Will Jon Snow Die a Second Time in 'Game of Thrones'?

Introduction

The fate of Jon Snow in 'Game of Thrones' has always been a subject of speculation and discussion. In Season 7, he survives the numerous battles and dangers he faces, but the question remains: will he die a second time? This article will explore the reasons behind this conclusion, drawing parallels with a key character, Beric Dondarrion, and analyzing Jon's narrative evolution and his role as a wight of ice and fire.

Comparing Jon to Beric Dondarrion

Beric Dondarrion plays a significant role in foreshadowing Jon's fate. Discussing the parallels between the two, we find that Beric, after dying and coming back to life, progressively forgets his human life and memories, retaining only his mission. This is a critical point in understanding Jon's endgame.

"Can I dwell on what I scarce remember? I held a castle on the Marches once and there was a woman I was pledged to marry, but I could not find that castle today nor tell you the color of her hair. Who knighted me, old friend? What were my favorite foods? It all fades. Sometimes, I think I was born on the bloody grass in that grove of ash with the taste of fire in my mouth and a hole in my chest. Are you my mother, Thoros?" (Beric Dondarrion)

Similar to Beric, Jon is likely to forget significant parts of his human life and memories as he transforms into a wight. However, his mind will instead dwell within a new vessel. This transformation will make him more wolfish and savage, making him well-suited for the coming battle against the White Walkers.

Jon as a Wight of Ice and Fire

The narrative of 'Game of Thrones' often intertwines human and supernatural elements. It is crucial to understand that Jon is not just a human anymore but a wight, specifically a wight of ice and fire. This transformation is supported by various character interactions, particularly from Varamyr:

"They say you forget. When the man's flesh dies, his spirit lives on inside the beast, but every day his memory fades, and the beast becomes a little less a warg, a little more a wolf until nothing of the man is left and only the beast remains" (Haggon)

This quote implies that Jon might retain some memories of his human life but will significantly change, becoming more wolf-like and savage. His transformation into a wight is further confirmed by Melisandre:

"The flames crackled softly, and in their crackling, she heard the whispered name Jon Snow ... Now he was a man, now a wolf, now a man again. But the skulls were here, as well, the skulls were all around him. He is not Jon Snow anymore, he is Azor Ahai / The Prince that was Promised" (Melisandre)

As Azor Ahai / The Prince, Jon's purpose is to lead the fight against the White Walkers and the return of the Night King. His role as a wight of ice and fire is crucial for this task. He must carry out this mission until he fulfills his destiny.

Jon's Narrative Evolution and Leadership

Jon Snow's transformation from a Lord Commander of the Night's Watch to a figure destined for a greater role in Westeros is significant. GRRM (George R.R. Martin) has been evolving Jon to become a leader who unites Westeros against the White Walkers. His actions during his tenure as Lord Commander, such as welcoming the Wildlings, uniting the Thenns and Karstarks, and requesting loans from the Iron Bank, demonstrate his leadership qualities.

"He was named Jeor Mormont's steward, he lived with the Wildings, he was Lord Commander for a while and during this time, everything he did was to prepare the Wall for the White Walkers' arrival. He has grown to become a hero, not a ruler." (Analysis)

Contrary to popular belief, Jon's leadership is not political but rather as a hero who prepares for the threat of the White Walkers. In this sense, Jon's destiny transcends the usual political roles of King or Queen. He is akin to the legendary hero Rhaegoar Targaryen, who, in his heart, was seeking a hero to unite Westeros and fight the forces of darkness.

In the broader context of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow's second life is a borrowed life until he fulfills his mission. This parallel with Beric Dondarrion, who similarly returns to fulfill his mission as a wight, underscores the cyclical nature of Jon's fate. Jon's transformation and leadership against the White Walkers are the key elements that support this conclusion.

Concluding Thoughts

Considering the convergence of these elements—Beric's foreshadowing, Jon's transformation into a wight, and his role as a hero—leads to the conclusion that Jon Snow is destined to die a second time. His purpose is clear: to unite Westeros and fight against the White Walkers, just as he did during the Long Night. His second life will endure only until he accomplishes his mission.

In the final analysis, Jon Snow's fate is intertwined with the destiny of Westeros, and his second death is a foregone conclusion. He will die, but in doing so, he will fulfill a greater purpose that transcends his own life.

If you have any additional questions about 'Game of Thrones', feel free to ask in the comments!