The Wall in Game of Thrones is an integral part of the world of Westeros. Alone in the series, it is an important location in the plot that viewers often visit. However, there is more behind the gigantic block of ice than meets the eye.
Early on in the series of Game of Thrones, we learn that Jon Snow wants to join the Night’s Watch on the Wall to prove himself there. Wall
is likely an understatement, as the ice wall is said to be nearly 480 kilometers long and over 200 meters high.
In the series, the Wall is supposed to protect the Seven Kingdoms from the wildlings and other dangers beyond it. However, there is more to the great construct than just a block of ice.
A significantly smaller view of Westeros can be seen in the new series:
An ancestor of the Starks is said to have been involved
Who built the Wall? There is no historical evidence in Westeros, but there is the legend of Brandon, the builder. He is said to have lived in the Age of Heroes (Source: A Wiki of Ice and Fire). This is a time that exists more as a legendary tale and is told by Maesters. Many legendary figures from this era are said to have founded the later houses. Thus, House Stark is believed to have its origin with Brandon.
Together with the Children of the Forest and with the help of giants, Brandon is said to have constructed the Wall. Magic is also believed to have played a role. The Wall was meant to protect the first men from monsters and the White Walkers.
It is said to have been built after the Long Night. This was a time in the Age of Heroes when the White Walkers attacked the First Men. After a final battle, the White Walkers were repelled, and the Wall was then constructed to prevent such an invasion from happening again.
What the Wall behind the ice is exactly made of, and whether there is any foundation other than ice, is unclear. However, it can be assumed that magic was an important element in its construction and that it is meant to provide extra protection against monsters.
Once, Queen Alysanne Targaryen tried to fly over the Wall with her dragon Silverwing, but the dragon refused (For the historical context: Alysanne died in the year 100 after Aegon’s Conquest, House of the Dragon takes place about 120 years after Aegon’s Conquest). In House of the Dragon, Cregan Stark mentions that even the dragon of King Jaehaerys did not want to fly over the Wall (Source: Screen Rant).
Although Daenerys was able to fly over the Wall in the series, it is questionable whether that makes sense in the story, as this part only exists in the series.
No dangers led to neglect
What happened to the Night’s Watch? Even in Game of Thrones (about 300 years after Aegon’s Conquest), it is seen that the Night’s Watch is no longer as grand and epic as described in the legend. As all of this is said to have happened thousands of years ago and exists only as a legend, the Night’s Watch has been gradually dismantled over the years, many castles were no longer manned and became ruins.
The once noble job later became more of a punishment for criminals and unwanted individuals. This is evident in the series with Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly. But then a conflict arose with the wildlings and the threat from the White Walkers, and the Night’s Watch became relevant again.
In the defense against the wildlings, the strength of the Wall for protection became evident. If an attacker climbs high, they can be easily repelled, and if they try to get through the tunnels, they require a lot of strength, as these can also collapse (unmanned tunnels were also closed).
In the 5th book A Dance with Dragons (A Dance with Dragons), Jon is made Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and begins to man more castles after the incident with the wildlings who were then let through the Wall.
To find out what role the Wall will play in the future, it seems we will have to wait a little longer. A Dance with Dragons was released in 2011 and has not yet been continued. At least fans can look forward to some series: For 14 years, fans have been waiting for the continuation of Game of Thrones, instead of a new novel, there will be new series in 2026
