Theology of Thrones #2: The Night King and a Common Enemy
This is part 2 of my “Theology of Thrones” series which looks at the many themes and characters of Game of Thrones and how it interacts with faith and theology. Check out my introduction here. Part #1 is here.
Spoilers for Game of Thrones up to the end of season 7.
I’m writing this second Theology of Thrones in west Michigan where we’re receiving 2–4 inches of snow…on April 14th! I couldn’t be more excited for the season 8 premiere tonight, and looking out my window I know for sure that winter is in fact here.
The real meaning of “Winter is Here” has inspired to think more about the Night King and his army of the dead. In one of the greatest, most epic scenes of any season of any show we saw the Night King take down The Wall with the help of the undead Viserion (I’m still devestated by this loss, but seeing an undead dragon is something I never knew I needed).
The Night King and his army are finally about to head south of the wall and invade Westeros, and it seems his only goal is to destroy humankind. I don’t think we know quite why he hates people so much, but he sure does.
It’s not hard for a Christian to see the Night King and think, “Well, sure he’s a lot like Satan.” I wouldn’t say it’s a one to one comparison, but I think we should take the thought one step further.
Ever since Hardhome (my favorite episode of the series, fight me), Jon Snow (Sand? Nope, Targaryen? I guess?!) has been trying to warn Westeros of the coming threat. Many scoffed at Jon Snow, including a room full of maesters at the Citadel (chain clinking dumb dumbs). What was once legend and myth is in fact a reality. And people are hesitant to accept this reality check.
Jon Snow has known for a long time that the army of the dead is a real threat, and that any battle between the living only helps their cause.
And here we find a better correlation: Satan is real, demons are real, and spiritual warfare is happening all around us. Different Protestant denominations may vary here, but this Christian believes humans do not play a part in the battle besides depending on the strength and protection of God. Let me be clear, we are affected by either side, but neither side needs us. Humankind doesn’t sway any side toward victory.
However, God wants all of His creation to be saved. Victory is God’s no matter what, but He cares deeply for His creation and wants as many people as possible to know and accept His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the battle between God and Satan. It’s not for a cosmic victory, that is already God’s because of Christ dying on the cross, but a battle for human souls.
When we fight against each other with no concern for the very real evil in this world then we only help Satan’s cause. Satan is trying to corrupt our world and bring us over to his side. Even if you don’t believe in Satan, you can participate in evil and be tempted by him.
Anyone who falls to Satan’s temptations becomes a pawn in his game: first as proof that human’s are destined to do evil, and second as agents for Satan’s mission. Satan wants you to spread your sin to others and do his work for him. I think deep down many of us know the threat of evil is real, but some of us deny it outright or ignore it. We deny that there is a force trying to tempt and corrupt us.
Have you heard the phrase, “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world that he doesn’t exist?” Satan is most effective when we don’t believe he’s real and trying to corrupt our souls.
Just as it is with the Night King. The reason Viserion (that beautiful and majestic beast) was killed was because Jon Snow and all the coolest characters from the show were trying to get proof of the army of the dead. They knew what the real problem was and to beat it all humankind had to be united against it. This is the case with Satan and his army of demons.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, beacuse you know that they family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” — 1 Peter 5:8–9
This passage is imploring believers/Christians to love one another not just because it’s nice, but because we are being pulled out love to evil. If we are to confront evil with love then that must start with Christians. Everyone faces temptation of Satan and evil, whether they are Christian or not.
A common quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helps us see this battle between opposing sides of love and hate. It’s a simple idea, but carries immense weight and importance.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Strength to Love
So we must be a Jon Snow, and not a Cersei Lannister (no one should ever be a Cersei). Cersei was confronted with proof, but she still didn’t care to lift a finger to help. She hates everyone else so much that she hopes this army of the dead will help her cause. Hate begets hate.
In conclusion, evil is real, and Satan wants to consume you. He doesn’t want you to be the masterpiece God created you to be (Ephesians 2:10). With forgiveness through Jesus Christ and the love of God we can overcome the world and the temptations of Satan. This requires awareness of our own brokeness and powerlessness, and being united together under the love of Jesus Christ.
“I have told you these things, so that in me [Jesus] you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
Personal Disclaimer: I don’t think this show should be watched by everyone. It can be depressing and deeply challenging to anyone struggling with lust, anger, etc.. The world does not need this show, and you do not need to see it. However, I think it brings up some correlations to our world that can be useful to discuss.
