Did the Knights of the Vale Fight at the Battle of Winterfell?

The Battle of Winterfell was a significant event in the final season of Game of Thrones, and one of the questions that often arises is whether the Knights of the Vale participated in the battle. In this article, we will explore the involvement of these knights and analyze the contributing factors that might explain why they weren't prominently featured during the conflict.

Knights of the Vale's Involvement

The Knights of the Vale did indeed fight at the Battle of Winterfell, specifically in Game of Thrones's Season 8 Episode 3. They arrived at a crucial moment, aiding in turning the tide against the Army of the Dead, but their participation was not as prominent as other forces.

When present on the battlefield, the Knights of the Vale were seen alongside Brienne and Jaime Lannister, but they were on foot, which might have contributed to the perception that they did not play a significant role. This might also explain why it is easy to overlook their presence in the chaos of the battle.

Military Forces in the North Post-Battle

Following the Battle of Winterfell, the military landscape in the North drastically changed, but there were still several key players and significant forces remaining:

The Northmen

Multiple Northern houses such as House Stark, House Umber, and House Manderly survived the battle and maintained their forces, despite suffering losses.

Remaining Unsullied

Daeneryis Targaryen's Unsullied forces were significantly reduced due to their battle against the Night King and his army, but some managed to survive.

Wildlings

The Free Folk, led by Tormund Giantsbane, also fought alongside the Northern armies, making them a part of the surviving military forces in the region.

The Vale and its Forces

The Knights of the Vale, led by Sansa Stark and supported by remnants of Petyr Baelish's forces, maintained their military strength post-battle. These troops played a significant role in supporting the Northern armies.

Other Loyalist Forces

Other smaller factions or loyalist forces from various houses that may not have been directly involved in the battle also could have remained present and contributed to the survival of military forces in the North.

Critical Analysis of the Battle

It's important to note that the Knights of the Vale were not the only forces that emerged victorious or survived the battle largely unscathed. They were not seen fighting as the battle reached its climax, primarily because they opted to flee once the situation became dire. This was in stark contrast to other forces, such as the Targaryens, Karstarks, Mormonts, and Greyjoys led by Theon.

Interestingly, the Vale soldiers did not engage in much combat before retreating. Despite their valiant efforts to flee, they were still brutally defeated, highlighting the overwhelming power of the Army of the Dead.

Conclusion

The Knights of the Vale did indeed fight at the Battle of Winterfell, contributing to the Northern victory. However, their lack of prominent presence could be attributed to strategic decisions and circumstances. Regardless, their contribution, along with the Northmen, Unsullied, wildlings, Vale forces, and smaller loyalist factions, played a crucial role in the outcome of the battle and the survival of military forces in the North.