Why Jon Snow Beat Up Ramsay Bolton Instead of Stabbing Him

In the epic fantasy series Game of Thrones, the Claw of Jon Snow, a crucial weapon, is central to many of Jon's battles. However, in a pivotal scene in season 8, episode 9, Jon Snow is faced with a unique challenge: battling Ramsay Bolton without his dagger or sword. Let's delve into the reasons behind Jon's choice and explore the broader implications.

Context and Weapons

Jon Snow fought Ramsay Bolton in a heavily armed battle, where he had no opportunity to retrieve his dagger due to the intense action. Notably, he discarded his dagger early in the conflict to remove his belt for better mobility. Additionally, Jon’s Longclaw was taken from him when he tapped Ramsay’s shield against Ramsay’s arrows. By the time Jon managed to knock Ramsay down, he was weaponless. Ramsay, on the other hand, did have a dagger at his disposal but it was not immediately apparent to Jon. This scenario led Jon to rely on his physical prowess to defeat Ramsay.

Violence and Control

Some viewers might question why Jon didn’t simply kill Ramsay outright, given the opportunity. The answer lies in Jon’s code of honor and his reluctance to become the kind of person hellbent on revenge, akin to Ramsay Bolton. Many argue that a clearer sighted, more ruthless Jon could have ended the conflict more decisively. However, Jon Snow is an honorable man who believes that justice and retribution belong to the Starks, not to an individual who has already crossed that line.

By choosing to subdue Ramsay rather than kill him, Jon respects the tradition of Stark justice and maintains his integrity. This act can be seen as a form of incapacitation rather than execution, preserving the moral high ground for the Starks.

Family and Responsibility

The decision is further influenced by the presence of Jon’s sister, Sansa Stark. Having suffered horrifically at Ramsay’s hands, Sansa likely harbors a profound sense of vengeance and possibly the ability to complete the job that Jon’s weakened state couldn’t allow. By letting Sansa fulfill this act, Jon enables her to exact her own form of retribution, allowing her to take back control over her own life and add her personal vengeance to her list of victories.

It's worth noting that not everyone is a fan of this decision. Some viewers argue that Jon should have stabbed Ramsay without hesitation. Nevertheless, it's telling that Jon's choice aligns with his character traits and the principles that have guided his actions up to this point in the series.

ACTION MOVIE TROPE

The scene where Jon Snow beats up Ramsay Bolton has echoes of action movie tropes. In many action films, the climax is often a brutal hand-to-hand combat between the hero and the villain, regardless of the guns, gadgets, or other actions that may have preceded it. Action movies like Aliens subvert this trope by showing that even in a high-stakes battle, sometimes the most powerful weapon is not a gun or a sword, but the vulnerability of the opponent.

The GoT Cast and Writing Team discuss this scene in their YouTube video Inside Episode 9, offering insight into their creative choices and character motivations. This analysis reveals that Jon’s choice reflects his understanding of justice, his character, and his sense of duty.

For fans of Game of Thrones, this scene encapsulates the complex and morally ambiguous nature of the series. Jon’s decision to subdue Ramsay rather than kill him provides a nuanced exploration of justice and honor, making the narrative more compelling and thought-provoking.