

Worryingly, the response to the hypothetical Night King would likely be influenced by the same human tendencies exhibited during the COVID-19 pandemic. As suggested in the quote above, there would be a significant period of skepticism and disbelief before the world would take the threat seriously. Several factors could contribute to this delay:

Time before acknowledgment: It might take a considerable amount of time for the world to believe the threat is real, especially when faced with a potent enemy like the Night King. This delay could allow the army of the dead to advance further.

Involvement of nuclear powers: It is unlikely that nuclear-armed nations would get involved until the threat becomes overwhelming. By then, it might be too late to stop it.

Lockdowns and self-protection: Many countries might opt to close borders and protect their own citizens, buying themselves time to prepare.

Denial and inaction: A significant portion of the population might continue to live their lives, believing that their government will handle the situation. Others might choose to ignore the threat due to a lack of immediate danger to themselves.

Privilege and isolation: Individuals with resources and means to leave Earth might prioritize their own safety over the collective threat, leading to a fragmented global response.

Global Cooperation vs. Human Nature

The Game of Thrones series and the works of George R.R. Martin emphasize the importance of cooperation and unity in the face of an existential threat. Jon Snow, Aegon Targaryen, and other characters demonstrate that working together is essential for survival. However, the real world suggests that human nature often leads to inaction, denial, and skepticism, as evidenced by the ongoing struggles with climate change and other global issues.

Just as with COVID-19, global warming, and cancer, humans tend to underreact to potential threats until they become undeniable and immediate. Only then do we rally together to address the issue, often at the cost of significant life and economic loss. This pattern highlights the importance of proactive measures, constant vigilance, and global cooperation in facing potential threats.

In conclusion, the Night King and the Army of the Dead would pose a significant threat, but the response and outcome would depend on human behavior, global cooperation, and the timeline of events. The journey to confronting such a threat could be long and fraught with challenges that could result in disastrous consequences if not addressed promptly.