Samwell Tarly’s unlikely heroism is forever etched in Game of Thrones lore. His pivotal kill of a White Walker came in Season 3, Episode 10: “Mhysa”. This unexpected act cemented Sam’s courage and provided crucial insight into the weaknesses of these icy adversaries.
The Significance of Sam’s White Walker Kill
Samwell Tarly, initially portrayed as timid and bookish, undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout Game of Thrones. His encounter and subsequent victory against a White Walker marks a crucial turning point in his personal narrative and holds immense strategic significance for the survival of Westeros. Understanding the context of this event requires analyzing the build-up to “Mhysa,” the immediate aftermath, and the long-term ramifications of Sam’s bravery. The impact resonates far beyond a simple kill; it fundamentally alters the understanding of the White Walkers and sets the stage for the wars to come.
Setting the Stage: The Dreadfort and the Retreat
Prior to “Mhysa,” Sam’s journey is fraught with peril. After surviving the massacre at the Fist of the First Men, orchestrated by the White Walkers and their wights, Sam and Gilly, along with the baby, flee towards the Wall. They endure harsh conditions and constant fear of being discovered. The landscape itself becomes a symbol of the encroaching threat, a visual representation of the encroaching darkness. This arduous trek emphasizes Sam’s vulnerability and highlights the magnitude of his subsequent achievement. The constant presence of danger, culminating in their encounter with the White Walker, underscores the gravity of the situation and Sam’s ultimate act of defiance.
The Encounter and the Dragonglass Dagger
In “Mhysa,” while fleeing from the White Walker, Sam stumbles. As the creature advances, Sam desperately flings a dragonglass dagger at it. To his utter astonishment, the dagger shatters the White Walker, causing it to explode in a shower of ice crystals. This scene is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it reveals that dragonglass (obsidian) is a weakness of the White Walkers. Secondly, it demonstrates that even someone like Sam, initially perceived as weak, can play a pivotal role in the fight against the undead army. The sheer improbability of Sam’s success elevates the moment to legendary status.
The Ripple Effect: Knowledge is Power
Sam’s success in killing a White Walker with dragonglass has far-reaching consequences. The information he brings back to Castle Black proves invaluable. He later shares this knowledge with Jon Snow, who then utilizes dragonglass to forge weapons for the Night’s Watch and, eventually, unite the North against the common enemy. Sam’s contribution extends beyond the single kill; it’s about the knowledge he acquired and shared. This knowledge became a strategic advantage, influencing battle strategies and ultimately contributing to the downfall of the Night King.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sam’s White Walker Kill
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Sam’s pivotal encounter with the White Walker in Season 3, Episode 10.
1. Why Was Sam So Far North of the Wall?
Sam was part of the Night’s Watch ranging party that went to the Fist of the First Men, a strategic location used to observe movements beyond the Wall. This ranging party was ambushed by the White Walkers, resulting in a devastating loss of life. Sam was one of the few survivors who managed to escape.
2. How Did Sam Acquire Dragonglass?
Sam acquired a dragonglass dagger at the Fist of the First Men. The location held a cache of ancient weapons and tools, presumably left there by the Children of the Forest who used dragonglass in their war against the First Men, and subsequently, against the White Walkers they created.
3. Was This the First Time a White Walker Had Been Killed on Screen?
While wights, reanimated corpses controlled by the White Walkers, had been killed before, this was the first time a White Walker itself was killed on screen. This made the moment all the more impactful and revelatory.
4. Did Sam Know the Dragonglass Would Kill the White Walker?
No, Sam did not know that dragonglass was effective against White Walkers. He threw the dagger out of sheer desperation, hoping to defend himself. His success was entirely accidental, adding to the dramatic impact of the scene.
5. What is Dragonglass, Exactly?
Dragonglass, also known as obsidian, is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when felsic lava cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. In the world of Game of Thrones, it is believed to be formed in volcanic areas and has properties that are deadly to White Walkers.
6. Why Was the White Walker Targeting Gilly and the Baby?
The motives of the White Walkers are not explicitly clear, but it is heavily implied they were targeting the baby. This ties into the recurring theme of babies being offered (or taken) to the White Walkers, a pact made long ago according to legend. The baby’s apparent “royal” bloodline further supports this theory.
7. How Does Sam’s Kill Affect Jon Snow?
Sam’s knowledge of dragonglass’s effectiveness allows Jon Snow to strategize against the White Walkers. Jon later travels to Dragonstone to mine dragonglass and uses it to forge weapons that are crucial in the fight against the Night King and his army.
8. Is Dragonglass the Only Thing That Can Kill White Walkers?
No. Valyrian steel is another material known to be effective against White Walkers. This adds another layer of complexity to the lore, hinting at the ancient magic woven into the creation and destruction of these creatures.
9. What Was the Night King’s Reaction to the Death of a White Walker?
The show does not explicitly portray the Night King’s direct reaction to the death of a White Walker in this instance. However, the Night King is presented as an intelligent and strategic enemy. It can be inferred that any setback, including the death of a White Walker, would be noted and potentially factored into future plans.
10. How Did Sam’s Character Evolve After This Event?
After killing the White Walker, Sam gains confidence and becomes more assertive. He continues to seek knowledge, eventually uncovering crucial information about the Night King and how to defeat him. This act of bravery serves as a catalyst for his overall growth.
11. Did Anyone Else Witness Sam Kill the White Walker?
Aside from Gilly and the baby, no one else directly witnessed Sam’s act of heroism. This contributes to the initial skepticism surrounding his claim. It is only after others experience the effects of dragonglass themselves that Sam’s account is fully validated.
12. What is the Overall Significance of Sam’s Character in Game of Thrones?
Samwell Tarly serves as a symbol of the importance of knowledge and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. While not a traditional warrior, his intellect and willingness to learn are crucial to the defeat of the Night King and the survival of Westeros. His character highlights the idea that even the seemingly weakest individual can have a profound impact on the world. Sam’s journey embodies the true meaning of heroism: not just physical strength, but also intellectual strength and the courage to act upon acquired knowledge.