Bran the Builder: Unveiling the Secrets of Game of Thrones

In the extensive history of A Song of Ice and Fire, there is one event of great significance. This event had a profound impact on the lives of all individuals in Westeros. Known as the Long Night, it was a mysteriously prolonged winter that allowed the White Walkers, who are undead beings, to invade the continent. This invasion had the potential to annihilate humanity. Fortunately, all living creatures united and successfully fought against the Army of the Dead, emerging as the victors. Following their expulsion, Bran the Builder spearheaded the effort to prevent their return.

A crucial element in any fantasy world is its diversity. The Lord of the Rings takes its protagonists from the peaceful Shire to the majestic realm of Rivendell. Similarly, Westeros encompasses everything from barren deserts to harsh frozen lands, with a multitude of climates in between. The society within Westeros is just as varied as the weather. One of the pleasures of engaging with this franchise is observing the distinctive ways of life, from the bustling King's Landing to the tranquil Vale.

Who is Bran the Builder?

Brandon Stark, the progenitor of House Stark, was the inaugural King in the North. He existed during the Age of Heroes, which was a mythical era preceding the events of the tale. This age commenced after the First Men arrived in Westeros and made peace with the Children of the Forest, the indigenous inhabitants who did not possess a written language. Consequently, many scholars question the authenticity of the events from the Age of Heroes. Within the narrative, the fictional life of Bran the Builder and his contemporaries may be considered a work of fiction within the larger fictional universe. Bran the Builder, resembling a legendary figure akin to Beowulf, does not make an appearance in the story. The lore connected to this character must be interpreted through the unconventional perspective left for tales shared amongst fictional beings. George R. R. Martin once addressed the Age of Heroes, stating:

Whether Brandon the Builder truly existed remains a mystery. He is as far removed from the time of the novels as Noah and Gilgamesh are from our present era.

Bran was born to Brandon of the Bloody Blade, although there is disagreement regarding his parentage. Brandon, his potential father, acquired his gruesome nickname after massacring an immense number of Children of the Forest, resulting in the nearby Blue Lake being renamed Red Lake. Garth Greenhand, the High King of the First Men, is the confirmed father of Brandon and is responsible for fathering numerous Noble Families in Westeros. Consequently, this connection establishes a lineage between Bran the Builder and Houses Gardener, Oakheart, Redwyne, Fossoway, Hightower, and Bulwer, through cousins and half-siblings. Brandon the Builder adopted the name Stark and passed it down to his son, thus initiating a tradition within House Stark to repeatedly use the name Brandon or its variants. The most recent instance of this tradition is observed in the young Bran the Broken.

What did Bran the Builder accomplish?

Bran, known for his expertise in construction, was responsible for the creation of both The Wall and Castle Winterfell. Although it was many generations after his father's reign, the First Men managed to establish a peace treaty with the Children of the Forest. Unfortunately, during a period of war, the Children resorted to dark magic to convert a captured man into a chilling and lifeless creature known as a White Walker. This individual, now known as the Night King, proceeded to amass an Army of the Dead by transforming others. Many years later, this formidable force launched an assault on Westeros. The Long Winter only came to a close when the living emerged victorious in the Battle For the Dawn, successfully forcing the White Walkers to retreat far into the North. In addition to his role as a builder, Bran was accredited with the construction of prominent structures like Storm's End and the Hightower. It was due to this reputation that he was entrusted with the task of constructing The Wall. In order to solicit the assistance of the indigenous people, he devoted himself to mastering their language, known as the True Tongue. By collaborating with them, Bran successfully erected a grand Wall that would remain steadfast for countless millennia. Jon Snow eloquently described it as follows:

Standing almost seven hundred feet tall, it overshadowed the tallest tower in the fortress it protected. According to his uncle, the summit was spacious enough to accommodate a dozen armored knights riding side by side. Perched atop were the bare outlines of massive catapults and colossal wooden cranes, resembling the skeletal remains of mighty birds. In their midst, minuscule figures clad in black scurried about like ants.

Once again, Bran would rely on the giants and the Children of the Forest to construct his grand abode, Castle Winterfell. Winterfell, a stronghold steeped in history, had stood for thousands of years. It served as the seat of power in the North, passed down through countless generations of Bran's descendants. Some believe that it was erected in stages spanning countless millennia. Regardless of its origins, Bran was not alone in creating this impressive structure. Amidst the chaos of war, a band of warriors known as the Night's Watch was formed. They would go on to protect the Wall for countless generations. It is said that Bran ordered a vast expanse of 25 leagues to be designated for their use, a region known as the Gift. This territory was vital for the sustenance and support of the Night's Watch. Though the tales differ, it is widely accepted that Bran the Builder engineered the Wall and established the mechanisms that continue to safeguard it to this day.

Bran the Builder, a legendary figure, is believed to have had real accomplishments that cannot be solely attributed to fiction. Although scarce information exists about his personality, his exceptional ability for construction has endured through time. Brandon Stark, known as the First of his Name, deserves recognition for establishing one of the few truly noble families in Westeros.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am fascinated by the enigmatic figure of Bran the Builder and his pivotal role in shaping the world of Game of Thrones. His legendary exploits, such as the construction of the Wall and Winterfell, stand as enduring testaments to his ingenuity and determination. The fact that his existence remains shrouded in mystery only adds to his allure, making him a subject of endless speculation and debate among fans.

Moreover, Bran's connection to House Stark, the central family in the series, further cements his importance in the overall narrative. The tradition of naming Stark children after Bran underscores the profound impact he has had on their lineage and legacy. It is intriguing to consider how the story of Bran the Builder has been passed down through generations, becoming an integral part of Westerosi folklore. His name has become synonymous with strength, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of adversity.