Why Are the White Walkers Coming Back Now?

In the long winter cycles of Westeros, the White Walkers represent a recurrent cycle of great peril, enveloping the realms in darkness. This article delves into the reasons behind their resurgence, examining the interplay of magic, human conflict, prophecies, and political maneuvers. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the existential threat they pose to Westeros.

Long Winter Cycles

The White Walkers are tied to the concept of long winter cycles that occur every generation. Their reappearance marks a return of this foretold cycle, signaling a dangerous shift that imperils the human realms. Historically, these cycles are believed to bring about a period of harsh winters and significant strife. This recurring pattern has made the White Walkers a constant, albeit unpredictable, threat in Westeros.

Magic and the Wall

The mystical Wall and the enchantments of the Children of the Forest have managed to keep the White Walkers at bay. However, as the storyline progresses, the protective magic of the Wall weakens. This weakening protection allows the White Walkers to cross into the realm of men, resulting in their resurgence. The magical barrier appears to be holding up, but the underlying strength is waning, making it easier for the White Walkers to penetrate.

The Night King

The Night King, a central figure among the White Walkers, has a specific agenda. He seeks to gather strength and raise the dead to create an army. His actions indicate a more organized and aggressive approach in reclaiming the lands of the living. The Night King's resurgence is closely linked with the weakening of the Wall's protective magic, suggesting a coordinated and covert operation that seeks to reassert control over the human realms.

Human Conflict

Internal strife and ongoing wars among the living, such as the struggle for the Iron Throne, distract the kingdoms from the looming threat of the White Walkers. These conflicts consume the regions' resources, attention, and manpower, leaving them vulnerable to the incursions of the White Walkers. The Iron Throne wars, in particular, have left Westeros fragmented and divided, making it easier for the White Walkers to advance.

Prophecy and Destiny

Varying prophecies, including those related to Azor Ahai and the Prince That Was Promised, suggest that the return of the White Walkers is part of a larger narrative arc involving light versus darkness. These prophecies not only foreshadow the arrival of the White Walkers but also indicate a broader struggle between good and evil, with the fate of Westeros hanging in the balance.

The Theories

My theory proposes that a few individuals failed to honor an agreement with the White Walkers, provoking their return. One of the most significant events that may have triggered the White Walkers' reemergence relates to Benjen Stark's journey. At the beginning of the first book, the White Walkers appear for the first time in 8,000 years, implying that a significant event occurred before the start of the narrative.

The most likely event is Robert's Rebellion. During this conflict, Rickard Stark, the head of the Stark family, and Brandon Stark were killed in King's Landing by Aerys II Targaryen. Ned Stark, Brandon's younger brother, then left Winterfell to fight alongside Robert Baratheon and Jon Arryn. With Brandon and Rickard dead, and Lyanna theoretically out of the picture, there was no Stark present at Winterfell to uphold the treaty.

Benjen Stark, the youngest son, was left to lead the remaining Stark forces. If he decided to leave Winterfell, it would have violated the treaty that required a Stark presence to maintain peace. This act of going south to fight in the war could have been interpreted as a breach of the pact between the White Walkers and men. The absence of a direct Stark at Winterfell would have set the stage for the White Walkers' return.

Conclusion

The resurgence of the White Walkers is a complex interplay of magical, political, and cultural factors. Their return poses a significant threat to the realm, and understanding the underlying causes is crucial for survival. Whether it was Benjen Stark's decision to leave or some other unforeseen factor, the White Walkers' reemergence underscores the need for unity and preparedness among the kingdoms of Westeros.