Why People in Westeros Don't Migrate to Essos During Long Winters
In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the concept of migration from Westeros to Essos during long winters is a topic of much speculation. While the idea might seem plausible on a surface level, various logical and narrative factors explain why this migration is unlikely to occur. Let's explore these reasons in detail.
Geography and Distance
The Narrow Sea separates Westeros from Essos, presenting a significant challenge for travel. While this body of water is navigable, the journey can be perilous, especially during winter storms. The physical distance and the inherent dangers of travel make migration difficult and potentially life-threatening.
Cultural Ties
The people of Westeros have deep cultural, political, and familial ties to their homeland. Many view their loyalty to their houses and lands as paramount, making them reluctant to leave. This strong sense of belonging and attachment to their roots is a significant deterrent to migration.
Political Instability
The political landscape in Westeros is often tumultuous, and people may fear that leaving their homes could lead to losing their lands or positions of power. The uncertainty and unpredictability of the political situation in the Seven Kingdoms make migration a non-viable option for many.
Survival and Resources
During long winters, resources become scarce, and many families are focused on survival rather than migration. The effort and resources required to migrate might be seen as too risky when they are already struggling to endure the winter. Fleeing is not just a matter of physically moving but also securing new resources and establishing a new way of life, which is a monumental task during such a challenging time.
Essos is Different
While Essos has its own diverse cultures and cities, it is not necessarily seen as a safe haven. The political and social dynamics there can be just as dangerous as in Westeros, particularly in regions plagued by conflict or instability. The idea of migrating to a place with equally unpredictable conditions and dangers is not appealing.
Lack of Historical Precedent
There is little historical record of significant migration between the two continents during winter. This lack of precedent can reinforce the idea that such a move is impractical or unwise. The social and cultural inertia of maintaining the status quo makes it difficult for people to envision such a drastic change in their lives.
Additional Considerations Based on the Show
One of the key determinants in the multifaceted narrative of Game of Thrones is the threat of the White Walkers. In Episode 6 of Season 7, it was shown that White Walkers could wait for an ice sheet to form and cross it. This demonstrates that the White Walkers are not limited by water and pose a significant threat to all of Westeros.
While Westeros is the largest organized nation and has the best chance of defeating the White Walkers, the logistical challenges and the sheer number of people involved make large-scale migration impractical. Even if Jon, Cersei, Euron, and Dorne decided to abandon Westeros, there is no feasible way to move everyone across the Narrow Sea before the White Walkers arrive. Migrating to Essos would only be more bodies for the Army of the Dead, which is now nearly impossible to counter even if the strategic position of the North is given up.
Furthermore, Winterfell's geothermal hot springs provide a source of warmth and heat, making it a suitable place to wait out the winter and face the White Walkers. This natural resource would be crucial in sustaining a large population during the harsh winters.
In conclusion, the combination of geographical challenges, cultural ties, political instability, survival instincts, and the specific threats posed by the White Walkers all contribute to the lack of migration from Westeros to Essos during harsh winters. The narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones is deeply rooted in these factors, and they provide a coherent explanation for why such a migration would be unlikely to occur.