The Motivations and Goals of the Army of the Dead in Game of Thrones and ASOIAF

In the realms of Westeros and beyond, the Army of the Dead, also known as the White Walkers, are a formidable and enigmatic force. Their motivations and goals within the narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire and its television adaptation, Game of Thrones, are often shrouded in mystery. This article delves into the key points that elucidate their drive and objectives.

Destruction of Life

The primary motivation of the White Walkers is a desire to extinguish all life. The Night King, leading the army, symbolizes death and chaos, with the propagating of eternal winter as their ultimate goal. This destruction is not just a wanton act but a fundamental aspect of their nature. Their presence in the story frames the conflict as one between life and death, raising important thematic questions about the existence and inevitability of mortality.

Breaking the Wall

The Wall stands as a barrier between the living and the dead, serving as a last line of defense against the Army of the Dead. By breaking through this wall, the White Walkers aim to invade the lands of the living. This makes the Wall more than just a physical defensive structure; it represents the realm of the living and the White Walkers' desire to claim dominion over it. This invasion is not only a tactical move but a symbolic act of reasserting their dominance over the living world.

Revenge and Retribution

Their motives may also be rooted in revenge against humanity. Some theories suggest that the White Walkers were created by the Children of the Forest as a response to the invasion by the First Men. This suggests that the White Walkers' actions might be driven by a sense of retaliation for past transgressions. This could imply a deeper, perhaps instinctual drive to reclaim the world from those who wronged them. Their actions might not be based on traditional motivations like conquest or power but rather on a programmed purpose to spread death and darkness. This adds another layer of complexity to their character, hinting at a history of conflict that drives them.

Nature of Undeath

The undead within the narrative are often depicted as lacking personal desires or motivations in the way living beings do. Their actions might not be based on traditional motivations like conquest or power but rather on a programmed purpose to spread death and darkness. This state of being further complicates their motivations, as their actions can be seen as almost mechanical, devoid of traditional human drives. This portrayal adds a layer of mysterious and almost Otherworldly quality to the White Walkers.

The Cycle of Life and Death

Thematically, the conflict between the living and the dead symbolizes larger motifs of life and death, reflecting the cyclical nature of existence. The Army Of the Dead's advance could represent the inevitability of death, a natural aspect of life that all living beings must face. This narrative draw connects the White Walkers to broader philosophical questions about the nature of existence and the ultimate end of all life.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the motivations of the Army of the Dead are complex and multi-layered. They reflect themes of death, revenge, and the natural order. Their desire to conquer Westeros and break through the Wall is about more than territory—it's about fulfilling their role as agents of death in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. The true depth of their motivations remains largely unexplored, leaving room for interpretation and speculation. Whether fueled by a desire for revenge, a natural programming, or the inevitability of death, the Army of the Dead continue to loom over the narrative with their enigmatic presence.