Ned Stark's Journey to the Tower of Joy: A Lesson in Secrecy and Trust

The journey of Ned Stark to the Tower of Joy with a small party of men—a unique decision that challenges the norms of leadership and trust—is a testament to the complex characters we find in the Song of Ice and Fire series. This meticulously crafted narrative Why did Ned Stark go to the Tower of Joy with so few men Why not bring a small guard say 20 more men of loyal and discreet northerners gives us insight into the motivations and reasoning behind his choice.

Factors Behind Ned Stark's Decision

Firstly, the need for secrecy and discretion was a key factor. The Tower of Joy was located in Dorne, a region still recovering from recent conflict, and a larger group could have drawn unwanted attention. This ties into a common saying: Three men can keep a secret if two of them are dead. Ned Stark, being a man of honor and trust, understood that maintaining the confidentiality of his mission was critical. A bigger group would pose a risk of potential conflicts and encounters with hostile forces, which could jeopardize their mission.

Trust in Companions

Secondly, Ned Stark's trust in his companions played a significant role. He was known for his strong sense of honor and loyalty. Choosing a small and trusted group was a natural reflection of his character. Howland Reed, in particular, was a close ally, and his crucial role in the events at the Tower of Joy underscores the importance of their bond. Ensuring that the information remained contained within a closely-knit circle was essential. This decision also highlights the chosen nature of Ned Stark's group, implying that loyal and discreet qualities are not binary but rather complex.

Military Strategy and Practical Considerations

Thirdly, military strategy was another factor. Weighing the advantages of a smaller, more agile force over a larger, more obvious one, Ned Stark considered the tense post-war environment. A larger group could have been seen as a provocation, drawing unwanted attention or unnecessary conflict. This is particularly relevant to the characters who joined him, with Howland Reed being a squire and one of his group being a mere squire, all of whom showed qualities that made them suitable for the task despite their lack of overt combat skills.

Personal Motivations and Emotions

Lastly, the emotional connection to his sister Lyanna Stark was a driving force behind his decision. The personal nature of his mission added layers of complexity to his choice. The journey to the Tower of Joy was deeply personal, and he prioritized a small, intimate group over a larger contingent. This decision reflects his deep love and dedication to his sister, which transcended practical considerations and placed emotional ones at the forefront.

Keeping Secrets with Six Sounds a Lot

It has been pointed out that despite facing off against Kingsguard knights, Ned Stark did not base his choice on fighting abilities. Including a mere squire (Howland Reed) and another individual who had been beaten up by a bunch of squires further emphasizes this. The chosen individuals were more about loyalty and discretion rather than combat prowess. However, the fact remains that if you are truly serious about keeping a secret forever, you need to keep the circle very small, as three men can keep a secret if two of them are dead.

Ned Stark trusted six individuals with his secret: himself, his three companions, and Lyanna Stark herself. This intimate group underscored the importance of loyal and discreet qualities in safeguarding sensitive information. These characters, while not perfect, demonstrated their commitment to the mission, ensuring that the secret remained intact.