Mance Rayder and the Black Gate: A Strategic Advantage or Unknown Path?

The strategic mind of Mance Rayder, the wildling king in A Song of Ice and Fire, often raises questions about his knowledge and utilization of hidden paths and entrances across the Wall. One of the most intriguing wonders is the Black Gate at the Nightfort. Given Mance's intelligence and strategic prowess, could he be familiar with such a hidden entrance, and if so, would he use it?

Potential Knowledge and Use of the Black Gate

Firstly, it is a well-documented trait of Mance Rayder that he is strategic and calculated. In the context of the novel, during a series of complex maneuvers such as scaling a slippery and giant wall, which poses significant risk, it becomes less likely for him to opt for such an approach. Mance would prefer safer and more discreet options.

Furthermore, Mance's ability to navigate terrain and utilize available resources suggests that he would explore safer and less risky means of moving his people south of the Wall. His experience in dealing with the perils of the North would push him towards exploring alternative and concealed routes if such options were available.

Considering all these points, it is plausible that Mance would seek out strategic advantages. The Black Gate, described as a hidden entrance into the Nightfort, could serve as such an advantage. However, this does not necessarily confirm that he actually used it, as it is more in line with his known character to consider such options rather than act on them.

Possibility of Mance's Knowledge of the Black Gate

Some readers speculate that Mance could have previously used the Black Gate, especially as a sworn brother of the Night's Watch. However, given his breaking of his vows, it is unlikely that such knowledge would remain with him. The only person mentioned to know about the existence of the gate is Coldhands, who is also a brother of the Watch and had been killed by wights "a long time ago."

The Nightfort has been closed for 200 years, which means the Black Gate may have faded from living memory. If Coldhands was the last known holder of this knowledge, it is highly unlikely that any details could still be known to Mance, especially considering the passage of time and the events that have transpired.

Dialogue and Memory Placement

Additionally, the dialogue in the books supports the idea that Mance may not be aware of the Black Gate. In the feast at Winterfell, Mance famously told Jon about climbing to the Wall. However, it is also possible that this detail might have been a narrative choice to highlight Mance's strategic nature but does not directly confirm his knowledge of the Black Gate.

The specific mention of the Black Gate in the context of Mance's multi-channel attack on Castle Black remains unconfirmed and highly debatable. Given the historical context and the time passed, it is more reasonable to assume that any knowledge of such a hidden entrance would have passed out of living memory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Black Gate at the Nightfort offers a fascinating strategic advantage, it is more reasonable to assume that Mance Rayder does not know about it. If he did, his character and strategic mind would suggest that he would indeed use such a resource to his advantage. However, the evidence and context from the novel support the idea that the Black Gate, and similar hidden entrances, have likely passed out of living memory by the time of Mance Rayder's activities.