Understanding the Strategical and Character-driven Decisions of the White Walkers

In the final season of Game of Thrones, the mysterious and powerful forces of the White Walkers confront the formidable Samwell Tarly in the frozen North. This pivotal encounter raises many questions, chief among them: why did the White Walkers not kill Sam when they first saw him, but instead allowed him to escape? Delving into the depth of this decision provides insights into both the strategic and narrative motivations of the White Walkers.

Samwell Tarly as a Non-Threat

Given the White Walkers' primary goal of converting the living into their army of wights, Samwell Tarly, at that moment in time, did not appear to pose any significant threat. He was on the run and unarmed, representing little risk of being turned into a wight. From a strategic standpoint, it made sense for them to simply ignore Sam, allowing him to flee to ensure continuation of their objective.

The Importance of the Living Army

The White Walkers' focus on battling living beings and converting them into wights reinforces their strategic choice to let Sam escape. If they had killed Sam, he would not have been a potential addition to their army. This decision highlights their meticulous approach to obtaining living beings for their forces, ensuring that only the living can be transformed into wights.

Character Development and Tension

From a narrative perspective, allowing Sam to escape serves a crucial role in his character development and the storyline's tension. This encounter emphasizes the omnipresent threat of the White Walkers while showcasing Sam's resilience and wits in the face of danger. Sam’s survival is a testament to his quick thinking and ability to evade the formidable threat, setting the stage for future developments in his character arc.

The General’s Perspective: Alignment and Contamination

From a hypothetical administrative general's viewpoint, the White Walkers would likely have considered Sam a threat to their purity and unity. If Sam were to join their ranks, it would risk introducing impurities such as his questionable moral compass and questionable behavior. The general would reason, "No way do I want Samwell Tarly serving in the ranks of my army. He would only compromise the perfect essence of our cause."

The Historical Context: The Long Night

The decision to let Sam escape during the Long Night aligns with the same strategic thinking. The White Walkers, conscious of maintaining their perfection, would have realized that Sam's presence could only taint their ranks. Similar to how they avoided contaminating their ranks during the original battle, they allowed him to escape to preserve their army's purity.

Character Flaws Highlighted: Sam’s Disappointing Traits

Samwell Tarly's character flaws and questionable behaviors further explain why the White Walkers chose not to kill him. His inappropriate sexual fixation, neglect of Gilly, and hypocritical behavior all point to a character who could easily undermine their cause. His overeager self-promotion and lack of courage in the face of danger demonstrate a person unsuitable for their ranks. Thus, the White Walkers' decision to let him escape was a strategic choice both for the greater good of their army and to avoid the risk of contamination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the White Walkers' decision to let Samwell Tarly escape during his first encounter with them is a multifaceted choice driven by both tactical and narrative considerations. It underscores the White Walkers' strategic methods, highlights Sam's character development, and demonstrates the White Walkers' commitment to maintaining their army's purity and unity.