If you’re like I was, the Battle of Hardhome left you crouching on the edge of your seat, jumping at the screen like a madman. OK, maybe not that bad, but we can all agree Hardhome was a fun episode no? One of the primary reasons for this book reader, was that the Battle of Hardhome occurs off page in the Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R.R. Martin. Jon Snow learns of the events in bits and pieces via ravens sent from fellow Night’s Watch brothers attempting to rescue wildlings. For once, those know it all book readers were caught off guard by the changes.
Now, for those who haven’t read the novels, Reddit user mmilovanovic87 has produced a handy infographic detailing all those changes. As you can see, they were quite extensive.
One of the biggest departures from the novels would be the involvment of some of our favorite characters, as neither Jon, Tormund nor Wun Wun participate in the battle (all three are at the Wall). Stannis’ fleet also does not lend support in the novels, as the Night’s Watch has its own ships, and commandeers/hires ships from the Free Cities instead.
It does appear as if showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss drew upon the novels for inspiration however. In particular, Melisandre’s vision is a fairly accurate descrption of what we see on screen, from the “wooden wall” to “the white mist” that sweeps over the scene.
Putting the battle on screen was more exciting than learning of it via raven, and Jon’s killing of a White Walker with his Valyrian steel sword could prove to be pivotal knowledge going forward. What if that moment was held until the final battle of the series however? Or at least until Jon’s ranging north of the Wall in season 7 to capture a wight? The butterfly effects are interesting to contemplate, and much easier with a pretty picture to illustrate it. Now, where is my season 6 DVD…
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