Who becomes the White Walker?

Answered by Robert Golston

In the haunting vision witnessed by Bran and the Three-eyed Raven, we are transported to a time long ago when the Night King was not the icy, enigmatic figure we have come to fear. Instead, we observe the transformation of a human being into the very first White Walker, a process that is as chilling as it is hypnotic.

The scene unfolds amidst a backdrop of dense forest, with the ethereal presence of the Children of the Forest surrounding the man who will soon become the Night King. These mystical beings, known for their deep connection to nature, possess a power that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. As they gather around the man, their intentions become clear – they seek to create a weapon, a force that will forever alter the fate of Westeros.

With a dagger forged from dragonglass, a substance with ancient and mystical properties, the Children of the Forest approach the man. This dragonglass, which bears a resemblance to obsidian, is a material imbued with immense power, capable of slaying both the living and the dead. Its significance in this transformation cannot be understated.

As the Children of the Forest impale the man with the dragonglass dagger, we witness a profound metamorphosis take place. The man's eyes, once filled with life and vitality, become cold and piercing, reflecting the icy heart that now beats within him. His skin, once warm and supple, turns pale and ashen, a stark contrast to his former self.

The process of becoming a White Walker is not a gentle one. It is a violent and agonizing transformation, as the man writhes in pain and despair. His very essence is stripped away, replaced by an otherworldly coldness that permeates his being. The life he once knew is gone, replaced by a new existence, one of darkness and death.

This vision serves as a reminder of the origins of the Night King, a being born out of desperation and the desire to fight against the encroaching threat of mankind. It is a chilling testament to the power of the Children of the Forest, as well as a haunting glimpse into the creation of a force that would go on to terrorize the realm.

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I find myself drawn to the symbolism and complexity of this transformation. It is a reminder that even the most seemingly ordinary individuals can be transformed into something extraordinary, for better or for worse. Just as the Night King was once a man, the potential for greatness or darkness lies within each of us.

The vision of the Night King's transformation also serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of our actions. The Children of the Forest, in their desperation to protect themselves and their land, inadvertently unleashed a force that would bring untold suffering to Westeros. It is a cautionary tale of the unintended consequences that can arise from our own shortsightedness and fear.

The Night King becomes the first White Walker through a harrowing transformation orchestrated by the Children of the Forest. This vision serves as a powerful reminder of the origins of this enigmatic figure and the chilling power he wields. It also prompts us to reflect on the potential for greatness or darkness that lies within each of us, as well as the consequences of our actions.