game of thrones - Is it ever explained how exactly the Others can threaten Westeros right around the Wall?

The info I remember about the Wall was that it was built, using magic, by the Children of the Forest after the last long winter and Others invasion. It's purpose is to retain the Other should they return.

No doubt the Night's Watch is very concerned about the Others rising. They don't seem to think the Wall alone is nearly adequate defense against the Others. Is it ever explained how exactly the Other can threaten them around the Wall? Can they climb the Wall? Chisel thru the Wall, take over the tunnels?

I know Mance had a horn that could supposedly shatter the Wall. But there's no mention that the Others are searching for that horn or anything like that. If the Night's Watch just brought the horn south of the Wall that would be it for that threat.

Answer

It isn't mentioned how they can threaten Westeros, but we have seen some things they might be able to do.

From the books, we know they can use dead animals as allies, which might help them get past the Wall at the sea. They can mount mammoths, which can be used to damage the doors that are on the Wall (like the giants did) and pass through.

In the World of Ice and Fire, it is mentioned that they had huge ice spiders; these might be able to climb the Wall.

There are giants north of the Wall, and I wouldn't find it surprising if the Others could influence them to help the destruction of the weak points of the Wall.

But besides Mance's horn, we don't know any other way how the Others could pass the Wall.

Comments

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