Would Ygritte Have Stayed with Jon Snow after Surviving the Battle at The Wall?

If Ygritte had survived the battle at The Wall with the Night's Watch, the dynamics between her and Jon Snow would have significantly altered. This hypothetical scenario raises several interesting questions regarding her future, including whether she would have stayed with Jon as his wife and remained with him when he became Lord Commander, or if she would have returned to the Wildlings at Hardhome.

Ygritte's Choice: Survival and Freedom

Ygritte would likely have chosen to rejoin the rest of the Free Folk at Hardhome. Jon would want to spared her from the constant insults and mistreatment from officers such as Ser Alliser Thorne, Bowen Marsh, and Othell Yarwyck, who held deep resentment towards Jon. It's highly probable that they would have sought to alienate or harm her merely to get back at Jon, especially if she remained in Castle Black.

Jon Snow's Position and the Rules of the Night's Watch

Even if Ygritte had survived and chosen to stay, this would have caused significant hardships for Jon. Being elected High Commander of the Night's Watch, Jon could not have allowed Ygritte to remain with him due to the strict rules of the organization. The men beyond the wall, aware of their relationship, would have continued to cause trouble, putting pressure on Jon to separate from her.

Jon could have presented an explanation about not expecting to make it back over the Wall, but this would have been a justification of the past rather than a plan for the future. He would have struggled to maintain the status quo with Ygritte by his side.

Samwell Tarly and Gilly's Relationship

It's worth noting that Gilly's relationship with Sam is an exception rather than the rule. Unlike Sam, who stayed in Castle Black after Gilly's loss, Ygritte's situation would have been more complex. The women of the Free Folk, especially those not acting as spearwives, are more accustomed to the possibility of being left alone to fend for themselves and their families. Such independence is a necessity in the harsh environment north of the Wall.

Ygritte's Vulnerability and the Night's Watch Rules

Ygritte, despite her fierce nature, would not have been able to remain with Jon after the battle. For one, she was known to be Jon's lover, and keeping her at Castle Black would have been deemed unacceptable as it would openly defy the rules. The Night’s Watch strictly forbids what is known as 'mistresses' or 'black crows', roles that are forbidden to those in positions like Jon's. Iron Emmet, while bedding a woman, does so in isolation and in a place where he can easily maintain privacy.

Given these constraints, Jon's best option would have been to find a temporary solution for Ygritte. He might have found a way to keep her close but hidden, possibly in Mole's Town, visiting her secretly as often as he could. However, given Ygritte's pride and independent nature, she may not have accepted such a secretive and temporary arrangement, valuing her independence and freedom too much to remain in a situation where she could be used as a political pawn.