The Question: Can Melisandre Bring Jon Snow Back in the Next Book?

As readers eagerly anticipate the next installment in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire saga, one burning question remains: Can Melisandre bring Jon Snow back to life? The answer, based on the nuances of the series, is both yes and no, particularly without her conscious intention.

The Realistic Approach: Intentional vs. Unintentional Resurrection

Contrary to the show's portrayal, Melisandre's resurrection of Jon Snow in the books is not a simple, emotional act. While the character does have a soft spot for Jon, her intentions are much more complex and grounded in the pragmatic and religious beliefs she adheres to. Her actions in the show often run contrary to her detailed and methodical approach in the books, emphasizing a more calculated and less emotionally driven narrative.

Jon's death in the books is akin to a coup, with various factions, including wildlings and Stannis's supporters,ASHBOARDLY having stakes in the outcome. This adds depth and layers to the narrative, making Jon's death more significant. It is important to note that in the books, Jon's demise is not a solitary event but a part of a larger, chaotic upheaval.

The Unintentional Path to Resurrection

Unintentional Resurrection: What seems much more plausible from a A Song of Ice and Fire narrative perspective, is an unintentional resurrection. This scenario involves Melisandre deciding to burn Gilly's "monster," presumably her son, either using the pyre nearby Jon's body or misidentifying it as Mance Rayder's child. In her fervor, she may have no intention of bringing Jon back but finds herself faced with the unexpected outcome of his return.

From this perspective, Jon would initially serve as a non-POV character, ruling as the Night's King from the Nightfort. His return would be driven by a desire for vengeance against those who betrayed him. Eventually, as Melisandre dies and her soul departs, Jon's soul would be restored, bringing him back as a fully realized character. However, the journey home would be fraught with the horrors of his past actions and the tragic cost of Gilly's son.

The Choice to Bring Jon Back: Intentional but Complicated

Intentional but Compromised: If Melisandre decides to bring Jon back, even against his wishes, it would be a deeply controversial decision. The realm's need for Jon could force her to use the fire ice and kings' blood to empower Stannis, potentially leading to a new and more brutal Stannis who could sweep across Westeros, slaying the Others. However, this outcome would ignite the ire of many characters, especially those who oppose Stannis's rule, such as Catelyn Stark and Renly Baratheon.

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Beyond Memory and Soul: A Story of Transformation

Memory and Soul Gain: Even if Melisandre brings Jon back, the story suggests that each resurrection comes with a price, both literal and figurative. The brother who keeps coming back from the Brotherhood Without Banners has claimed that every time he returns, he loses some of his memory and soul. For Jon, who is so uniquely special, the loss could be magnified, granting him memories all the way back to his birth. This transformation could radically alter his identity, making him both a stranger to his past allies and closer to his lair enemies.

By revisiting the nuances of a character's resurrection in George R.R. Martin's intricate narrative, the story not only serves to complicate but also enriches our understanding of A Song of Ice and Fire. The potential for Jon's return, whether intentional or unintentional, opens up new avenues for storytelling, exploration of themes, and character development, hooking readers and compelling them to question the status quo.