The Secret Origins of the Children of the Forest in Game of Thrones

Highlights

The Children of the Forest, known for their distinctive biological characteristics and remarkable lifespan, served as the original inhabitants of Westeros. In harmony with the Giants, they devoted themselves to the worship of the Old Gods of the Forest.

The Children, despite their limited technology, possessed formidable magical powers including greenseeing, enabling them to perceive events from the past, present, and future. Additionally, they utilized their magic to manipulate the natural world and unleash tremendous havoc.

Following extensive conflicts with humans, the Children entered into a peace treaty. However, they suffered devastating losses at the hands of the White Walkers and became targets of the Andals. The surviving Children now reside beyond the Wall, and their existence is frequently questioned by historians.

In every captivating fantasy realm, there exists an extensive backstory spanning numerous millennia, which may or may not directly impact the unfolding events of the narrative. The world of A Song of Ice and Fire is set in Westeros, a vast continent comparable in size to South America, boasting a diverse range of climates and cultures. Prior to the arrival of humanity, Westeros was inhabited by a enigmatic race known as the Children of the Forest.

When avid followers ponder the history of Game of Thrones, their minds often gravitate towards the iconic Iron Throne and its extensive lineage. Throughout the ages, various kings governed the realm, overseeing periods marked by famine, conquest, warfare, or moments of tranquility as societal norms underwent transformation. However, even before the construction of the Iron Throne, battles were fought, albeit with outcomes strikingly dissimilar from those witnessed in later years.

Who were the Children of the Forest?

The Children of the Forest, the indigenous inhabitants of the land known as Westeros, are humanoid beings with distinctive biological features. These beings are notably smaller than adult humans, characterized by soft facial features and large eyes. While they resemble human children, their rough pale gray-green skin gives them a plant-like appearance. Their blood is deep indigo in color, and their eyes are bright green. Unlike humans, the Children only have four fingers on each hand. Remarkably, they possess an extended lifespan, said to span thousands of years.

There is limited knowledge of the history of the Children of the Forest, given the passage of time. However, they existed long before the arrival of the First Men in Westeros. Despite minimal technological advancements, they possessed unparalleled mastery of the natural world. Stories suggest that they coexisted with Giants, engaging in frequent battles. The Children excelled in woodcraft, meticulously documenting plants and animals, and fashioning primitive blades from obsidian. They worshipped the Old Gods of the Forest, an expansive pantheon of nameless spirits that resided within plants and animals. Sacred weirwood trees, carved into shrines, still remain scattered throughout Westeros. Unfortunately, much information about the Children of the Forest remains unknown due to the humans who displaced them.

What were the Children of the Forest capable of?

The First Men arrived in Westeros around 12,000 years prior to Robert Baratheon's rebellion, crossing the Arm of Dorne, a land bridge from the old continent. Upon their arrival, they immediately began exploiting the continent's natural resources. This often led to conflicts with the Children of the Forest as the First Men frequently destroyed the Children's weirwood trees. The resulting clashes between the two groups lasted for over 2000 years. While the First Men possessed superior technology and physical stature, the Children possessed unique magical abilities, particularly in the form of greenseers, who were born with the power to wield fantastical mystical abilities. With this connection to the old gods, the greenseers could manipulate nature to their advantage. They transformed trees into warriors, harnessed armies of beasts, and organized their small forces into guerrilla armies. However, their most remarkable accomplishment was the "Hammer of the Waters," a massive display of power where hundreds of greenseers, aided by countless human sacrifices, raised an immense amount of water to destroy the Arm of Dorne. They later utilized a similar tactic to flood the Neck, creating the present-day swamp in the area. While the legends vary, it is speculated that the greenseers possessed the capability to potentially destroy all of Westeros.

What happened to the Children of the Forest?

The Children of the Forest are an intriguing and often overlooked piece of Westeros' history. They have a long and tumultuous past, marked by a centuries-long conflict with humans and later the arrival of the menacing White Walkers. Despite their devastating losses and near-extinction, the Children's impact on the land and its people is undeniable. Their unique abilities, guided by the greenseer's magic, played a vital role in the construction of the formidable Wall.

As the Andals arrived and hunted the Children, only a small group managed to escape, seeking refuge beyond the Wall. While some may doubt their existence, the Kingdom in the North believes that their ancient worship of the Old Gods is rooted in the traditions of the Children. It is in this setting that Bran Stark encounters the remaining Children, a moment that holds great significance in his journey.

Although the full story of the Children of the Forest may never be fully known, their presence and influence in Westeros are undeniably captivating. They serve as a testament to the rich and mysterious history of the continent.