The Role of Locke and Roose Bolton at the Wall in The Last of Us Part II and Game of Thrones

In The Last of Us Part II and the HBO series Game of Thrones, the concept of the Wall is a central theme, representing not just a geographical boundary, but a significant operational and ideological location. This article will explore how Locke and Roose Bolton use the Wall as a crucial element in their respective storylines.

The Last of Us Part II: Locke's Mission on the Wall

Locke is a character who plays a minor but significant role in The Last of Us Part II. Within the narrative of the game and the TV series 'The Last of Us', the Wall symbolizes a location of strategic and operational importance, particularly for the group known as the Fireflies.

Locke is found at the Wall due to his role within the Fireflies. His presence at the Wall is implied through the context of the narrative and the dialogue among the characters. The game does not provide a detailed scene showing someone explicitly sending him there; instead, his position is established through the overarching story and the nature of the Fireflies' missions.

Roose Bolton and the Wall: A Reckoning of Powers

In the world of Game of Thrones, the Wall is a crucial territory that upholds the defense of the Seven Kingdoms. When Roose Bolton discovers that Bran and Rickon Stark are still alive, he sees this as a direct threat to his power and influence in the North. The stakes are high: should the North believe there is a male Stark still alive, Roose's hold on the region would be jeopardized.

Roose Bolton sends Locke to the Wall because it is a place where it is believed Jon Snow, the last male Stark, resides. Locke is offered a significant reward—1000 acres of land—to take care of these 'loose ends.' This is a substantial sum, indicating the importance of this mission and the potential for profit or reward.

Locke's journey to the Wall is part of a broader plot to eliminate the Starks and secure his own power. However, Locke's fate remains uncertain, as he is killed before he can complete his mission. His demise leaves the audience to wonder what might have happened next if he had succeeded.

Key Plot Points in Game of Thrones

The revelation that Bran and Rickon Stark are alive is a pivotal moment in the story. This is first mentioned in the second episode of the fourth season when Theon tells Ramsay about Bran and Rickon. Roose Bolton and Ramsay discuss their need to eliminate the Starks to solidify their control over the North.

Ramsay, disguised as the original Reek, presents the notion that Bran and Rickon might have gone to the Wall because Jon Snow is there. This supposition is based on the assumption that Jon is the last family member they have left, as Robb Stark is dead, Arya is presumed dead, and Sansa is a prisoner of the Lannisters. Jon Snow is seen as a significant threat, given his Stark blood and his leadership qualities.

Roose Bolton, keenly aware of the potential for a northern uprising against the Lannisters, sends Locke to the Wall to eliminate the threat. However, Locke's journey to the Wall is truncated by his untimely death, preventing him from achieving his mission.

Conclusion

In both The Last of Us Part II and Game of Thrones, the Wall serves as a key element in the broader narrative. Locke and Roose Bolton alike recognize the strategic importance of the Wall in their respective story arcs. While one character is tasked with maintaining the operations of the Fireflies within its shadow, the other is driven by the need to eliminate a perceived threat to his power. Their missions at the Wall, though different in nature, underscore the significance of this fictional location in the respective worlds of these games and TV series.

The Wall remains a symbol of both protection and power, a location where strategic decisions can change the course of events. Whether it is the Fireflies' operations or Roose Bolton's quest for power, the Wall serves as a central hub for the narrative tension and conflict in both The Last of Us Part II and Game of Thrones.