Jon Snow's Future: A Wildling or Night’s Watch Member?

The final episode of Game of Thrones Season 8 left fans is deep speculation about the future of Jon Snow. With the Night King defeated and the Night’s Watch greatly diminished, the question of whether Jon will stay with the Night’s Watch or go north of the Wall to live among the wildlings is a topic of intense debate. This article explores the reasons behind these possibilities and the implications of each choice.

Jon's Soft-Hearted Nature and His Beloved Ygritte

Jon Snow is known for his soft-hearted nature and compassion for the common people, a characteristic deeply rooted in his love for Ygritte, his first love and a wildling girl. Throughout the series, his empathy for the harsh lives of the wildlings has been evident, often leading him to question the merits of the confrontational policies of the Night’s Watch. Jon's allegiance to the Night’s Watch has always been more about a sense of duty to a place he considers his home, rather than a choice driven by power or politics.

Jon's Philosophical Stance and Belief in the Far North

Jon always felt a strong connection to the far north, away from the constant tension and power games of King’s Landing. He believed that he belonged in the quiet, untamed lands beyond the Wall. This sentiment is reflected in his previous decision to defect to the wildlings, where he found a sense of belonging that he never truly had within the rigid structure of the Night’s Watch. His decision to wear a black garment when going north of the Wall, traditionally associated with the Night’s Watch, suggests that he may still be connected to the Watch under a different guise.

Keeping His Word to the Night’s Watch

Jon has always been honor-bound, a trait that could explain his choice to remain with the Night’s Watch rather than fully siding with the wildlings. His promise to inherit the Night’s Watch from his father and his commitment to the Watch's ideals, despite his personal beliefs, may compel him to fulfill his duty. It's possible that he will remain a member of the Night’s Watch, using his role to provide guidance and support to the remaining members without going north himself.

Implications of Jon Becoming a Wildling

However, if Jon chooses to live among the wildlings, it would signify a significant departure from his previous life. The Wall's purpose is now fulfilled, and there is little left for it to guard against. The remaining wildlings, who have suffered at the hands of the Night’s Watch in the past, may be suspicious of Jon's motives. Yet, for Jon, life among the wildlings offers a chance to be himself, free from the constraints of leadership and the burden of his past actions. He can find comfort and peace beyond the confines of the rigid structures of the Night’s Watch.

Moreover, Jon's decision to become a wildling aligns with his fundamental nature. He has always felt more at home in the untamed lands, where social constructs and political schemes hold less weight. His natural leadership abilities, exemplified in his role as King in the North, emerged more through the actions of others rather than his own conscious efforts. In the wilds, he can be himself without the pressure to lead or the shadow of his regicide on his actions.

In conclusion, the future of Jon Snow in Game of Thrones hinges on a complex interplay of duty, personal beliefs, and the changing landscape of Westeros and beyond. Both the Night’s Watch and the wildlings represent significant paths, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. Fans will certainly be watching with bated breath as the final adaptations and choices of this iconic character are made.