Analyzing the Hardest Keeps to Capture in Game of Thrones
In the vast and complex political landscape of Game of Thrones, several keeps and castles are known for their formidable defenses. Among them, Castle Black and The Eyrie stand out as particularly difficult to take. However, amidst these fortifications, The Eyrie’s isolated and defensible location makes it arguably the hardest to capture.
Castle Black
Located at the Wall, Castle Black serves as a stronghold for the Night's Watch. Its strategic position on the Wall, coupled with the harsh climate and the continuous threat of White Walkers, significantly enhances its defensive capabilities. The Wall itself is an immense structure, and the well-trained defenders are adept at fending off threats from the North and beyond.
The Eyrie
The Eyrie is perched high in the Mountains of the Moon, making it a nearly inaccessible fortress. The only pathway to reach it is a narrow and winding path that can be effectively defended. Additionally, the Eyrie is known for its sky cell prison, which is particularly daunting. Prisoners can be thrown off to their deaths, adding an element of fear and deterrence to any potential siege.
While both locations present unique challenges, The Eyrie's geography and defensibility make it possibly the hardest to capture. Its isolation and the difficulty of reaching it from the outside create a significant obstacle for any would-be attackers.
Winterfell: A Special Case
While each castle is exceedingly hard to take by brute force, capturing them is not limited to direct assault. Castles are often taken by surrounding them and waiting for the defenders to succumb to starvation or dehydration. Unlike other castles in the land, Winterfell is immune to both. Utilizing greenhouses and hot springs, Winterfell can last far longer than the attackers, ensuring their survival and ultimate victory.
Dragonstone: A Fortress of Impregnable Defenses
Dragonstone is a marvel of strategic design. Built by the legendary Bran the Builder, its design is both impressive and effective. The high cliffs and the High Garden, thought to be impregnable, showcase the ingenuity of its construction. As Bron, presumably a character, noted, Give me ten good men and some climbing ropes, and I'll impregnate the bitch. His statement, while hyperbolic, highlights the castle's near-invisibility and defensibility.
Dragonstone is built to withstand sieges, having held out for over a year with no new food supplies until the end. This feat is largely due to the rock's smooth surface, which lacks any cuts or lines, making it a challenging target for catapults. Mace Tyrell attempted to besiege the castle using catapults, but they had no effect, showcasing Dragonstone's resilience.
Furthermore, Dragonstone is also dragon proof. During the Conquest, Aegon the-Conquerer was nervous about taking the castle, likely due to the potential use of dragonfire, as Harrenhal, another castle, was destroyed by dragonfire. However, Dragonstone's natural defenses were sufficient to withstand such an attack.
Beyond its siege and dragonproof qualities, Dragonstone has a dark magic aura. The presence of Melisandre and her red priests adds an element of mystique and danger to the castle, making it a formidable stronghold.
In summary, while each castle in Game of Thrones offers unique challenges, The Eyrie stands out as the hardest to capture due to its isolated and defensible location. Other castles, such as Dragonstone and Winterfell, offer exceptional defenses but may be susceptible to different methods of conquest.