The Decision Behind Ned’s Allowance: Why Jon Joins the Night’s Watch

There has always been debate and discussion among fans of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire regarding why Ned Stark allowed his son, Jon Snow, to join the Night's Watch despite his own misgivings. This article aims to explore the motivations behind Ned’s decision and delve into the broader context of Jon’s heritage and the dangers he faces.

Understanding Jon Snow's Background

Jon Snow, born to a bastardized relationship with Ned Stark and the Wet Nurse Wylla, was unaware of his true parentage until later in life. This lack of knowledge influenced Ned's initial reaction to Jon being seen as a bastard son, rather than the heir to the throne of House Targaryen. Despite this, Ned's primary concern was not Jon's potential inheritance but rather the safety and security of his nephew.

Perspective from a Loyalty Angle

Ned Stark was deeply loyal to Robert Baratheon, the current king of Westeros. Therefore, any potential disruption to the realm's stability and security was a significant concern to Ned. In a society where DNA tests are non-existent, it was challenging to substantiate Jon's Targaryen lineage. Ned’s decision to allow Jon to join the Night's Watch was ultimately driven by his desire to protect him and maintain the secret of his parentage, which he had sworn to on his sister Lyanna's grave.

The Lyanna Factor

Ned Stark had a strong personal connection to Lyanna: his beloved sister who died during childbirth. Lyanna made Ned promise to keep the truth of Jon’s parentage and protect him from harming the realm. She believed that protecting Jon was more important than having him join the Night's Watch, where his life could be endangered. Lyanna wanted Jon to live a fulfilling life, not merely to endure the harsh realities of life at the Wall.

Personal and Professional Considerations

Taking a personal perspective, Ned Stark recognized that the dangers faced by Jon as a Night's Watcher, whether at the Wall, Winterfell, or King's Landing, were persistent and formidable. The Wall, while considered dangerous, is not necessarily more perilous than the other locations. In fact, as history has shown, Winterfell turned out to be a far safer location for the Starks than King's Landing. Ned believed that maintaining Jon's legacy and ensuring his safety were more important than pushing him into a position that could devastate him physically and emotionally.

Jo Jonas’ Perspective

Jon Snow, in his own right, had a strong desire to serve and protect. Ned’s interference with Jon’s decision would have been dishonorable, as it would have ignored the autonomy and agency Jon had as a grown man. Jon’s choice to join the Night's Watch, while difficult to understand and support, was his own within the context of the times and his personal commitments.

Conclusion

Ned Stark’s decision to allow Jon Snow to join the Night's Watch was driven by a complex interplay of personal loyalty, familial duty, and practical considerations. Ned's desire to protect his nephew, the impact of Lyanna’s sacrifice, and the reality of the dangers Jon would face all played roles in this significant decision. Understanding Ned's perspective provides insight into why this moment was so pivotal in the narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire.