Why Jon Snow and His Squad Chose to Walk Beyond the Wall in Game of Thrones

One of the pivotal moments in the final season of Game of Thrones was when Jon Snow and his team ventured beyond the Wall to capture a wight to prove the threat of the White Walkers. One question that often arises is why they opted not to take horses for this critical mission. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this decision and the implications for their journey.

Environmental Challenges

Westeros is known for its diverse and perilous landscapes. The area beyond the Wall is one of the harshest environments in the entire realm. Freezing temperatures, treacherous terrain, and the threat of White Walkers and wights make the region a formidable challenge for any expedition. Horses would not only struggle to navigate these extreme conditions but could also become easy targets.

Stealth and Mobility

Stealth was a crucial element of Jon's mission. The group was tasked with capturing a wight and bringing it back to safety, with the added difficulty of evading the powerful and elusive White Walkers. Walking allowed for more discreet movement, reducing the noise and visual impact, which would be nearly impossible with horses. Horses, being larger and producing more noise, could easily alert the White Walkers to their presence.

Unexpected Circumstances

The mission faced unexpected and drastic changes. An ambush by the White Walkers rapidly altered their plans, requiring them to adapt on the fly. If they had been on horseback, they would have been at a significant disadvantage in terms of quick reaction and maneuverability. The harsh terrain and the presence of wights would have made it even more difficult for them to flee or regroup.

Narrative Choices

From a storytelling perspective, the decision to travel on foot significantly heightened the tension and stakes of the mission. By opting for a more perilous and isolated approach, the narrative could emphasize the extreme danger they were in. This approach also allowed for dramatic moments, such as the intense battle against the wights and the nightmarish arrival of the Night King, making the journey more compelling for the viewers.

Historical Context and Reality

Realistically, the Night's Watch would not have many horses left after the Great Ranging. By this point, their numbers had dwindled, with only around 1,000 men across three of the nineteen castles, with only 600 stationed at Castle Black. The loss of men and horses during this period suggests that the Night's Watch had already faced significant attrition, making the use of horses even less plausible.

Conclusion

While taking horses could have provided a speed advantage, the combination of harsh environmental conditions, the need for stealth, and narrative considerations influenced the decision to go on foot. This choice not only reflects the realities of survival in such a hostile environment but also serves the story's goals of augmenting tension and drama.