The new season of House of the Dragon has just landed on Max, and it’s diving deeper into the Dance of Dragons – the civil war within the Targaryen family for control of the Iron Throne. But fans of the epic Game of Thrones universe know that the giant winged dragons are not the only threat lurking.
In George R.R. Martin’s world of Westeros, the White Walkers pose a grave danger. These icy undead beings came from the North, beyond the Wall, slowly converting and spreading their army, foreshadowed by the ominous warning “Winter is coming.” In the original Game of Thrones series, they became the ultimate threat, but in House of the Dragon, they have yet to make a full appearance – although their presence has been felt.
The new season kicks off with a journey to the Wall, where Jace Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s eldest son, tries to convince Lord Cregan Stark of Winterfell to join his cause and gain the support of the entire North. Stark responds, “The Starks do not forget their oaths, my prince. But my attention is always divided between north and south,” assuring that he needs troops at the Wall, especially with Winter imminent.
Jace seems bothered by Stark’s words, as the war is about to explode, and he considers the Wall’s defense merely against blizzards and wildlings. But Stark reminds the prince that not even King Jaehaerys’ dragons dared to cross beyond the Wall, hinting at a greater threat. “What does it protect us from?” Jace asks. “Death,” Stark ominously replies.
Though not stated outright, it’s clear Stark refers to the White Walkers lurking with the Eternal Night. Between their defeat in the Battle for the Dawn and their resurgence in Game of Thrones, around 8,000 years passed. During that time, theories suggest the White Walkers either roamed aimlessly beyond the Wall, gradually building their army, or remained in a state of hibernation before awakening.
Regardless, House of the Dragon makes it clear that the North has not forgotten the real threat, no matter how calm things may seem. And a new question arises: if the White Walkers are a looming danger in Game of Thrones two centuries later, will they appear in the upcoming episodes?
For now, this seems unlikely, as House of the Dragon has barely mentioned them so far – only twice in eleven episodes. First, in Viserys’ prophetic vision confided to Rhaenyra in season 1, and second, in Cregan Stark’s recent words. However, a leaked photo from the makeup team titled “Undead” has fueled rumors of the scary zombies potentially making an appearance in the series, and the new scene at the Wall only adds to the speculation.
