Why Ramsay Did Not Kill Jon Snow with His Arrow After Killing Rickon Stark

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Game of Thrones series is the strategic depth and complexity of the characters. This article delves into the reasons why Ramsay Bolton chose not to kill Jon Snow with his arrow after he killed Rickon Stark.

The Context

At the time of the incident, Ramsay was a cornered animal, fighting for his life. Despite his confidence, his priorities were clear: he needed to survive and negotiate a way out of the dire situation at Winterfell. Killing Jon Snow immediately would have been a strategic blunder, leading to his likely demise at the hands of the Wildlings who revered Jon.

Strategic Reasons

Several factors contributed to Ramsay's decision:

Size and Speed: Wun Wun, the raven, served as an easier target than the agile and quick Jon. Jon could easily dodge an arrow shot at close range, whereas Wun Wun was less mobile. Misterrions and Mistakes: Killing a larger target like Wun Wun offered more potential for Ramay to make a mistake, thereby providing an additional layer of risk. Morale and Rivalry: By killing Wun Wun, Ramsay aimed to demoralize Jon Snow, who was already upset over the loss of his brother, Rickon Stark. This act also served to up the ante and ignite a one-on-one confrontation. Negotiation Opportunities: If Ramsay had struck Jon immediately, his death would have been assured by the Wildlings. However, by hitting Wun Wun, he opened the door for potential negotiations with Jon, which could have led to a delayed death or even a period of captivity.

Ramsay's final shot at Wun Wun follows a clear pattern:

He quietly killed Wun Wun and said to Jon, 'You suggested one-on-one combat. I've reconsidered that; it sounds like a marvellous idea.'

This statement clearly shows Ramsay's intent to delay his inevitable death and to try to come out of the situation with some agency.

Final Thoughts

Ramsay Bolton, often criticized for his ruthless and cowardly demeanor, demonstrated strategic acumen in his decision not to immediately kill Jon Snow. This move aimed to maximize his chances of survival amidst a perilous situation.

It is also worth noting the outcome: ultimately, Game of Thrones did justice to Jon Snow, who emerged victorious in this confrontation.

Would you like to explore more Game of Thrones articles on strategic decisions and plot points?