The Unforgettable Free Folk/Wildlings in Game of Thrones

Highlights

The Wildlings, alternatively referred to as the Free Folk, are a multifarious collection of independent clans inhabiting the regions beyond the Wall. United under the leadership of Mance Rayder, they pose a significant threat to the Night's Watch.

The conflict between the Free Folk and the Northerners stems from long-standing animosity and territorial disagreements, as both factions perceive each other as intruders.

Jon Snow successfully infiltrates the Free Folk and discovers that they are not a unified group, but rather a diverse assortment of clans with different languages. However, they are brought together by the imminent danger posed by the Dead. Eventually, Jon manages to establish a coalition between the Night's Watch and the Free Folk, rallying them to collectively defend the living.

In the first episode of Game of Thrones season 1, titled "Winter Is Coming," the Wildlings are introduced through the perspective of Ser Waymar Royce, a member of the Night's Watch. He labels them as "savages" and depicts their violent nature by mentioning their tendency to escalate conflicts over small disputes, such as stealing a goat. However, Waymar Royce's description oversimplifies the Wildlings, failing to acknowledge their diverse range of cultures and ways of life. The Wildlings refer to themselves as the Free Folk and consist of rival clans who enjoy political independence in the regions beyond the Wall.

Moving forward to season 2 of Game of Thrones, Qhorin Halfhand, Jon Snow, and a small expedition team venture beyond the Fist of the First Men to gather information about the Wildlings' intentions. Qhorin informs Jeor Mormont, the leader of the Night's Watch, that the Wildling clans who do not acknowledge the hereditary authority of the Seven Kingdoms have united under Mance Rayder, a former member of the Night's Watch. Together, they are planning a rebellion against the Night's Watch.

Mance Rayder has successfully gathered these various Wildling clans together, akin to deer being corralled by wolves. They are on the cusp of taking action.

Free Folk Vs. Northerners

This conversation establishes the danger posed by the Wildlings to the Northerners. The Night's Watch, an ancient order led by the former Lord Commander Jeor Mormont, stands guard at the northern borders to prevent the Wildlings from invading. Mance, the leader of the Wildlings, was once a member of the Night's Watch but he abandoned his oath to join them. Under Mance's leadership, the Wildlings have become more organized and disciplined, and Qhorin's main objective is to prevent them from advancing towards the Wall. Eventually, Jon volunteers to accompany Qhorin on a expedition to the Frostfang Mountains in "The Old Gods and the New," the sixth episode of Game of Thrones season 2. Qhorin warns Jon to be cautious, as the Wildlings rest during the day and hunt at night.

The dialogue between Jon Snow and Qhorin Halfhand provides insight into the Wildling country, which lies beyond the Wall in the uncharted lands of the North. The Night's Watch, it turns out, is not simply battling a disorderly bunch, but rather facing the true North. In "The Old Gods and the New" episode of Game of Thrones, Jon and his comrades successfully capture Ygritte, a Wildling woman and member of Mance Rayder's army. Ygritte, scornfully referring to the Night's Watch as "crows," discloses that thousands of Free Folk have gathered behind Rayder and have set up camp at the Frostfangs. The deep-rooted hostility between the two factions becomes evident, as seen in Season 2, Episode 7 of Game of Thrones, titled "A Man Without Honor," where Jon and Ygritte engage in a heated argument over which side is the true invader.

Wildlings frequently raid our lands, posing a constant threat. One such incident involved an attempt on the life of my younger brother, who is disabled.

Ygritte, a ruthless spearwife, reminds Jon that the Free Folk have long inhabited the North, with their ancestors constructing the Wall and laying claim to the lands below it. She takes pleasure in mocking the Northerners for their allegiance to a hereditary king. Ygritte prides herself on being part of a free people, even though their way of life greatly differs from that of stone castles and refined steel. She urges Jon to embrace a life of freedom in the true North, rather than obeying orders from tired and aging leaders. In addition, Qhorin plans for Jon to prove himself by engaging in one-on-one combat and killing him, earning the trust of the Free Folk and, most importantly, the King Beyond the Wall – Mance Rayder. Jon's time as a captive among the Free Folk in Game of Thrones season 2 provides him with valuable insights into their culture and ways.

Jon's Learnings

As time dwindles, the opportunity arises for the Free Folk and the Night's Watch, led by Jon, to set aside their differences and unite in preparation for the impending Great War. Aware of the imminent threat, both Jon and Mance Rayder understand the urgency of their alliance. Acting as a double agent, Jon infiltrates Mance's camp while remaining true to his sworn duty. During his time there, he encounters Tormund Giantsbane and eventually forms a pact with the King-Beyond-the-Wall. Portrayed by Kit Harington in Game of Thrones, Jon articulates his supposed rationale for abandoning the Night's Watch. He reveals witnessing the abhorrent act of a Wildling named Craster offering his newborn son to a White Walker, and accuses Lord Commander Mormont of being complicit. Frustrated with his superior's actions, Jon expresses his desire to align himself with Mance's forces, recognizing their commitment to protect the realm of the living.

Jon discovers that Mance has successfully united ninety warring Wildling clans, including the Thenns, the Hornfoots, the Ice-river clans, the Cannibals, the Giants, and others. Despite speaking seven different languages, they stand united in Mance's army. Jon comes to the realization that the Night's Watch has wrongly perceived the Wildlings as a single entity. Guided by the King-Beyond-the-Wall, Jon understands that the Dead pose a grave threat to his people, compelling them to march South in order to ensure their survival. In his daring escape, Jon is forced to betray Ygritte, his beloved, and returns to Castle Black. Their reunion takes place during the climactic attack by Mance's army on Castle Black in Game of Thrones season 4, episode 9 "The Watchers on the Wall."

The Free Folk's confrontation with the Night's Watch leads to devastating consequences. Ygritte is fatally shot in the back by a young boy named Olly while she is aiming at Jon. Shortly after, Mance is captured and burned alive by Stannis Baratheon after refusing to kneel. As an act of mercy, Jon ends Mance's suffering with an arrow to the heart, frees Tormund Giantsbane, and persuades the Free Folk to join forces with the Night's Watch. Tormund reveals that the remaining Free Folk are without a leader and have sought refuge at Hardhome.

Jon, Tormund, along with a group of Watchmen, embark on a journey to Hardhome where they engage in a battle against the army of the dead, successfully rescuing numerous Free Folk. Jon allows them entry through the gates of Castle Black, but his decision is met with opposition, leading to his assassination by those opposed to his actions in "Mother's Mercy," the tenth episode of Game of Thrones season 5. However, Jon is later resurrected by Melisandre, and he departs from his position at Castle Black in season 6 to reclaim the North in the name of House Stark.

Grateful for their salvation, the Free Folk pledge their allegiance to Jon and fight alongside him in the Battle of the Bastards, aiming to restore House Stark as the ruling family of the North. They also stand in opposition to the Night King and his Army of the Dead during the Battle of Winterfell. Afterwards, Tormund leads them to their new home in the true north. As Game of Thrones concludes, Jon, who is exiled to the Wall, Tormund, and the surviving Free Folk venture into the Haunted Forest once more.