Game of Thrones: Unveiling the Epic Battle of Winterfell

The Battle of Winterfell, which is also known as the Great War, was unlike any previous conflict in HBO's Game of Thrones. Unlike other battles and wars in the series, which usually revolved around maintaining or dismantling the existing power structure, the Great War brought together an alliance that transcended political differences and longstanding rivalries. Their united purpose was to protect life in Westeros. Jaime Lannister astutely observed that the war was not about Noble Houses, but about the living and the Dead. This monumental battle occurred during Daenerys Targaryen's War for Westeros, necessitating a pause in hostilities and an alliance with the Northerners to defeat the Northern enemy.

In Game of Thrones season 7, episode 3 "The Queen's Justice," Jon Snow and Ser Davos arrived at Dragonstone with the goal of redirecting Daenerys' focus towards the greater threat - the Night King - and requesting her permission to mine dragonglass. After some deliberation, Daenerys ultimately agreed to fight alongside Jon and he pledged his loyalty. The next step was to convince Queen Cersei Lannister to declare a truce. To achieve this, Jon presented her with a captured Wight from North of the Wall, which he explained can only be destroyed by fire or dragonglass, as revealed in Game of Thrones season 7, episode 7 "The Dragon and the Wolf." At the Dragonpit Summit, Jon emphasized that the only war that truly matters is the Great War, which has arrived. Ultimately, Cersei initially pledged her army to the cause but later reneged, leading Jaime to abandon everything in order to fight for the living.

Daenerys Arrives In Winterfell

In Game of Thrones season 8, episode 1, titled "Winterfell," Daenerys arrives in Winterfell with a formidable army. Her forces consist of the Unsullied, Dothraki, and two powerful dragons, all dedicated to defending the North. While Sansa prioritizes the North's independence over the imminent danger posed by the Dead, Jon and Daenerys remain committed to defeating their formidable enemy. The Night King and his army have breached the Wall, marching southward, prompting Sansa to call for retreat to Winterfell. Theon Greyjoy, formerly a ward of Ned Stark, wishes to fight for the Starks and is allowed by his sister Yara to travel to Winterfell.

At Winterfell, individuals from diverse backgrounds work relentlessly to secure their survival. Ser Davos proposes that Jon and Daenerys jointly rule the Seven Kingdoms with honor and fairness. Varys and Tyrion express skepticism, while Daenerys is aware of Sansa's disdain for her. The ungrateful Northerners fail to acknowledge that Daenerys came to their aid rather than pursue the Iron Throne. Jon is seen riding Rhaegal, a dragon named after his father, Rhaegar Targaryen. Meanwhile, Gendry diligently forges weapons from dragonglass to equip people until the final moments. Lord Glover, still bitter about Jon's return as Lord of Winterfell, chooses to remain at Deepwood Motte with his soldiers.

The Council Of War

During the war council meeting, Jon discusses the battle plan, acknowledging that their chances of defeating the enemy in a direct confrontation are slim. He proposes targeting the Night King instead, as his defeat would likely lead to the downfall of his army. Jaime raises the concern that the Night King will not expose himself, but Bran interrupts to reveal that the Night King has made multiple attempts to kill previous Three-Eyed Ravens, implying that he will come for Bran. Furthermore, Bran informs the council that the Night King desires to plunge the world into eternal darkness, aiming to erase its history with Bran being its sole memory. In "The Long Night," the third episode of Game of Thrones season 8, the Dead finally arrive at Winterfell. The darkness descends upon the castle, accompanied by a severe winter. The Army of the Dead is led by thousands of Wights, including undead Giants, with White Walkers following behind. The Night King commands his forces atop the undead Viserion. The Dothraki and Ser Jorah's forces are positioned at the front lines, while trebuchets are deployed behind them. Grey Worm and the Unsullied are next in line, while the Stark infantry, Free Folk, and the Knights of the Vale, led by Brienne and Tormund, stand on the left flank. On the right flank, the Northern bannermen and members of the Brotherhood Without Banners take their positions.

The Actual Battle

Bran informs the council that the Night King can always locate him due to the mark he bears. He emphasizes the need to lead the Night King into the open before Winterfell is overrun. Offering himself as bait, Bran declares his intention to wait for the Night King in the Godswood, with Theon and his detachment of Ironborn pledging to protect him. Uncertain of whether dragonfire will be effective against the Night King, Bran acknowledges that it has never been attempted before.

Just before the battle, Melisandre reappears and uses her magic to ignite the Dothraki arakhs in a breathtaking display. The sight of the flaming weapons boosts the morale of the fighters, prompting the Dothraki to charge towards the Army of the Dead. However, only a few warriors return from the onslaught, causing Daenerys to become concerned and depart on Drogon.

Subsequently, the Army of the Dead overwhelms the Unsullied, Knights of the Vale, and Stark infantry in large numbers. Daenerys and Jon, using dragonfire, continue to combat the Dead. The living are then instructed to retreat, and Winterfell's gates are opened to allow them back in. Despite Melisandre successfully lighting a trench, the Dead swiftly breach it. In the midst of the chaos, Davos and Lyanna Mormont urge soldiers to defend the walls as the Dead relentlessly climb up. Spotting the Night King mounted on Viserion, Jon mobilizes archers to shoot flaming arrows, while Jaime, Gendry, Brienne, Jorah, and Sam fight valiantly against the horde. The Dead pose a constant threat, resulting in the tragic death of Lyanna Mormont, as she heroically manages to stab a Wight giant in the eye with a dagger.

Arya, Melisandre, and the Hound witness Beric's death inside. Melisandre revitalizes Arya's determination with the question, "What do we say to the god of death?" Arya responds, "Not today." The Wights surround the Godswood, but Theon and the rest successfully defend it using flaming arrows. In the final moments of the battle, the Night King and White Walkers approach Bran, who remains composed on his chair. Meanwhile, Jorah sustains a fatal injury and Theon sacrifices himself to protect Bran in the Godswood. Just as the Night King reaches for his weapon, Arya stealthily approaches him, wielding a Valyrian steel dagger in her left hand. He swiftly turns and seizes her by the neck. Arya releases her dagger, allowing her right hand to catch it, and delivers a fatal blow to the Night King, causing him to disintegrate into icy fragments. As a result, the ice dragon, White Walkers, and Wights all perish. Daenerys grieves for Jorah, while the surviving individuals emerge from hiding. Having accomplished her purpose, Melisandre departs from the castle and gradually vanishes. The episode "The Long Night" of Game of Thrones concludes on a melancholic tone, though many manage to survive.