The Game of Thrones finale has divided fans into two camps: some have accepted it as a given, while others still can't come to terms with how the history of Westeros ended. And it's not just because of the controversial plot decisions, but also because many questions remain unanswered. For example, who is the Night King? What was his true plan? Why did he even want to cross the Wall with his army? Let's try to figure it out.
Who was the Night King?
The series showed that the Night King was created by the Children of the Forest when they were trying to protect themselves from the first people. They plunged dragonglass into the chest of one of the warriors, turning him into an ice monster. However, over time, he got out of their control and became a threat to all living things.
But who was he before his transformation? George Martin's books mention a mythical character, the former Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, who was called the Night King. He fell in love with an ice woman, conquered the Watch, and ruled the Wall for 13 years. Perhaps this image inspired the creators of the series, but Game of Thrones itself did not hint at his identity.
In the end, viewers got an impressive antagonist, but never learned his real name, past, or motives.
What was his goal and what would he do after Westeros?
Bran Stark says in one of the episodes that the Night King's goal is to create an eternal night and destroy the Three-Eyed Raven, that is, Bran himself. Allegedly, without the memory of the past, humanity will become defenseless and will not be able to resist.
But how exactly was he going to plunge the world into an endless winter? Is his magic really that strong? Why did Bran become his main target? And most importantly, what next?
Let's say the Night King took over Westeros. But what would he do after? The army of the dead can't swim, so the seas are an insurmountable obstacle for him? Or could he create "ice bridges"? And if he could cross the waters, what would happen to Braavos, Volantis, and Meereen? Let's say the whole world was plunged into darkness, what would such an army of the dead do then?
There are no answers. Instead, the Night King was destroyed by one blow from Arya, and all questions were left unanswered. That's why he turned out to be a rather mediocre villain, no motive, no story, no purpose.
