The Invasion of Winterfell: How the Night Kings’ Army Entered

One of the cruelest and most memorable moments in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, the invasion of Winterfell by the Night King's army, came as a devastating surprise to the North and the Free Folk. This event marked a significant turning point in the battles against the White Walkers and the Army of the Dead. Let us delve into the events that led to the Night King's forces gaining entry into Winterfell, exploring the strategic and narrative twists that paved the way for their entry.

The Aftermath of the Battle for Dragonstone

After the White Walkers and the Army of the Dead were defeated in their attempt to rescue King’s Landing andTyrion Lannister’s army in the Battle of Dragonstone, the realm faced a new challenge. The Night King not only failed to regain power over the dragons but also suffered a loss of one of his own. Despite this setback, the Night King's persistence and cunning grew more evident.

The Night King's Strategic Choice

In response to his loss, the Night King made a strategic choice to exploit a new avenue of attack. He turned his attention to the Great Wall, a formidable barrier that had protected the Seven Kingdoms for centuries. By seeking to destroy this barrier, the Night King not only aimed to weaken the defenses of the Seven Kingdoms but also to bypass the North's natural protection. The destruction of the Wall was not just a symbolic act; it was a crucial step in the Night King's plan to advance towards Winterfell.

The Dragon's Role and the Night King's Gambit

With the help of the dragon he now controlled, the Night King initiated a plan to destroy the Great Wall. The dragon, likely freed from the Night King's bindings (one of his many lost dragons), became an ally in his bid to weaken the resistance. Together, they launched a series of dragonfire strikes that weakened the Wall's defense, opening a path to the North. However, ironically, it was the dragon's actions that alerted the people of Winterfell to the impending threat, as they witnessed the dragon's ferocity and destructive power firsthand.

The Collapse of the Wall

The Great Wall, reinforced by countless generations of soldiers and masons, was not easily brought down. However, the Night King's dragons, with their sheer power and insatiable hunger for destruction, managed to weaken the Wall to the point where it could be breached. The strategic location where the Wall collapsed became a crucial breach point, allowing the Night King's forces to march unhindered towards Winterfell.

The Entry of the Night King's Army into Winterfell

Barely a day after the Wall's collapse, the Night King's forces reached the gates of Winterfell. The Fugate, the evil maester who fled the Nightfort, revealed the identities of the Night King and his army to the Starks and their allies. This information sparked a frantic scramble to prepare for the inevitable assault. The Starks and their allies quickly fortified the castle to the best of their abilities, but even their best defenses were inadequate against the Night King's might.

The entry into Winterfell was a nightmarish scene of destruction and terror. The Night King's army stormed the gates of Winterfell, bringing with them visions of the deceased and the walking dead. The castle, once a bastion of safety and protection, now became a battleground where only the bravest and strongest among the Stark forces and their allies could survive the onslaught.

Strategies and Defenses

As the Night King's forces approached, the Starks and their allies employed a combination of traditional and unconventional tactics. They used the deep tunnels and secret passages of Winterfell to outmaneuver the Night King's army, creating diversionary attacks to keep the Night King's forces off-balance. The use of enchanted blades and dark magic, as well as the application of traditional weapons like the Valyriansteel swords and bows, provided a mixed arsenal in the final stand against the Night King's army.

Conclusion

The entry of the Night King's army into Winterfell marked a grim moment in the War of the Five Kings and the series' overarching struggle against the White Walkers and the Army of the Dead. Despite the valiant efforts of the Starks, the Night King's relentless advance and the destruction of the Great Wall provided a path for his forces to reach the North. This event not only demonstrated the vulnerability of the defenses but also highlighted the unity and determination of those who defended Winterfell against the armies of the dead.

The Night King's invasion into Winterfell stands as a testament to the magnitude of the threat posed by the White Walkers and the Army of the Dead, emphasizing the importance of strategic fortification and the unyielding spirit of those who fight to protect their homes and loved ones.