If Jon Snow Were Made King in the North: How Would Lady Stoneheart React?

In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, the fate of the North would be drastically changed if Jon Snow were to become King in the North. Lady Stoneheart, the vengeful figure embodying the spirit of Catelyn Stark, would have a complex and multifaceted reaction to this event. Her actions and motivations would be driven by her singular desire for vengeance against those responsible for her family's suffering.

Focus on Vengeance

Despite the potential blessing of a Stark king, Lady Stoneheart is driven by a fierce desire for revenge. If Jon Snow’s rise to power seems to offer her a chance to restore Stark honor, she may feel ambivalent. On one side, his leadership could bring stability and justice to the North, which might resonate with her. On the other side, if she perceives any threat to her goals of vengeance, even the slightest misstep from Jon could be seen as an obstacle.

Connection to the Stark Legacy

Jon’s leadership could be seen as a restoration of Stark values, which might make her approve of his rule. However, her approval would likely be conditional on Jon’s adherence to her vision of retribution. She may be suspicious of Jon’s alliances and decisions, especially if they conflict with her goals. For instance, if Jon forms alliances with those she views as enemies, such as the Lannisters or the Freys, she would likely see him as a target.

Potential Conflict

The dynamics between Lady Stoneheart and Jon would be colored by their differing approaches to justice and leadership. If Jon’s policies or actions were to align with her enemies, her pursuit of retribution would intensify. Any alliances Jon forms that threaten the Stark legacy could be seen as betrayal. The contrast in their moral approaches could lead to a tragic confrontation, highlighting the conflicting views of justice and honor.

Ambiguity of Morality

Lady Stoneheart operates in a moral gray area, driven by the pain of loss, which often clouds her judgment. Jon, on the other hand, is known for his sense of honor and duty. Their moral ambiguity and contrasting methods of justice could lead to a complicated relationship. If their paths were to cross, it could result in a significant conflict, emphasizing the differences in their ideologies and approaches to leadership.

In summary, Lady Stoneheart’s reaction to Jon Snow becoming King in the North would reflect her dual nature of honoring the Stark legacy while relentlessly pursuing vengeance against those responsible for her family’s suffering. The dynamics between them would hinge on Jon’s actions and how they align with her vengeful goals.