Ned Stark: A Legendary Knight’s Journey to The Wall

In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire and A Game of Thrones, Ned Stark is portrayed as a legendary knight, an honorable man deeply committed to his oaths and duties. But what if, instead of being killed by Joffrey, Ned had chosen to honor his vows and join the Night's Watch at The Wall? This hypothetical scenario would have significantly altered the course of the Stormborn realm.

The North Supports Stannis

Consider the alternative where Stannis Baratheon’s military prowess allows him to defeat Renly Baratheon, thus bending the knee of the Tyrells. This would result in the Tyrells leaving King's Landing. Subsequently, Stannis would conquer King's Landing, and Tyrion Lannister would secure King Tommen’s succession. The absence of the Tyrells would force the Lannisters to retreat, setting the stage for a different political landscape.

Without the Red Wedding, the realm would be spared one of its most brutal betrayals. Moreover, Jon Snow would learn the truth about his ancestry, possibly finding a path to honor and leadership. Stannis would smoothly defeat the young Lord of Storm’s Landing, Roberts Baratheon, solidifying his position in the realm.

The Sacred Oath of Ned Stark

Ned's commitment to his oath is unwavering. He vowed to take the black, and he would honor that commitment, regardless of the fate of his family. Joining the Night's Watch would allow him to share the truth about his lineage with Jon, ensuring that Jon would not face the same dangers that Ned had.

Considering Ned's deep sense of honor, he would fulfill his word to the Night's Watch. The safety of his family would be paramount, and the constraints of his oath would be stronger than the threats posed by the Lannisters. Although the Lannisters might hold Sansa and Robb as hostages, Ned's commitment to his family would still outweigh any temptations to break his vow.

Even if Robb’s negotiations result in a swap where Ned is returned to Winterfell, Ned sees his family as the primary concern. His marriage to Catelyn would likely be broken, but Ned's primary goal would be to ensure that the North remains strong under capable leadership. The loss of sexual intimacy and his inability to have more children are minor compared to the safety of his family and the welfare of the North.

Possible Outcomes and Altered Paths

The most probable scenario is that Ned Joins The Wall, becoming Lord Commander after Jeor Mormont. His warnings would be taken seriously in the North, leading to a rallying of the lords to reinforce the Wall against Mance Rayder. Mance, in a prolonged war against the Wall, would struggle against the forces of the Night's Watch, eventually succumbing to the growing threat of the looming White Walkers.

When the White Walkers attack, the North would hold the line until Stannis arrives to bolster their defenses. However, the White Walkers would eventually break through, forcing the North to retreat and lose Winterfell. Ned, in a last-ditch effort, would negotiate a temporary alliance between Stannis, the North, Riverlands, Stormlands, Danerys Targaryen, and the Reach to fight against the White Walkers, ensuring the survival of the realm.

Conclusion: Ned Stark's journey to The Wall would be a testament to his honor and unwavering commitment to duty, altering the course of A Song of Ice and Fire in profound and impactful ways. His sacrifice and leadership would be pivotal in defending the realm against the greatest threat it has ever faced.