The death of Jon Snow at the end of the fifth season of HBO’s Game of Thrones sent shockwaves through the fandom. Betrayed by his own brothers in the Night’s Watch, stabbed multiple times in the snow, his demise seemed utterly irreversible. However, as the trailers for the sixth season began to tease, hope flickered – could Jon Snow, the beloved bastard of Winterfell, truly be gone for good? The answer, as fans rejoiced to discover, was a resounding no. But how exactly did Jon Snow cheat death? The explanation involves a confluence of ancient magic, divine intervention, and the carefully orchestrated actions of a few key players.
The Prophecy of the Prince That Was Promised and Azor Ahai
At the heart of Jon Snow’s resurrection lies the complex and interwoven prophecies of the Prince That Was Promised and Azor Ahai. These prophecies, deeply rooted in the religion of R’hllor, the Lord of Light, speak of a savior who will be reborn amidst salt and smoke to combat the encroaching darkness.
Melisandre, the Red Priestess of R’hllor, believed for a long time that Stannis Baratheon was Azor Ahai reborn. However, after Stannis’s defeat and death, her faith was shaken. Davos Seaworth, ever the voice of reason and loyalty, urged her to reconsider her path and to look more closely at Jon Snow.
The prophecy describes Azor Ahai as wielding a burning sword called Lightbringer. He would temper the sword by plunging it into the heart of his beloved. While the interpretation of these prophecies remains debated throughout the series, many believe that Jon Snow fulfills aspects of them, either literally or metaphorically.
Understanding R’hllor and the Power of Resurrection
R’hllor, the Lord of Light, is a powerful deity in the Game of Thrones universe, capable of granting miraculous abilities to his devoted followers. One of the most significant powers associated with R’hllor is the ability to resurrect the dead.
Thoros of Myr, a red priest encountered by the Brotherhood Without Banners, had previously resurrected Beric Dondarrion multiple times using this power. This demonstrated that resurrection, while rare, was indeed possible within the established world.
Melisandre, despite her wavering faith, possessed the knowledge and the connection to R’hllor necessary to attempt the ritual. The process, as depicted in the show, involved cleansing Jon Snow’s body, chanting prayers in High Valyrian, and anointing him with oil.
The Crucial Role of Melisandre
After arriving at Castle Black following Stannis’s defeat, Melisandre found herself in a state of profound doubt. Her unwavering belief in Stannis as Azor Ahai had been shattered, leaving her questioning her abilities and her faith.
Davos Seaworth, witnessing the grief and despair within the Night’s Watch after Jon’s assassination, pleaded with Melisandre to attempt to resurrect him. He argued that Jon was a good man, a leader who was desperately needed to combat the White Walkers.
Initially hesitant, Melisandre eventually relented, driven by a mixture of desperation and a flicker of hope. She performed the ritual, praying to R’hllor to return Jon Snow to the world of the living.
The Ritual: A Desperate Plea to the Lord of Light
The resurrection ritual itself was a tense and dramatic scene. Melisandre, with Davos and others standing vigil, meticulously followed the steps she knew. She washed Jon’s wounds, chanted prayers in High Valyrian, and cut off locks of his hair, placing them on his chest.
The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and uncertainty. As Melisandre continued her incantations, nothing seemed to happen. Doubts crept in, and it appeared that her attempt had failed.
However, just as everyone began to lose hope, Jon Snow gasped, his eyes snapping open. He was alive. The Lord of Light had answered Melisandre’s prayers.
The Aftermath of Resurrection: A Changed Jon Snow
Jon Snow’s resurrection was not without its consequences. He returned to life fundamentally changed, carrying the weight of his experience in death. He described the afterlife as darkness, a void where he felt nothing.
This experience profoundly impacted his perspective. He became more resolute in his purpose, more determined to fight against the impending threat of the White Walkers. The trivial squabbles and political games of the living seemed insignificant in the face of the existential threat he now understood.
He quickly executed the traitors who had murdered him, demonstrating a newfound decisiveness and a willingness to take drastic action. He relinquished his command of the Night’s Watch, feeling freed from his oath now that he had died and been reborn.
Psychological Impact and Future Actions
The trauma of his death and resurrection undeniably shaped Jon Snow’s actions for the remainder of the series. He became more focused on the bigger picture, prioritizing the fight against the White Walkers above all else.
His newfound perspective allowed him to unite disparate factions, forging alliances with the Wildlings and ultimately with Daenerys Targaryen. He understood the urgency of the situation and was willing to make difficult choices to ensure the survival of humanity.
The psychological toll of his death was evident in his stoicism and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good. He carried the burden of knowing what awaited humanity if the White Walkers were not stopped.
The Significance of Jon Snow’s Resurrection in the Overall Narrative
Jon Snow’s resurrection was a pivotal moment in Game of Thrones, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the story and solidifying his role as a central figure in the fight against the White Walkers.
His return served as a catalyst for uniting the various factions in Westeros against a common enemy. Without Jon Snow, it is unlikely that the North, the Wildlings, and Daenerys Targaryen would have ever joined forces.
Furthermore, his resurrection hinted at his true identity and destiny. As the series progressed, it was revealed that Jon Snow was not a bastard at all, but the legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, making him the rightful heir to the Iron Throne.
The Lord Commander’s True Identity and its Implications
The revelation of Jon Snow’s true parentage as Aegon Targaryen profoundly impacted the political landscape of Westeros. It challenged Daenerys Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne and complicated their relationship.
Jon Snow, however, remained focused on the threat posed by the White Walkers, prioritizing the survival of humanity over his own claim to power. He ultimately chose to support Daenerys in the fight against the Night King.
His Targaryen heritage also likely played a role in his ability to survive the harsh conditions beyond the Wall and ultimately to ride a dragon. These factors further cemented his role as a key player in the destiny of Westeros.
The Azor Ahai Prophecy Revisited
Throughout Game of Thrones, there was much speculation about who would fulfill the prophecy of Azor Ahai. Melisandre initially believed it was Stannis Baratheon, but his death proved her wrong. Some argued that Daenerys Targaryen, with her dragons, fit the prophecy. In the end, the series suggests that Jon Snow was the one who ultimately fulfilled the prophecy.
His resurrection, linked to the Lord of Light through Melisandre, can be seen as his rebirth amidst salt (Melisandre’s tears) and smoke (from the ritual fire). He ultimately defeated the Night King, bringing an end to the Long Night.
It is important to remember that prophecies are often complex and open to interpretation. The true meaning of the Azor Ahai prophecy, and whether or not Jon Snow fully embodied it, remains a subject of debate among fans. However, his actions undeniably align with the prophecy’s broad strokes.
Conclusion: A Miracle of Magic and Destiny
Jon Snow’s resurrection was a product of magic, destiny, and the unwavering belief of those around him. Melisandre’s desperate plea to the Lord of Light, combined with Jon’s own potential connection to the Azor Ahai prophecy, resulted in his improbable return from the dead.
His resurrection significantly impacted the story of Game of Thrones, shaping his character, his relationships, and his ultimate role in the fight against the White Walkers. It served as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail, and that even death is not always the end.
Jon Snow’s journey from beyond the grave cemented his place as one of the most compelling and important characters in the Game of Thrones universe, a testament to the power of love, loyalty, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. His resurrection continues to be a topic of discussion and debate among fans, a lasting reminder of the magic and mystery that permeated the world of Westeros.
How was Jon Snow resurrected in Game of Thrones?
The resurrection of Jon Snow was facilitated through a combination of Melisandre’s Red Priestess magic and the power of the Lord of Light, R’hllor. After Jon’s assassination by members of the Night’s Watch, his body was preserved by Ser Davos Seaworth and loyal members within the Watch until Melisandre, initially doubting her abilities, performed a ritual involving prayer, anointing, and cleansing his body.
The ritual was a desperate act born from Melisandre’s crisis of faith after Stannis Baratheon’s defeat. The true catalyst for the resurrection is debated, with some believing Melisandre’s sincere devotion was the key, while others suggest the Lord of Light had a specific purpose for Jon Snow, needing him alive to face the coming threat of the White Walkers.
What role did Melisandre play in Jon Snow’s resurrection?
Melisandre played the crucial role of performing the ritual that brought Jon Snow back to life. Despite her waning faith after the failures of her previous prophecies related to Stannis, Davos Seaworth convinced her to try, arguing that nothing else could be done. She reluctantly agreed and used her Red Priestess magic, reciting ancient prayers and anointing Jon’s body.
While the exact mechanism of the magic remains somewhat ambiguous, Melisandre’s presence and actions were undeniably essential to the process. Without her knowledge of the R’hllor faith and the specific ritual, Jon Snow would have remained dead. Her connection to the Lord of Light served as the conduit through which his life was restored.
Was Jon Snow’s resurrection predicted in the books or show?
The seeds of Jon Snow’s eventual resurrection were subtly planted throughout both the books and the show. Melisandre’s powers were displayed earlier, bringing Beric Dondarrion back from the dead multiple times, establishing the possibility of such an event. Additionally, prophecies and visions surrounding Jon’s importance hinted at his destiny being far from over, even in death.
While the specifics of how and when were not explicitly detailed, many fans speculated about Jon’s return. The prophecy of the Prince That Was Promised (or Princess That Was Promised) and Azor Ahai reborn played a significant role in these theories, with many believing Jon fit the criteria, making his resurrection a logical, if not predictable, outcome.
What were the consequences of Jon Snow’s resurrection?
Jon Snow’s resurrection had profound consequences for both him personally and the larger narrative of Game of Thrones. Personally, he struggled with the trauma of dying, haunted by the experience and questioning the purpose of his return. He also felt a sense of release from his vows to the Night’s Watch, as his death technically absolved him of his duties.
Narratively, his resurrection served as a turning point, solidifying his role as a central figure in the fight against the White Walkers. It also allowed him to forge alliances, unite the North, and eventually reveal his true parentage, confirming his claim to the Iron Throne (though he never desired it). His return shifted the balance of power and shaped the final events of the series.
How did Jon Snow’s resurrection impact his character?
The experience of dying and being brought back profoundly impacted Jon Snow’s character. He became more resolute and focused on the impending threat of the White Walkers, losing some of his earlier naivety and idealism. He was burdened by the knowledge of the afterlife, a darkness that tempered his previous optimism.
Furthermore, his resurrection allowed him to shed the constraints of his vows to the Night’s Watch, freeing him to pursue his destiny as a leader and warrior. He carried a new sense of purpose, driven by the belief that he was brought back for a reason, even if he didn’t fully understand what that reason was.
Are there other instances of resurrection in Game of Thrones?
Yes, Jon Snow’s resurrection was not a unique event in the world of Game of Thrones. Beric Dondarrion, another character connected to the Red Priests and the Lord of Light, was resurrected multiple times by Thoros of Myr. These resurrections established the precedent for bringing someone back from the dead through the power of R’hllor.
However, it is important to note that each resurrection came at a cost. Beric Dondarrion gradually lost his memories and personality with each revival, becoming more focused on his purpose as decreed by the Lord of Light. This suggests that resurrection is not without its detrimental effects, even if it serves a greater purpose.
What are the limitations of resurrection magic in Game of Thrones?
While powerful, resurrection magic in Game of Thrones clearly has limitations. The process appears to be unpredictable and relies on specific conditions, such as the presence of a Red Priest or Priestess connected to the Lord of Light. The individual being resurrected also seems to require a strong connection to a purpose or destiny.
Furthermore, resurrections are not perfect. Those brought back often suffer from memory loss, emotional detachment, or a shift in personality. Beric Dondarrion, for instance, became less and less of the man he once was with each revival. This suggests that resurrection comes at a cost, diminishing the individual’s original identity and perhaps even their soul.