Valyrian Steel vs. Dragonglass: What Can Truly Kill the Night King?

In the gripping world of Game of Thrones, many fans and watchers have wondered about the Night King's vulnerabilities. Would only Valyrian steel blades be able to kill him, given his origins and the importance of each material in Westeros?

The Myth: Valyrian Steel vs. Dragon Glass

The narrative often weaves a complex layer over the Night King's vulnerabilities. Early in the series, characters discuss the idea that the Night King was created using dragonglass, a mystical material created by the Children of the Forest. This setting up a potential contradiction, where the same material that created him might be what destroys him.

However, the truth appears to be more nuanced. In recent discussions, the producers have stated that Valyrian steel was chosen as the material that could kill him. This decision seems arbitrary, fitting into the broader plot where Arya Stark must fulfill her destiny. The selection of Valyrian steel was not based on any rationale, but rather on the requirement that the weapon that killed the Night King needed to be the one that the Children of the Forest placed the dragonglass.

Understanding the Choice: Valyrian Steel and Dragonglass

There doesn't seem to be a thorough explanation for why Valyrian steel should be the only thing that can kill the Night King. The showrunners' commentary highlights that the weapon had to be Valyrian steel, but this doesn't necessarily mean that dragonglass couldn't have done the job. In fact, it's been suggested that if Arya had stabbed the Night King with dragonglass, it might have worked just as effectively.

One argument is that the Children of the Forest put dragonglass in the Night King's heart, which means that dragonglass specifically placed at that location might still be able to kill him. However, the show's narrative required Arya to use Valyrian steel, thus providing a clear and definitive end to the Night King's reign of terror.

How Arya Fulfilled Her Destiny

Arya Stark's journey is filled with encounters with the Children of the Forest, who gave her dragonglass weapons. Given her travels and the knowledge she gained, Arya had the advantage of knowing exactly where to strike the Night King. This Greenwich moment and her experience with dragonglass, adapted to Valyrian steel, suddenly made Valyrian steel the seemingly only option to end the Night King's life. The strategic importance of Valyrian steel lies in the context of the seemingly perfect weapon that the Children of the Forest deliberately placed in the Night King's heart.

The Children of the Forest's presence in Arya's life and the weapons they gave her played a crucial role in the Night King's downfall. Her understanding of their rituals and the secret location of the dragonglass within the Night King's heart was pivotal in Arya's success. This narrative choice provides a compelling closure, aligning with the series' themes of destiny and fate.

Conclusion

While the Night King's vulnerability remains a fascinating topic, the inclusion of both Valyrian steel and dragonglass adds depth to the narrative. Regardless of which material might have been more effective, the showrunners decided on Valyrian steel as the definitive weapon to end the Night King's reign. This decision not only fits perfectly with the plot but also underscores the unpredictability and complexity of the world created by Game of Thrones.

Whether Valyrian steel or dragonglass was the ultimate material to kill the Night King is a matter of debate. What remains clear is the rich storytelling and the intricate interplay of materials and characters that made the final confrontation so memorable.