Would Wildfire be Effective Against the Night King?

In the epic world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its adaptation Game of Thrones, the Night King presents an almost insurmountable threat. Dragons and their fire hold a special place, but would another form of flame, specifically wildfire, have any effect on him? This article delves into the mythical and fictional aspects of these weapons to explore the question.

Dragons and the Night King

The Night King, the formidable leader of the White Walkers, has proven his resilience through the destruction of both dragonflights and Dothraki armies. The final showdown in the series saw the Night King reduced to nothing more than ash, thanks to the valiant efforts of Arya Stark and her weapon, Dragon Glass.

When reading between the lines, one cannot help but wonder about the Night King's vulnerability to different forms of fire. Dragonfire, as seen in the riding of dragonflights, often proved sufficient to kill or at least wound the Night King.
However, the question of whether wildfire, a substance that can be traced back to the burning of King's Landing, would have a similar effect remains intriguing. Would it be ineffective, or might it still pose a threat?

Dragons as Unadors

In Game of Thrones, dragons, often referred to as Unadors, are depicted as ferocious creatures that can breathe fire. The show heavily emphasizes the destructive capabilities of both traditional fire and dragonflame. Daenerys Targaryen effortlessly demonstrates her mastery over her dragons, and their flames serve as her primary weapon during critical battles. The question arises, then, as to whether the Night King is similarly immune to these flames or if there are certain conditions or circumstances that would make such a weapon effective.

It is worth noting that the Night King’s resistance to fire might extend beyond ordinary flames. In the scene where Viserion was to face him, Valar Morghulis (all men must die), his dragons burned, but instead of succumbing to the flames, they exhibited a resistance that later turned them to ash. This highlights the distinct nature of the dragons’ flames and their relationship with the Night King.

The Role of Valerian Steel

A stark, a family of significant importance in the story, was crucial in defeating the Night King. According to the lore, only Valerian steel can kill the Night King. It comes as no surprise, given the pivotal role the Starks have played throughout the series. The history of the Valerians and their unique weapon is shrouded in mystery, making it an intriguing element of the story.

The suspicion that the Night King was once a dragon rider adds to the lore and complexity. If he indeed possessed these qualities, it may mean that he could be invulnerable to the fire breathed by other dragons. However, the show and books have rarely shown the Night King to have any discernible weakness, except for Dragon Glass and his possible end through the physical means of Arya Stark.

Fire and Ice: A Parallel

The episode "The Mockingbird" during the seventh season featured an intriguing scene where the Night King was seen walking on fire, seemingly unaffected. This scene suggests that his resistance to fire is significant, and he is capable of handling flames in a way that threatens the living. However, the scene also reveals that fire and ice react in a way that neutralizes each other. If we consider the Night King as a symbol of ice, his presence and existence are inherently contradictory to the warmth and destruction of fire.

Given this, we might conclude that although wildfire has the potential to cause immense destruction, it might not be enough to neutralize the Night King. The show’s depiction of fire and ice as opposing forces, with wildfire being a form of fire, might imply that even its destructive properties are insufficient to harm the Night King, unless the conditions or weapons are in themselves unique.

Interestingly, the wildcard intervention of the Three-Eyed Raven in S08E03, walking on the fire in a cave, once again emphasizes the immense power and ability to surmount even the most formidable of obstacles. This scene adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting that while fire can be destructive, it might not always be effective against the Night King’s immunity.

Conclusion

Whether wildfire would effectively harm the Night King remains a compelling mystery that fans of the series will forever ponder. The series and books have established the Night King’s immunity to fire, but the introduction of unique weapons and elements such as Valar Morghulis and the appearance of wildfire's potential affective scenarios paint a picture of a more complex reality. While the Night King’s resilience stands as a testament to his power, the question of whether fire can truly bring him to his end is a thrilling one for fans.

Stay tuned for more insights into the world of Game of Thrones, and as always, let your imagination and love for the series guide your exploration of these intriguing questions.