The Challenges of Unification in Westeros: Lessons from Daenerys Targaryen and the White Walkers

The question of whether Daenerys Targaryen will be able to unify Westeros after the war with the White Walkers has long been a topic of debate among Game of Thrones enthusiasts. The Targaryens once united the Seven Kingdoms through their dragons and their fear-inspiring presence. However, Daenerys now finds herself at a severe disadvantage without dragons and an heir, and with her enemies and allies alike having been weakened.

The Current State of Westeros

Daenerys Targaryen, with her dwindling dragons and a mostly destroyed army, faces a daunting task. Her remaining allies, including the Tyrells, Martells, and Greyjoys, have either been eliminated or rendered ineffective. In stark contrast, Jon Snow, who now rules as King in the North, has a stronger claim to the throne. Without dragons, heirs, and a crumbling claim to the throne, Daenerys seems ill-equipped to unify Westeros.

Signs of Unification Amidst the Apocalypse

One might argue that unified resistance against the White Walkers would inevitably push the fractured Seven Kingdoms to band together, regardless of their will. Archways to the past suggest that the White Walkers' slow progression may give them the resolve to unite. This suggests that the dire circumstances brought on by the White Walkers could indeed compel Westerosi to put aside their differences and join forces against a common enemy.

However, and as another pointed out, the likelihood of unification is extremely low. The White Walkers are taking their time, possibly because every day they wait means more time for the southern realms to succumb to internecine conflict. Jon Snow’s experience—the wildlings, the Wall, and the betrayal at Hardhome—exemplifies the chaos and isolation this brings.

The Iron Trap: The Key to Unification

Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen may possess the traits to unite Westeros, but the reality of their situations suggests otherwise. Jon, the newly crowned King in the North, and a cunning political mind like Littlefinger, may not be enough to bring the warring factions together. Daenerys's army of hypocritical slave warriors would likely further complicate the situation.

People like Bran Stark may bring a new perspective to the conflict, potentially equipping the living to combat the wights. However, this possibility remains speculative. The warging ability and its applications to fight the White Walkers are uncertain and untested in the context of the current threat.

Conclusion

While it is theoretically possible that unification under the threat of the White Walkers might force the Seven Kingdoms to come together, the current state of Westeros and the various enmities and power struggles suggest that this is far from a certainty. The capabilities of key figures like Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Bran Stark offer glimmers of hope, but the path to unification is fraught with challenges and uncertainties.