Theories and Insights on the Night King and Rickon Stark in A Song of Ice and Fire
Delving into the intricate and expansive world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, fans often troubleshoot and theorize about the fate of each character. One intriguing theory surrounding Rickon Stark suggests that he could potentially become the Night King. However, given the depth and specificity of the novels, is this theory grounded in substantial evidence from the text?
Understanding the Night King in A Song of Ice and Fire
The concept of the Night King is a central element of the mythos in A Song of Ice and Fire, commanding an army of the Others, also known as White Walkers. It is crucial that we clarify the character and his origins as depicted in the books:
The Night King is a figure of legend, often mistaken for a historical king who ruled in the Age of Heroes. This King fell in love with a female Other, which led to the creation of the Others. Alternatively, he could be a cold, pale, blue-eyed human who led the Night’s Watch before they were disrupted by events that led to their downfall. As Jacoba Qhorin the Old Bear narrates:
There was the Night’s King, and there was the War of the Jews. There were the Giant Attacks and the Great Burn… There was much to remember in those dark days, and much to forget.
These lines remind us that the historical account of the Night King is as much a part of myth and legend as it is rooted in the factual. Furthermore, the Night King is evidenced to have been dispatched by the First Lord of Winterfell and Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, Jon of Umber, nearly 13,000 years ago at the Battle of the Long Night.
Rickon Stark and His Potential as the Night King
Rickon Stark, younger brother of Bran, has a unique connection to the Others, suggesting he could have a pivotal role in the series. However, pragmatic considerations rooted in the narrative context reveal several limitations in this theory:
Georges R.R. Martin planned a significant five-year gap in the storyline, ensuring that the remaining characters would not age more than a couple of years to adhere to the significant timeline. As a result, Rickon, already eight years old, would realistically reach adulthood by the series’ end and thus be more aligned with his older brother Bran, ready for his potential roles in the story.
Rickon’s connection to the Others is more likely to manifest in other ways; for example, he could witness or even become close to the White Walkers, though direct transformation into the Night King seems improbable given the established lore.
Stark Others and the White Walkers
It is also worth noting that certain members of the Stark family have already been transformed into White Walkers. Each of these characters now lays in the crypts of Winterfell,ManyToOne of the former Winterfell, serving as a reminder of the Stark family’s deep connection to the White Walkers. The Valyrian Steel sword Ice is strategically positioned atop their coffins, serving as a protective measure against returning to their monstrous form.
These twists in the narrative underscore the complexity of the series and the dark, twisted nature of the Otherworld, emphasizing the real possibility of Stark transformation into White Walkers. Benjen Stark, who sets off to the North in search of the Others, remains a key figure in theories regarding the potential for a Stark turning into a real Other. As many speculate, Benjen could witness or engage with the Others, fulfilling a prophecy or destiny that remains a mystery within the intricate web of the books.
Conclusion
In the vast, complex universe of A Song of Ice and Fire, Rickon Stark’s character and his connection to the Others remain pivotal in understanding the series’ narrative. While the notion of Rickon becoming the Night King is widely debated, the specific details and implications drawn from the books suggest that Rickon’s role is more likely to involve witnessing and possibly resisting the Otherworldly forces rather than directly embodying the Night King. Readers continue to speculate and theorize, driven by the rich narrative intricacies crafted by George R.R. Martin.
By delving into the theories and insights surrounding Rickon Stark, we not only gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the A Song of Ice and Fire universe but also reaffirm the enduring power of George R.R. Martin’s storytelling.