Ned Stark’s Relationship with Howland Reed: Bonding Beyond the Tower of Joy

Ned Stark’s relationship with Howland Reed is a complex one, deeply rooted in their shared history and trust. Their bond, forged during and after the legendary event at the Tower of Joy, remains a significant aspect of both characters’ narratives in the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin.

Friendship Endures Despite Splits

Following the Tower of Joy incident, Ned Stark and Howland Reed maintained a friendship, though they did not overlap in their daily lives. Howland Reed elected to remain in the Neck, focusing on his role as a crannogman and his duties to his family and people. This physical distance did not alter the respect and trust between the two men. Ned Stark, being a man of honor and integrity, held Howland Reed in high esteem for his courage and loyalty, particularly for the act of saving Ned’s life and allowing him to have a final moment with his sister.

A Lifesaving Bonds and Trust

Howland Reed’s act of bravery and trust in sharing a crucial secret further cemented their connection. As Howland saved Ned’s life and was entrusted with a dangerous secret, their relationship became even stronger. The trust between them was not merely professional but a deep, almost implicit trust that ran through their shared history.

Despite the physical separation, the two did not lose touch entirely. While there isn’t extensive evidence of their closeness, they communicated through letters, which served to maintain their connection. Discussions about Jon Arryn, particularly his journey to the Wall, remained sensitive topics due to the political and familial implications.

The Significance of Honor and loyalty

Howland Reed’s actions and loyalties were significantly influenced by his respect for Ned Stark. This can be seen in the steadfast nature of Howland’s children, Meera and Jojen, who were instructed to protect the Neck and renew the oaths to the Starks. The children inherited their father’s honor and loyalty, as evidenced by their attempt to secure Bran and Rickon Stark during the protective siege at Winterfell. This indicates that Ned Stark’s high opinion of Howland Reed was not misplaced and was passed on to the next generation.

Given the feudal obligations and the need for inter-household alliances, Howland and Ned likely maintained a certain level of communication. This would have included matters such as the gathering of harvests and the fulfillment of taxes or other duties owed to House Stark. Despite the lack of direct interactions, their fealty was a constant underpinning of their relationship.

Conclusion and Legacy

While Ned Stark and Howland Reed’s bond may have been tested by time and distance, it remained strong and impactful. The trust and respect that bound them together, reinforced by Howland’s bravery and Ned’s honor, ensured that their relationship endured beyond the Tower of Joy.

This enduring friendship and the lessons it taught continue to influence the broader narrative, reminding us of the importance of trust, honor, and the enduring bonds formed in times of crisis.

Additional Reading and Media

To explore the rich world of A Song of Ice and Fire and the characters of Ned Stark and Howland Reed further, consider reading the books and watching the Game of Thrones series. Additionally, exploring fan art, such as the one by Rogue-Spectrum on DeviantArt, can provide a visual representation of the characters and their surroundings.

Further, you can delve into discussions and analyses from communities like Game of Thrones Fandom to gain deeper insights into the characters and their intertwined destinies.