Could Benjen Stark Have Been Named to the Kingsguard?

Many fans of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and the Game of Thrones television adaptation often wonder about the possibilities of certain characters, such as Benjen Stark, joining esteemed organizations within the world of Westeros. Specifically, the question arises whether the beloved character could have become part of the Kingsguard. This article explores this possibility, along with the historical and canonical context of the King's Protectors.

Historical Context

The Kingsguard, loyal and skilled companions to the king, are considered the most prestigious and honored military order in Westeros. The role of the Kingsguard is not only to protect the king but also to symbolize the king's piety and connection to the Faith of the Seven. Joining the Kingsguard typically requires a deep religious commitment and a significant demonstration of martial prowess.

Benjen's Commitment to the Old Gods

Coming from a family that worships the Old Gods, Benjen Stark's path to joining the Kingsguard would be highly unlikely. Many adherents of the Old Gods, such as the lords of House Mormont, occasionally receive knighthoods to bolster their social status or gain authority. However, Benjen does not seek such titles. He is a committed follower of the Old God of the Shivering Isles, a deity that fundamentally differs from the Seven.

Benjen's Joining the Night's Watch

Benjen Stark's career in the Night's Watch began at around 13 or 14 years old, shortly after the end of Robert's Rebellion. His decision to join the Night's Watch was driven by a complex set of motivations. The most significant being his desire to protect the North, his home, from the Wildlings and any potential threats. There is also the mystery of his true motives for joining, which are not fully explained in the books. It is suggested that his early induction into the Night's Watch played a role in his taking the Black at a young age, when the Stark succession situation was particularly fluid.

Canons and Realities

While Benjen Stark possesses the skills expected of a fellow in the Night's Watch, including great prowess with a sword, these qualities do not invariably translate into candidacy for the Kingsguard. Historically, the Kingsguard's members were typically knights with impeccable credentials in both piety and martial artistry. Jaime Lannister stands out as a prime example of a prodigious swordsman who, while not of the highest moral standing, received knighthood and later the honor of joining the Kingsguard at the age of 15.

Benjen's dedication to the North and the Old Gods would have ultimately deterred him from serving as a member of the Kingsguard. His greatest ambition has always been to protect the realm of the cold north from both metaphorical and literal threats. Even if Palace intrigue allowed for an expansion of the Kingsguard's ranks, Benjen's personal beliefs and goals make it highly improbable that he would have sought or been accepted into such an organization.

Assuming that Rhaegar Targaryen had won the Battle of the Trident, Benjen might have ventured to King's Landing to protect his nephew, Jon Arryn, or his sister Lyanna. If he had demonstrated exceptional skill in combat and a strong protective instinct, he could have potentially secured a place in the Kingsguard. However, even in this hypothetical scenario, King Robert Baratheon would not have welcomed Benjen, especially not if there was an open position, due to his deep loyalty to Ned Stark, Benjen's uncle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Benjen Stark's skills and experience in arms would have made him a formidable candidate, both personally and historically, his unwavering commitment to the Old Gods and his lifelong dedication to the Night's Watch mean that he was never likely to be named to the Kingsguard. His legacy as a protector of the North remains a testament to his moral and martial virtues, rather than his aspirations for higher honors within the royal court.