Samwell Tarly slays a White Walker in Season 3, Episode 8, titled “Second Sons”. This pivotal moment marks a turning point for Sam, transforming him from a frightened recruit into a vital asset in the war against the undead.
The Scene Unveiled: Sam’s Defining Moment
The scene unfolds amidst the chaos and terror of a White Walker attack. As the Night’s Watch retreats, overwhelmed by the relentless horde, Samwell Tarly, typically known for his intellect rather than his martial prowess, finds himself cornered. Armed with a dragonglass dagger given to him by Gilly, Sam is about to be overwhelmed. He falls, dropping his weapon, but scrambles for it as the White Walker descends upon him. In a moment of desperate bravery, he thrusts the dagger into the White Walker’s back. To his astonishment and relief, the creature shatters into ice crystals, proving the efficacy of dragonglass against the undead.
This act of heroism has profound implications. It not only saves Sam’s life but also demonstrates the vulnerability of the seemingly invincible White Walkers, providing crucial intelligence and hope to the desperate forces battling the impending doom.
The Importance of “Second Sons”
“Second Sons” is a significant episode in the broader Game of Thrones narrative. Aside from Sam’s encounter, it features Daenerys’ strategic negotiation with the Second Sons mercenary company and marks another step in her quest for power. The episode’s title refers both to the mercenary company and, arguably, to Samwell Tarly himself – a man often overlooked and underestimated but ultimately capable of extraordinary things. The White Walker encounter underscores the imminent threat from the North and sets the stage for the larger conflicts to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 What specifically triggers Sam’s attack?
Sam is essentially left behind during the Night’s Watch retreat. He’s stumbled and fallen, making him an easy target. Seeing the White Walker looming over him, he acts out of pure desperation and self-preservation. The dire situation leaves him with no other choice but to fight.
H3 Why is dragonglass effective against White Walkers?
Dragonglass, also known as obsidian, is volcanic glass. In the world of Game of Thrones, it is believed to have been forged in the heart of volcanoes and imbued with magical properties. Its exact properties aren’t fully explained, but it’s established as a weapon capable of killing White Walkers and Wights. The exact mechanism of its effectiveness remains a mystery, adding to the mystical nature of the Game of Thrones universe.
H3 Where did Sam obtain the dragonglass dagger?
Sam found the dragonglass dagger at the First of the First Men during an earlier expedition with the Night’s Watch. The ancient location contained a cache of dragonglass weapons, relics from a time when humans fought against the White Walkers during the Long Night.
H3 Did Sam know what dragonglass could do before the attack?
He knew that dragonglass was considered a weapon against the White Walkers, but he likely didn’t fully understand its effectiveness or believe it would actually work until he witnessed it firsthand. The stories were largely seen as legend, and his success was a mixture of knowledge and sheer luck.
H3 How does Sam’s action impact the overall plot?
Sam’s slaying of the White Walker is a critical turning point. It confirms that White Walkers are not invincible and that dragonglass is a viable weapon against them. This knowledge is crucial in formulating strategies to combat the Night King and his army. He subsequently shares this knowledge, becoming an important source of information.
H3 Does anyone else witness Sam killing the White Walker?
While other members of the Night’s Watch are fleeing, it’s not explicitly shown that anyone directly witnesses Sam’s kill in that moment. However, his survival in the aftermath, and the discovery of the shattered White Walker remains, would have made it clear to his comrades that he was the one responsible.
H3 What other significant events happen in “Second Sons”?
Besides Sam’s encounter, “Second Sons” features Daenerys Targaryen’s meeting with the Second Sons mercenary company, led by Mero of Braavos. Daario Naharis assassinates Mero and takes command, pledging the Second Sons to Daenerys’ cause. This significantly strengthens her forces.
H3 How does Sam change after this encounter?
The experience is transformative for Sam. He gains confidence and a sense of purpose. He recognizes his potential to contribute to the fight against the White Walkers, despite his lack of traditional fighting skills. He becomes more assertive and willing to take risks.
H3 Are all dragonglass weapons equally effective?
The series implies that all dragonglass weapons are effective against White Walkers, regardless of their size or shape. The key is that the weapon is made of dragonglass.
H3 Why don’t more people know about dragonglass before Sam’s discovery?
The knowledge of dragonglass’s effectiveness had largely been lost to time, reduced to myth and legend. The Night’s Watch, while tasked with guarding against the White Walkers, had become a shadow of its former self, relying on outdated strategies and forgetting crucial historical information.
H3 Does the show deviate from the books regarding this event?
In George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, the details surrounding Sam’s encounter with a White Walker differ. While he does kill a White Walker with a dragonglass dagger, the circumstances and location are not precisely the same as portrayed in the television series.
H3 What becomes of the dragonglass dagger after this scene?
The dragonglass dagger remains a crucial tool in the fight against the White Walkers. It is used later by other characters to kill Wights and White Walkers, solidifying its importance as a weapon against the undead threat. Its enduring legacy serves as a constant reminder of Sam’s courageous act and the power of knowledge.