Would Stannis Baratheon Bend the Knee to Jon Snow if He Knew He Was the Heir to the Iron Throne?
Would Stannis Baratheon Bend the Knee to Jon Snow if He Knew He Was the Heir to the Iron Throne?
In the world of Game of Thrones, the concept of bending the knee to the Iron Throne is not taken lightly. For Old Valon, Stannis Baratheon, this question carries a significant weight, given his rigid adherence to principles and his belief in the legitimacy of his claim. Yet, the complex political landscape and the pragmatic realities of the realm can bend even the most principled characters.
Stannis' Adherence to Law and Legitimacy
Stannis Baratheon is a man of law, fiercely loyal to his house, House Baratheon. These royal incumbents derived their title by right of conquest, and Stannis acknowledges this fact. His respect for Jon Snow is sufficient to spare his life should Stannis uncover the truth about Jon being the true heir. However, his primary motivation would be to ensure that Jon remains at Castle Black to prevent him from becoming a threat to his own succession.
The Targaryens and Robert's Claim
No, Stannis would not bend the knee to Jon Snow. The fall of the Targaryens was a direct result of King Aerys's missteps and Prince Rhaegar's reckless actions. Even if Robert Baratheon legally claimed the throne based on his grandmother Rhaelle Targaryen, there remains a significant legal and moral tangle. The marriage of Rhaegar Targaryen to Lyanna Stark further complicates Jon's legal status, swirling the waters of Stark legitimacy and the crown.
Stannis' Pragmatism and Allying with Jon
However, Stannis, despite his convictions, is also a pragmatist. His understanding of the importance of alliances in the game of thrones plays a crucial role in his decision-making process. If Stannis believed that Jon's claim was legitimate and that supporting him could serve a greater purpose, such as uniting the North against the impending threat of the White Walkers, he might consider an alliance rather than outright submission. In this scenario, Stannis would support Jon and maintain his own dignity and goals.
Context and Political Landscapes
The answer to whether Stannis would bend the knee to Jon Snow ultimately depends on the context of their relationship at that time, the prevailing political landscape, and Stannis's assessment of the situation. If Jon became a crucial ally in the fight against the White Walkers, Stannis might choose to support him while still maintaining his own dignity and goals. However, outright bending the knee would likely be a significant challenge to Stannis's character and beliefs, reflecting the complex moral and political dynamics of the Seven Kingdoms.
In conclusion, the decision of whether Stannis Baratheon would bend the knee to Jon Snow is not black and white. It is a complex interplay of loyalty, pragmatism, and the unyielding desire to protect one's own path to the Iron Throne. In the game of thrones, even the most principled of characters may find themselves negotiating an uncertain and often treacherous path.