Can a King Release a Man from the Night's Watch?

In the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, the Night's Watch operates under a strict code of honor, oath-bound to serve until death. This raises the question: can a King truly release a member of the Night's Watch from their vows?

The Rules of the Night's Watch

According to the rules, the answer appears to be no. The oaths sworn by Night's Watch members state they will serve until death, and there is no known precedent for releasing individuals from their vows. However, like most rules in a world with evolving social and political dynamics, they are not immutable.

Human Laws and Enforcement

Human laws possess meaning only if they can be enforced both directly and through broader social sanctions. The Night's Watch, operating without a written constitution, follows principles established by precedent and the decree of officers, ultimately falling under the jurisdiction of the Lord Commander. Challenges to his authority or decisions are typically dealt with through assassination or mutiny, as Jon Snow discovered.

The Lord Commander's Authority

The Lord Commander holds the ultimate authority within the Night's Watch. His decrees are generally accepted, as there is no established system to challenge them. If a Lord Commander makes a decree that violates the principles of the Watch, there is little recourse, with the only form of enforcement being through assassination or mutiny.

The King's Power and Practicalities

Technically, the King does not have the authority to release a Night's Watch member. However, the King can exert significant practical pressure. The Night's Watch relies on external support from local lords, particularly the Warden of the North, to hold deserters accountable. If the King demands the release of a member and the Lord Commander refuses, the King can threaten to withhold recruits and supplies, effectively applying pressure. This could lead to a situation where the Night's Watch is left with no choice but to comply.

Precidential Precedents

A notable precedent is the release of members from the Kingsguard. Although the Kingsguard is a different organization, the release of members from their life-long oaths by royal decree stands as a significant historical event. The Night's Watch is apolitical, but its members still owe fealty to the King. If the King's authority is sufficiently strong, and he can convince the Lord Commander, the release might still be attempted.

Social Capital and Moral Considerations

The King's social capital plays a crucial role. Even if the King's decree is challenged, his position can mitigate potential opposition. Once the King has released someone, it would be difficult for the Night's Watch to oppose without risking significant political and social consequences. The only enforcing force remaining would be personal honor or religious sensibilities, which hold less weight in the face of a royal decree.

The Written Law vs. The Practical Reality

While the Night's Watch is bound by the letter of its sworn oaths, the practical reality is often more flexible. This is not unique to the Night's Watch; laws and customs evolve when the right individuals have the right motivations to change them. In the context of the series, the King's power can bend even the most rigid of rules.

Ultimately, the ability of a King to release a Night's Watch member is not defined by adhering strictly to written laws but by the strength of the King's position and the practical realities of the situation. The release of Barristan and Blount from the Kingsguard suggests that, with enough motivation, the traditions and rules can be reshaped.

In conclusion, while the Night's Watch's oaths appear unbreakable, the reality of governance and enforcement makes room for flexibility and change. The true power lies in how the King leverages his authority and social capital to achieve his desired outcome.