Understanding the Role of Magic in Game of Thrones: The Case of Wights and the Wall

Game of Thrones, renowned for its intricate narrative and mythical elements, has often raised questions about the nature of magic and its implications across the series. One such intriguing topic is the behavior of White Walkers and wights in relation to the Wall, a key magical barrier in Westeros. This article delves into the mystery surrounding these supernatural beings and their interactions with the magic of the Wall, addressing specific episodes and scenes that have puzzled fans.

The Controversial Episode: S7 E06 – Revisiting the Magic of the Wall

The Wall, a formidable construct in Game of Thrones, serves as a boundary between the known world (Westeros) and the dangers beyond. It is supposed to be a barrier that keeps the White Walkers and wights at bay. This raises the question: if the Wall has an inherent magical barrier, why were wights able to cross it and cause trouble in S7 E06?

Alvin Zhang is on to something with his theory that suggests Daenerys Targaryen flew the wight over the magic barrier of the Wall. This theory aligns with the show's portrayal of the magic that is woven into the Wall. The magic of the Wall is selective in its nature, preventing the physical crossing of White Walkers and wights, but it does not entirely stop their magic from affecting the world.

The Magic of the Wall: An Inherently Selective Barrier

The Wall, constructed with the help of the Children of the Forest, is enshrouded in a layer of magic. This magic primarily serves to prevent the physical crossing of the White Walkers and wights. Meaning, while the Wall acts as an impervious barrier to these entities, it does not hold back the magic associated with them. This selective nature of the wall's magic has been demonstrated in various episodes of the series, including S7 E06.

In S7 E06, the wight was brought through the Wight's own magic, a detail that gained considerable attention from fans and critics alike. This means that the wight, an entity powered by a form of dark magic, used its own magical abilities to bypass the physical barrier. This theory suggests that the magic of the Wall is less about physical containment and more about a form of concession to the supernatural powers of the White Walkers and wights.

Additional Examples and Theories

It is not the first time that this phenomenon has been observed in the show. In Season 1, when the Night's Watch brought wights through the Wall, the people brought through the wall were "dead" and only raised after they crossed the barrier. This further reinforces the idea that the magic of the Wall prevents the crossing of the physical entities but not the magical effects they bring with them.

Another instance where this magical barrier's selective nature was observed was in the series earlier seasons, when the Night's Watch managed to bring a couple of wights inside Castle Black. These occurrences suggest that the magical barrier, while effective against the physical crossing, allows for magical entities to transcend the Wall in certain ways.

Conclusion: Navigating the Complexities of Witchery and Warding

Understanding the role of magic in Game of Thrones, particularly in relation to the Wall and the White Walkers and wights, requires a nuanced approach. The magic of the Wall, with its selective nature, demonstrates the intricate and often conflicting forces at play within the show's magical world. The ability of wights to cross the Wall through their own magic highlights the complex interplay between the magical and the physical realms, presenting a fascinating area for analysis and discussion among fans and scholars of the series.

The queries and theories surrounding these phenomena contribute to the rich tapestry of the show, enriching the experience for viewers and deepening their engagement with the narrative. Further exploration of these topics can provide deeper insights into the magical constructs that govern the world of Game of Thrones, such as the Wall and the magic aimed at keeping the White Walkers at bay.

Keywords: Game of Thrones, Wall, White Walkers, Wights, Magic