Stannis Baratheon and Jon Snow: Trust and Vows

In the world of Game of Thrones, trust is a precious, yet fragile commodity. Among the many key figures in this epic saga, Stannis Baratheon and Jon Snow stand out as characters whose relationship has been fraught with complexities. Trust has been a significant point of contention between these two powerful figures. For better or worse, Stannis has found in Jon a man who can offer practical advice and, for a moment, a potential ally, but the underlying tensions remain rooted in their differing loyalties and the rigid oaths that bind each of them.

From the outset, Stannis was not an easy man to trust. His thirst for power and his perpetual sense of entitlement made it hard for many to see him as a leader worthy of devotion. However, despite his character flaws, Stannis has shown a certain degree of respect and even suspicion-tied trust for Jon Snow. This stem from the fact that Jon, as a survivor of the mutiny that placed Stannis on the throne, has firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of the Second Sons and the intricacies of power dynamics.

Listening to Stannis

Throughout the series, we see Stannis ostensibly listening to Jon's advice. These interactions, however, are not as simple as they might appear. Jon's input is valuable because it is informed not only by his personal experiences but also by the broader political landscape of all the Seven Kingdoms. Stannis, in his own need for a strategic advantage, has recognized that Jon can provide the perspective needed to navigate this complicated terrain. This willingness to consider Jon's advice, albeit begrudgingly, is a display of a rare level of trust.

But it is not just the geopolitical climate that has drawn Jon to Stannis. Stannis, a man who has faced the most adversarial non-traditional Lannister forces, knows that Jon is the one with the absolute and most personal reason to despise the Lannisters. This shared animosity, coupled with Jon's unwavering commitment to his vows, has further cemented a connection between the two. Stannis understands that Jon's actions are driven by a sense of duty, a code that is integral to who Jon is, and in some ways, mirroring Stannis's own rigid adherence to his own principles.

Tensions and Vows

The most significant tension between Stannis and Jon lies in the latter's vows. In the eye of the Game of Thrones, Jon's vows to protect the Night's Watch and later the Trident as Lord of the North contradict Stannis's vision for the north. For Stannis, Jon's vows are not merely a personal code but a barrier to his ambitions. His understanding of Jon's oaths, especially the Stark ties, has been a key factor in his reluctance to see Jon as an ally or potential Hand of the North. This line of reasoning positions the vows as a significant point of contention, drawing a stark line between the men's differing worldviews.

Despite Stannis's frustration with Jon's vows, his ability to put aside his hostility towards the Lannisters and at least momentarily consider Jon's support reveals a nuanced approach to leadership. Stannis understands that in a world as bloodthirsty and unforgiving as Westeros, a certain level of pragmatism is necessary. Whether or not this trust will last remains to be seen, but it represents a departure from his usual rigid and uncompromising nature.

Conclusion

In the complex web of alliances and betrayals that characterize the Seven Kingdoms, the relationship between Stannis Baratheon and Jon Snow stands as a microcosm of the broader themes of trust, duty, and power. While Stannis has shown a willingness to consider Jon's advice and values the shared animosity towards the Lannisters, the underlying conflict remains. Jon's vows, while a source of deep personal fulfillment, also represent a formidable obstacle to Stannis's dreams of reunification and power balancing.

Ultimately, the trust between these two characters, fleeting yet meaningful, provides a compelling narrative that invites us to reflect on the nature of loyalty, the strength of vows, and the enduring power of personal integrity in a world where everyone is a potential enemy.