Page 2: The Wall Explained

The Wall is an immense fortification along the northern boundary of the Seven Kingdoms. It is 700 feet high and made of solid ice. 

It was constructed in part using magic, eight millennia ago after the Long Night and the War for the Dawn to defend against the White Walkers.

The Long Night

Eight thousand years before the series starts, a winter, known as the Long Night, lasted for an entire generation. People starved as the crops were buried under dozens of feet of snow. 

The White Walkers

The White Walkers descended upon Westoros during the Long Night killing all in their paths and reanimating the dead into withs (zombies) to kill the living at their command.

In the present day, most people believe their existence is a myth. However, just before the War of the Five Kings erupts, disturbing reports from the wildlings living beyond the wall are received of recent sightings.  Are they returning given the possibility of an upcoming long winter?

The War for the Dawn

The peoples of Westeros rallied and, in a conflict known as the War for the Dawn, drove the White Walkers far back into the North and built the Wall to keep them out.

The Gift

The Gift is an area just south of the Wall that was given to the Watch by the House of Stark to support the Night's Watch with food and supplies.