The Future of Westeros: The Smallfolk Will Have More Power
So, I'm here very full in theory, but I will do it based on real-life history and what it could mean for Westeros after ASOIAF.
Alright, so let me briefly give you a history class first about the economy and society of medieval times.
In medieval Europe, society was built on land, loyalty, and labor rather than cash. After the fall of the Roman Empire, political power became decentralized, with lords ruling over lands and peasants working for them under the feudal system.
Most people were peasants who rarely used money. Instead of wages, they paid rent through crops, animals, or labor while keeping most of what they produced. In return, lords provided protection. This system was based on obligation and mutual dependence, not cash exchange.
In towns, craftsmen such as blacksmiths and bakers belonged to guilds that regulated trades and protected workers. Young workers started as apprentices, working for training rather than pay, then became journeymen who could earn wages—often in coins or goods—and eventually masters. These urban workers were among the first to receive more regular cash payments.
Servants in noble households were usually compensated with food, shelter, and clothing rather than money, though skilled workers might receive small cash bonuses. Soldiers had a different system: many were mercenaries paid in coin, loot, or land, especially during conflicts like the Hundred Years' War. Knights might serve in exchange for land instead of wages.
Religious life also shaped labor. Monks and nuns worked without pay, receiving spiritual fulfillment and basic needs instead. However, monasteries often became wealthy institutions that hired lay workers for wages.
A major turning point came with the Black Death in the 14th century, which drastically reduced Europe’s population. Labor shortages gave surviving workers new bargaining power, leading to demands for higher wages. Authorities, such as Edward III, attempted to control wages with laws like the Statute of Laborers, but the shift toward a money-based economy had begun.
By the late Middle Ages, trade expanded, coins circulated more widely, and cash wages became increasingly common. Medieval workers, like modern ones, sought security, fair treatment, and reasonable compensation for their labor.
So, how this relate with Westeros? For starter, Westeros has a feudal society. And after a war that ravaged land and the stores, is in the brink of the longest, crudest winter, while an entitled girl with three demonic fire-breathing lizards and an army of raping, violent horse-riders and brainwashed warriors, along with pirates, is nearly going to invade Westeros.
Who knows what will happen first? Only George knows. And is difficult to predict who will survive.
What I'm sure is that the Long Night and the Storming Fire are the Black Plague of Westeros and Essos. Millions of people will live, and after all this is deal with, will come the reconstruction.
But here's the thing, a lot of lords will survive. And so will a lot of the smallfolk. But not enough to cover the labour.
And here's what will happen: As it happened by the end of the Medieval Era, labor shortages will give the surviving workers new bargaining power, leading to demands for higher wages. And the idea that the people have power over the lords.
It will be the end of the feudal system. I don't doubt it will remain for a few centuries more, but just like our peasant ancestors tasted freedom and were not happy to return to an unjust system, the smallfolk won't let the remaining lords to let them abuse their power.
The Renaissance of Westeros will come.
