What if Jon Snow remained at Winterfell as Robb Stark's Hand of the King?

In the world of game of thrones, the fate of Jon Snow had a significant impact on the narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire. However, what if the story had taken a different turn, and Jon Snow had stayed in Winterfell and served as Robb Stark's Hand of the King? How might the War of the Five Kings have unfolded differently under such circumstances?

Stronger Stark Unity

Support for Robb: Jon's unwavering support would have strengthened the Stark leadership during the War of the Five Kings. His loyalty and experience would have been valuable in strategizing against the Lannisters and other factions.

Increased Influence

As Hand: Jon would likely have had a significant influence on the decisions made in the North, potentially leading to a more unified front against their enemies. This could have significantly altered the course of the war.

Different Relationships

Tension with Catelyn: Catelyn Starks feelings toward Jon could have created tension. She might have been more critical of his role given that she often viewed him as a reminder of Ned Starks infidelity.

Bonding with Sansa and Arya: Staying in Winterfell might have allowed Jon to develop closer relationships with his siblings, particularly Sansa and Arya, who both faced their own challenges. Their bond could have been strengthened as they navigated the dangers of the war.

Strategic Decisions

No Nights Watch: Jons absence from the Nights Watch would have meant he would not be involved in the events beyond the Wall. This could alter the timeline of the Nights Watchs struggles against the White Walkers.

Potential Alliances: Jon's position might have allowed for different alliances. For example, he could have sought to broker peace with the Greyjoys or negotiate with other houses in the North. This could have brought about a more unified North against their common enemies.

Impact on the War

Military Strategies: With Jon's combat experience and insight from his time at the Wall, he could have led to different military strategies that might have changed the outcomes of key battles such as the Battle of the Bastards.

Robb's Fate: With Jon advising him, Robb might have avoided critical mistakes such as breaking his marriage pact with House Frey. This could have led to a different outcome of the Battle of the Fords and potentially the War of the Five Kings.

Broader Consequences

The Norths Position: A stronger North under the leadership of both Robb and Jon could have changed the balance of power in Westeros. This could have led to a more formidable opposition to House Lannister, potentially altering the overall outcome of the war.

Targaryen Influence: Jon's absence from the Wall would mean he would not have learned about his Targaryen heritage in the same way, which could significantly alter the dynamics of the Targaryen resurgence. This could have changed the trajectory of the story, particularly in the later books and seriess as Daenerys Targaryen's claim to the throne becomes more prominent.

Conclusion

Overall, Jon Snow staying in Winterfell and serving as Robb Stark's Hand could have led to a more cohesive Stark leadership, different alliances, and potentially altered the trajectory of the War of the Five Kings. The interplay of characters and events would have created a fascinating storyline that might have unfolded differently from the one we know.

Would the North have fared better under Jon's guidance? How might the overall narrative have been changed? These are questions that fans and enthusiasts of A Song of Ice and Fire would love to explore further.

Remember that this is just a thought exercise and not a definitive narrative. The world of Westeros is vast, and there are countless possibilities for how events could have unfolded.