Why Cersei Ignores the White Walkers: Power, Pride, and Political Strategy

Cersei Lannister’s reluctance to engage with the looming threat of the White Walkers in Game of Thrones highlights her priorities and worldview, particularly when it comes to power. For most of the series, Cersei’s focus is centered around securing the throne for herself and her children. She’s willing to manipulate, betray, and eliminate anyone who stands in her way, including her own family. The threat of the White Walkers, which is a more existential, global danger, is seen by Cersei as secondary to her more immediate concern: the Iron Throne. When Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen bring the news of the White Walkers to King’s Landing, Cersei’s initial response is a mix of skepticism and political calculation. She doubts the true severity of the threat, particularly because it isn't directly related to her struggle for power. Even after being shown undeniable evidence (such as the wights), her reluctance to commit to a fight against the White Walkers stems from a combination of pride, arrogance, and a desire to maintain control. Cersei also plays the situation strategically. By initially pretending to ally with Jon and Daenerys, she seeks to gain an advantage for herself. She intends to use the fight against the White Walkers as a distraction to consolidate her hold over the throne, even if it means letting the Northern forces weaken and exhaust themselves in the process. In the end, Cersei’s approach shows her willingness to sacrifice long-term survival for short-term dominance. Her obsession with power makes her blind to the greater threat, which ultimately contributes to her downfall