When Did Benjen Stark Take the Black?

The question of when Benjen Stark took the black and joined the Night's Watch has long been a topic of speculation among fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. This mystery is further complicated by the political and familial events that occurred during Robert's Rebellion. In this article, we will explore the possible timeline and reasons behind Benjen's decision to join the Night's Watch.

The Significance of the Tourney of Harrenhal

The Tourney of Harrenhal was a pivotal event for the generation of Stark siblings, including Benjen. This tournament, which was attended by Ned Stark and his siblings, marked a significant turning point in their lives. For Benjen, this event was a precursor to his decision to join the Night's Watch.

Political and Familial Disasters

During the tourney, the political landscape was swiftly changing. When Rhaegar Targaryen kidnapped Lyanna Stark, an event that would later spark Robert's Rebellion, Benjen was unable to avenge his sister, brother, and father due to the chaos that ensued. Ned Stark was away fighting the rebellion, and Benjen, as the executor of Winterfell, was focused on securing the home of his house. Even so, his chances of inheriting Winterfell were slim with Ned having Robb as his legal heir. This absence of an inheritance, combined with his duties, might have pushed Benjen toward the Night's Watch.

The Night's Watch: A Place of Honor

The Night's Watch has historically been a respected place for Starks, particularly for younger sons and those in command positions. The Blood of the First Men flows through the veins of Northerners, and the Night's Watch symbolizes a noble path of service and protection. In the wake of Robert's Rebellion, with his brother away fighting for the realm and no clear path to inheriting Winterfell, Benjen's decision to join the Night's Watch can be seen as both an act of protecting his lands and a means of redressing his perceived role in his sister's death.

Lyanna Stark's Role at the Tourney

Benjen's role at the tournament might have been more significant than previously thought. He helped Lyanna with her equipment and may have played a part in the stunt that made her appear a knight. This could imply that Benjen knew Lyanna's true identity even before she was kidnapped. When Aerys II sent Rhaegar to uncover the secret behind the Knight of the Laughing Tree, it was likely he and Benjen recognized each other. Knowing that their roles crossed paths, Benjen might have felt a sense of responsibility for the ensuing conflict, and this could have influenced his decision to join the Night's Watch.

Possibilities for Benjen's Decision

The first possibility is that joining the Night's Watch has always been an honorable choice for the Stark family, especially for younger sons. Since Ned Stark had an heir in Robb, Benjen's chances of inheriting Winterfell were dwindling, and the Night's Watch provided a path of service and honor. This decision could have been made during or shortly after the Rebellion, allowing Benjen to focus on his home and the Night's Watch without the burden of inheritance.

The second possibility involves a more specific timeline. After attending the Tourney of Harrenhal, Benjen and Lyanna, pretending to be a knight, likely interacted before the Targaryen's betrayal. If this was the event that led to Lyanna's capture and tragic death, Benjen might have taken the black as a form of penance. This path would align his actions with the Night's Watch and protect his home from the chaos of the Targaryen affair.

Conclusion

The precise moment when Benjen Stark took the black is still open to interpretation. However, the political upheaval of Robert's Rebellion, coupled with the significant roles played by the Stark siblings at the Tourney of Harrenhal, provide a strong backdrop for this decision. Whether motivated by honor, familial duty, or a deep sense of responsibility, Benjen Stark's journey to the Night's Watch is a vital chapter in the complex and intertwining lives of the iconic characters of A Song of Ice and Fire.