The Epic Bloodshed Unveiled: Decoding the Massacre at Hardhome in Game of Thrones

Highlights

Maester Aemon counsels Jon to "slay the boy" and embrace his adulthood, urging him to make courageous choices and shoulder the burdens of authority.

The expedition to Hardhome devolves into a massacre when the Night's Watch and the Wildlings are ambushed by the Army of the Dead, and Jon discovers the potency of Valyrian steel against White Walkers.

In Game of Thrones season 5, Lord Commander Jon Snow decides to venture to Hardhome in order to rescue the Wildlings, despite facing opposition from many. Jon's ally, Samwell Tarly, tries to explain to Olly, a young farm boy, that the Night's Watch has been engaged in conflict with the Free Folk for years. Olly, however, views the Wildlings as murderers. Samwell argues that the Wildlings consist of both good and bad individuals, and it is crucial for the Night's Watch and the Free Folk to find common ground due to the imminent threat of the Army of the Dead and the White Walkers. Yet, Olly, who has witnessed the cruel side of the Wildlings, remains skeptical and believes allowing them into Castle Black is a reckless decision. Jon, aware of the risk he is taking, believes that uniting the Free Folk and the Northmen is essential for the survival of the living, despite facing opposition from the majority. Unfortunately, Jon ultimately pays a significant price for his choice at the conclusion of Game of Thrones season 5.

Kill The Boy And Let The Man Be Born

In season 5 of Game of Thrones, episode 5 titled "Kill the Boy," Jon Snow seeks advice from Maester Aemon regarding a controversial decision he needs to make as the new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Jon acknowledges that his choice will result in half of the men disliking him immediately. The wise Maester Aemon advises Jon to proceed with his decision, urging him to leave behind his youthful ways and embrace the responsibilities of a leader. Inspired by this advice, Jon approaches Tormund Giantsbane, the leader of the captive Wildlings, to gather information about the Free Folk's whereabouts and leadership.

Jon's plan divides the Night's Watch as they learn about it, and Tormund himself expresses some resistance. Transporting the Free Folk south of the Wall is no easy task. Jon is aware that leaving the women, children, elderly, and sick behind would lead to their demise. Tormund reveals that most of his people are located in Hardhome, a fishing village situated at Storrold's Point. He demands ships and insists that Jon accompany him, as Tormund believes his people need to hear about the dangers posed by the Dead and White Walkers directly from the Lord Commander. Tormund states that he will only go if Jon comes along. Towards the end, Jon reminds the Night's Watch brothers that they have two choices: either learn to coexist with the Wildlings or face the consequence of adding them to the Army of the Dead. With the support of Stannis Baratheon's fleet, Jon, Tormund, Dolorous Edd, and several other Night's Watch brothers embark on a journey to Hardhome in episode 7 of season 5, titled "The Gift."

The Ambush

In the middle of the episode "Hardhome" in Game of Thrones, Jon, his companions, and Tormund arrive at their intended destination and are confronted by the Lord of Bones. Tormund kills the Lord of Bones as a punishment for disrespect and insists that they gather the elders for a discussion. Jon introduces himself to Karsi, Loboda, Wun Wun, and other Wildlings who are inside a cabin. He requests that the Wildlings join him and the Night's Watch in resettling south of the Wall. Jon's only condition is that they unite when the imminent war between the Dead and the living commences. Karsi immediately agrees to Jon's proposition, Wun Wun also expresses support, but Loboda remains suspicious.

As the Free Folk begin boarding rowboats, Jon mentions that he has around five thousand of them with him. He worries that he is leaving too many behind, but there is little he can do about it. Suddenly, the dogs start barking, and everyone present realizes that they are under attack. The Free Folk close the gates, some prepare to shoot arrows at the Wights, while others rush towards the rowboats. Jon attempts to organize the fleeing Free Folk, while those inside the cabin, including Wun Wun and Edd (played by Ben Crompton), hear the menacing sounds of the approaching Wights. Amidst the chaos, Jon, Karsi, and the others assist people in boarding the ships.

The Massacre

Jon unsheathes his sword, Longclaw, and commands the Night's Watch to follow him. The inhabitants of Hardhome are ill-equipped and unprepared for the impending danger. Tormund, along with the others, do their best to fend off the Wights. Amidst the chaos, Jon and Loboda spot White Walkers observing them from a cliff. They hastily make their way to a flaming cabin to retrieve Dragonglass. Inside, they encounter a White Walker approaching them. Loboda instructs Jon to secure the glass and attempts to attack the Walker with his axe, but fails and meets his demise. The Walker now turns its attention to Jon, who is frantically grasping for the Dragonglass.

Jon is disarmed and a face-off between him and the Walker ensues. Despite managing to grab a nearby sword, the Walker effortlessly shatters it and knocks Jon down once more. With a struggle, Jon musters the strength to retrieve Longclaw, the legendary Game of Thrones weapon, and rushes outside. He stumbles, and the Walker pursues him into the open. In a swift motion, Jon shatters the White Walker into icy fragments using Longclaw, while the Night King silently observes. Karsi valiantly fights off the Wights, but ultimately succumbs to their onslaught. Edd pulls Jon away as a swarm of Wights descends from the cliffs above.

Walking down the dock, the Night King locks eyes with Jon and proceeds to lift his hands. As a result, the lifeless bodies on the ground, including Karsi, jerk and awaken, displaying a chilling icy blue hue. They now belong to the Army of the Dead. Jon's horrified gaze surveys the growing number of additions to the deceased, while his boat slowly drifts away. He has discovered that Valyrian steel is a deadly weapon against the White Walkers. In the Game of Thrones Season 5, Episode 10, titled "Mother's Mercy," Jon describes the Night King's army as the largest in existence. The Seven Kingdoms lack sufficient supplies of Valyrian steel to combat the Dead, and Jon confesses to being the first Lord Commander to sacrifice the lives of his sworn brothers to protect the Wildlings.