Why Are People in Westeros So Unaware of the White Walkers?

The world of Westeros, as depicted in A Song of Ice and Fire and its adaptation Game of Thrones, offers a fascinating exploration of human psychology and society's response to existential threats. One of the most intriguing aspects is the obliviousness of many characters towards the greatest peril they face: the White Walkers. This article delves into the reasons behind this pervasive ignorance and how these factors contribute to the plot's tension and ultimate conflict.

Historical Amnesia

The ancient tales of the White Walkers serve as a prime example of how history can be distorted through time and cultural evolution. For many inhabitants of the Seven Kingdoms, the fear of these frosty foes was a myth, a distant memory from the Long Night—thousands of years ago. As the stories of the White Walkers faded into mythology, often overshadowed by the wonders of the Age of explorers and unprecedented peace, doubts about their existence grew.

Political Conflicts

Amid the chaos and political intrigue surrounding the War of the Five Kings and the various battles for the Iron Throne, it's easy to understand why the imperative of gaining and maintaining power would distract both the ruling classes and their subjects from the looming threat of the White Walkers. Life and survival take precedence over distant and abstract dangers, especially when the fate of civilization hangs in the balance.

Isolation of the North

The North, with its rugged terrain and close-knit communities, faces a unique challenge in maintaining awareness of the White Walkers. The region's geographical and cultural isolation makes it an enclave of stark contrasts compared to the warmer and more prosperous South. The people of King's Landing, accustomed to the opulence and relative safety of the south, are blissfully unaware of the harsh realities faced in the North, leading to a significant disconnect in their perception of the White Walkers' threat.

Skepticism and Denial

The skepticism shown by many characters towards the existence of the White Walkers, particularly by Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly, exemplifies the powerful force of denial and its psychological roots. These characters attempt repeatedly to warn others about the impending danger but often meet with skepticism. The human tendency to discount extraordinary or unproven threats is well-documented, and in the context of Westeros, it allows for the progression of the narrative, stripping away the illusions of safety one by one.

Cultural Differences

The diverse regions of Westeros each have unique beliefs and priorities that shape their perspective on the threats they face. The South, with its focus on wealth, power, and luxury, tends to downplay supernatural or distant dangers. In contrast, the North, with its harsh climate and the necessity for survival, adopts a more pragmatic and skeptical viewpoint. This cultural divide further exacerbated the disconnection between those who were aware of the impending threat and those who remained oblivious.

Lack of Evidence

Before the pivotal turn of events, there is little concrete evidence of the White Walkers' return, save for the increasingly faded memory of the Night's Watch and their weakening state. The Night's Watch, originally a respected and formidable defense force, now appears more as a relic of the past than a badge of security. The decline of their credibility added to the public's skepticism and reinforced the belief that the White Walkers were mere legends, destined to remain so.

In conclusion, the obliviousness of the characters in Game of Thrones toward the White Walkers is a complex interplay of historical memory, political distraction, regional isolation, human denial, and cultural differences. This collective amnesia exacerbates the story's narrative tension, creating a society woefully unprepared for a monumental threat. As the White Walkers eventually close in, one can only wonder how much more catastrophic could the consequences be had these forces not converged in such a perfect storm.