Why Jon Snow Was Not the Leader of the Seven Kingdoms

Throughout the A Song of Ice and Fire series, readers and viewers have been rooting for Jon Snow from the moment he joined the Night's Watch. Yet, one of the most significant and unexpected plot twists was the revelation that Jon Snow would not become the leader of the Seven Kingdoms. This decision reverberated through the narrative, ultimately setting Bran Stark aside as the new leader, much to many fans' surprise. But why did Jon not get the throne?

Family Dynamics and Ned Stark's Decisions

When reading about Jon Snow's character, particularly his background and the dynamics within the Stark family, one realizes that Ned Stark did not intend for Jon to rise to power. In the Game of Thrones books, Ned's decisions regarding Jon are crucial to understanding why Jon did not become the leader of the Seven Kingdoms.

Ned Stark had a complex and often strained relationship with his sister Lyanna, whose pregnancy resulted in the birth of Jon. When he found out Jon's true parentage, Ned's primary intention was to protect both Jon and his own family. He intended to raise Jon to adulthood and see him leave the North and the Stark family, possibly to join the Night's Watch.

“Tyrion and the Starks closed the lid on the coffin which Ned had fashioned for Jon.”

Ned's actions, such as allowing Jon to join the Night's Watch and warning him to stay out of the succession, reflect his fears of potential threats to his own children, King Robert Baratheon, and the overall stability of the Seven Kingdoms. His reasoning was likely motivated by a desire to protect the Stark family and prevent any future conflicts that might arise from a young, adopted child becoming a powerful figure.

Plot Twists and Character Development

Another significant factor was the plot twists and character developments that emerged throughout the series. One of the major unanswered questions in the literary universe of A Song of Ice and Fire was the true parentage of Jon Snow. George R.R. Martin revealed Jon to be the bastard son of Rhaegar Targaryen, the exiled prince, and this revelation had profound implications for the narrative.

The original draft of the series had Jon and Arya Stark falling in a forbidden incestuous love, with Jon ultimately becoming the leader of Westeros and uniting House Stark and House Targaryen. However, this was altered in the final version of the show. Instead, Arya Stark falls in love with another Targaryen, Jaqen H'ghar, hinting at a different path for the story.

This decision to change the romantic storyline was made to subvert expectations and create a more complex and unpredictable narrative. The series consistently subverted expectations, particularly for Jon Snow, making him the hero that audiences loved but withholding a fitting end to his quest for power.

Author's Intent and Future Directions

Author George R.R. Martin's intentions are further highlighted by his comments. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he mentioned the significance of Bran Stark's fall as a pivotal moment that hooked many readers. These comments suggest that the author was not only subverting expectations but also setting up the future of the story in ways that would surprise and deeply impact readers.

“Trying to please everyone is a horrible mistake.”

George R.R. Martin further discussed the ending of his series, hinting at the possibility of a new leader emerging beyond the Starks and Lannisters. His comments about the Wars of the Roses and the Lancasters vs. Yorks suggest that similar themes of family feuds and succession may play out in the final volumes, potentially leaving Bran Stark's governance as a temporary solution.

The future of A Song of Ice and Fire is still uncertain, with many theories and discussions surrounding the destiny of the characters, including the fate of Aegon Targaryen and the emergence of the Prince That Was Promised, whose connection to the song of ice and fire is profound.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jon Snow's lack of leadership over the Seven Kingdoms can be attributed to a combination of familial dynamics, plot twists, and the author's intentional subversion of expectations. The decision to withhold the throne from Jon and instead crown Bran Stark adds depth and complexity to the narrative, leaving fans intrigued and invested in the final chapters of this epic saga.

Ultimately, George R.R. Martin's methods in shaping the story serve to remind readers that the greatest stories are those that surprise and challenge our preconceptions, and the true legacy of A Song of Ice and Fire lies in its ability to continue compellingly, with endless possibilities yet to unfold.