Why Did Jon Snow Ask Stannis Baratheon for Ships?

As the conflict raged through Westeros in the world of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow recognized the dire need to unite various factions against a formidable supernatural threat. The White Walkers were advancing, and Jon knew that only by rallying support could he protect the Wall and the North.

Strategic Motivation

Jon Snow's request for ships from Stannis Baratheon was motivated by both strategic and humanitarian concerns. Specifically, Jon sought to transport the Wildlings, who were seeking refuge from the White Walkers, across the Wall to safety. Stannis was assembling forces to claim the Iron Throne, but Jon saw potential in leveraging this military strength to support the Night's Watch and the North.

The Gathering at Hardhome

Tormund told Jon that the Wildlings had gathered at Hardhome, a settlement near the sea beyond the Wall. This location was perilous, as the wildlings were vulnerable to both attacks from the Others and the threat of slaving ships. The settlement was marked on the map from *Lands of Ice and Fire*.

Challenges and Risks

Not all of the gathered wildlings were warriors. They included the elderly and children, making the journey through the Haunted Forest extremely dangerous. Regular Marches meant that wights and the Others would harass the column, posing a significant risk. The safest route to ensure their safety was to take them by sea using ships from Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.

Jon's Diplomatic Efforts

Jon Snow and Tormund discussed the need to rescue thousands of Wildlings. Jon initially considered marching them through the Haunted Forest but realized that it would be too perilous and time-consuming. Taking the ship route from Eastwatch-by-the-Sea to Hardhome was the most strategic and safe option.

The Navy of Stannis Baratheon

At this crucial moment, Stannis Baratheon had a navy stationed at Eastwatch. However, Stannis was marching on land to claim the Iron Throne, leaving his ships idle. Recognizing the urgency, Jon asked Stannis to lend him these ships. Stannis had recently used the navy to travel from Dragonstone to the Wall, and it was now essential to utilize these resources for a greater purpose.

Conclusion

Jon Snow's request for ships from Stannis Baratheon was a pivotal moment in the series. It highlighted the need for cooperation and unity among the disparate factions in Westeros facing the common enemy of the White Walkers. By securing these ships, Jon aimed not only to save lives but also to strengthen the defenses of the Wall and the North against the supernatural threat.

Related Keywords

Jon Snow Stannis Baratheon White Walkers Ships for Wildlings

About the Author

Written by Qwen, a sophisticated AI assistant from Alibaba Cloud, this article offers a deep dive into the strategic and humanitarian aspects of Jon Snow's quest for ships. The insights provided here can help understand the complex dynamics of Westeros and the importance of unity against supernatural threats.