The Tricky Question - Would Ned Stark Join the Night’s Watch or Rebel Against the Lannisters?

In A Song of Ice and Fire, the fate of Ned Stark is a pivotal moment in the plot. Would Ned Stark have chosen to join the Night's Watch or would he have rebelled against the Lannisters? This article explores the logistics and personal choices that might have influenced Ned's decision, offering a clear analysis of the complex nature of his character within the world of Westeros.

Logistical Challenges Faced by Ned Stark

From a logistical standpoint, the idea of Ned Stark escaping and joining the Night's Watch is highly improbable. With all of his warriors dead and even the civilians from the North either tortured, brainwashed, or worse (like Jeyne Poole), Ned's forces are decimated. He finds himself in Lannister-controlled territory, utterly alone and without the resources or allies to survive, let alone make a daring escape. In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, escaping is as difficult as it is in any real-world scenario where every opponent knows the terrain and every hiding spot.

Case Study: Arya Stark’s Escape

Arya Stark’s escape provides a useful example. She managed to flee through a combination of chaos, disguising herself as a boy, and the assistance of individuals with connections and resources. Yet, even she relied on outside help from Jory and Illyrio. If anything, this scenario demonstrates how virtually impossible it would be for Ned Stark to make a successful escape alone under similar conditions. His failure to escape would be a testament to the intricacies of political and military strategy in Westeros.

Ned Stark’s Personal Choices and Hypocrisy

Beyond logistics, there are ethical and personal factors to consider. While Ned Stark is lauded for his unwavering honor, he is also shown to be capable of making pragmatic choices when it comes to his family. His previous actions, such as taking Jon Snow in and not exiling him, demonstrate a willingness to bend his honor for his loved ones. This is indicative of the cyclical nature of his choices and reflects the harsh realities of the world in which he operates.

Previous Vows Broken

Earlier, Ned Stark Forsook his vows to King Robert when he considered him the true ruler and accepted him as such. He even went so far as to bring Jon Snow to Winterfell, prioritizing the well-being of his sister's child over his own. Similarly, when his family is held hostage, Ned chooses to stand down and negotiate with the Lannisters rather than continuing to fight and risk his own life for a martyr's death. His actions in these instances show a complex moral calculus that balances love, duty, and the practicality of survival.

The Night’s Watch and Ned’s Likely Fate

With these factors in mind, it is highly unlikely that Ned Stark would have joined the Night’s Watch if he had the choice. His current situation—cut off, betrayed, and with no viable escape route—would have forced him to confront the reality that his future in the South is hopeless. In such a dire situation, there is a chance that he might have chosen to join the Night's Watch out of sheer necessity, but this would be a desperate and last resort, implying his societal and moral bankruptcy.

Conclusion: Ned Stark’s Choices in a Tangled Web

In the end, Ned Stark’s fate in the story is a result of a series of complex and often contradictory choices. Whether he would have joined the Night’s Watch or rebelled against the Lannisters is a matter of personal interpretation. What is clear, however, is the intricate balance of honor, family, and survival that defines his character. Ned Stark, despite his noble ideals, is ultimately a product of the political and personal forces that shaped his life.