The White Walkers and the Dragon: Unraveling the Mysteries of Season 7, Episode 6 of Game of Thrones

Introduction

Season 7, Episode 6 of Game of Thrones introduces a chilling scene where the Night King and his forces move under the frozen glacier to retrieve their fallen dragon, Viserion. This episode prompts several questions about the capabilities and equipment of the White Walkers. In this article, we will delve into the possibilities surrounding their chain and speculate on the logistics of their underwater operations during this harrowing mission.

Logistics of the Chain Operations

The White Walkers' device to retrieve Viserion is a formidable chain. The origin and purpose of this chain remain largely mysterious, leading to much speculation among fans. One plausible theory is that the chain came from a process reminiscent of the Great Fighting. During the Long Night, the White Walkers may have retrieved a massive scythe from a wall or other fortress, which they later transformed into the intricate chain used in this episode.

The Ice and Its Role

The ice conditions depicted in the episode are somewhat inconsistent, which can be attributed to the creative needs of the scene. In one moment, the ice is portrayed as unstable, cracking and breaking under the sheer weight of the White Walkers and their wights as the Night King advances. However, during the crucial operation to retrieve Viserion, the ice appears to be solid enough to support the chain and the weight of the dragon.

This inconsistency serves the story's progression, demonstrating the fluid nature of the White Walkers' power and the flexibility of fantasy storytelling. Despite the apparent realism of ice melting under great pressure, the show's narrative prioritizes dramatic tension over scientific accuracy, allowing for a more engaging and impactful scene.

Mystery of the Giant White Walker

A lesser-known detail adds to the intrigue: the presence of a massive White Walker. In the episode, a Giant White Walker is seen assisting in the operation. This giant does not appear to be a swimmer, yet he manages to handle tasks typically requiring water to be navigated. Previous scenes show this giant walking into water without difficulty, raising questions about the extent of his capabilities.

In Season 6 Episode 4, Jon Snow and his crew attempted to escape from the Wildings. Notably, the last giant did not attempt to swim but rather walked through water to rejoin the group. Similarly, in Season 7 Episode 1, the Night King and his army are shown marching south, with the giant at their side. These scenes suggest that the White Walkers are capable of adapting to different terrains and can operate efficiently in various environments.

The Underwater Operations

The retrieval of Viserion involves the transmission of a chain, which raises the question of how the White Walkers can handle aquatic tasks without swimming. One theory is that they use the chain as a tool to navigate through water. They could position the chain in the water, allow it to sink to the bottom, and then use it to climb back up while handling the dragon.

Additionally, the Night King's requirement to touch the dragon for resurrection raises further skepticism. Given the White Walkers' apparent mastery over the dead, it is plausible that they can perform such tasks without direct contact. In the opening scene of Hardhome, the Night King demonstrated the ability to raise the dead with a mere arm lift, indicating the extent of their magical powers.

In conclusion, the mysteries surrounding the White Walkers' chain and underwater operations add depth to the mythology of Game of Thrones. While certain details may be left unexplained, the show's imaginative and flexible storytelling approach ensures that fans continue to ponder and speculate about the intricacies of this compelling universe.