The death of Daenerys Targaryen at the hands of Jon Snow remains one of the most debated and controversial moments in television history. The aftermath of the act, specifically how the remaining leaders of Westeros determined Jon’s guilt and decided his fate, is a complex tapestry woven with political machinations, eyewitness testimony, and perhaps, a touch of plot convenience. Understanding how they arrived at the truth requires examining the immediate context of Daenerys’s actions, the key figures involved, and the evidence presented.
The Aftermath of Madness: Daenerys’s Descent and the Burning of King’s Landing
Daenerys Targaryen’s reign, initially hailed as a beacon of hope, culminated in the fiery destruction of King’s Landing. This event, witnessed by thousands, irrevocably altered the perception of the Dragon Queen. While some might have argued for strategic necessity, the sheer scale of the devastation – the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians despite the city’s surrender – painted a clear picture of a ruler consumed by power and vengeance. This event set the stage for Jon Snow’s fateful decision.
The psychological transformation of Daenerys had been brewing for some time, fueled by betrayals, losses, and a growing sense of isolation. The deaths of Missandei and Rhaegal, coupled with the perceived lack of love from the people of Westeros, pushed her towards a darker path. The bells ringing signifying surrender, which should have signified victory, instead triggered a torrent of rage, resulting in the systematic burning of the city and its inhabitants.
The Witnesses: Tyrion Lannister and the Unsullied
Key to understanding how the truth of Jon’s actions came to light are the witnesses present in the aftermath of Daenerys’s death. Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys’s Hand, was a crucial figure. His loyalty to Daenerys had been unwavering, but the burning of King’s Landing shattered his faith in her leadership. His disgust and condemnation were evident to all.
Tyrion’s discovery of the charred remains of Jaime and Cersei Lannister in the Red Keep further solidified his conviction that Daenerys had become a tyrant. This discovery, coupled with his witnessing of the aftermath of the city’s destruction, provided him with the motivation to openly accuse Daenerys and, by extension, support Jon Snow’s actions, albeit cautiously.
Grey Worm, commander of the Unsullied, represented a different perspective. Utterly loyal to Daenerys, he saw her actions as justified retribution against her enemies. His unwavering devotion made him a natural antagonist to Jon Snow and anyone who questioned Daenerys’s authority. Grey Worm’s presence ensured that Jon’s actions would not go unchallenged.
Unveiling the Truth: Confession, Circumstance, and Political Maneuvering
The revelation of Jon Snow’s role in Daenerys’s death wasn’t a simple case of pointing fingers. It was a complex process involving Jon’s own admission, the circumstantial evidence surrounding the event, and the political calculations of the remaining power players in Westeros.
Jon’s Confession: Accepting Responsibility
Jon Snow, a man of honor and integrity, did not deny his actions. He understood the gravity of his decision and accepted responsibility for the consequences. His confession, though not explicitly broadcast to all of Westeros, was made to key individuals, including Grey Worm and, presumably, those involved in the subsequent council that decided his fate.
Jon’s willingness to admit to the deed, despite the potential ramifications, spoke volumes about his character. He believed that Daenerys’s actions were a threat to the stability of Westeros and that her death was necessary to prevent further bloodshed. This belief, coupled with his sense of duty, compelled him to confess.
The Power Vacuum: Assembling the Great Council
Following Daenerys’s death, a power vacuum engulfed Westeros. The established order had been shattered, and the need for a new leadership structure was paramount. This led to the formation of a Great Council, composed of representatives from the major houses and regions of Westeros.
The council’s primary purpose was to determine the future of Westeros, including the selection of a new ruler and the fate of Jon Snow. Figures like Yara Greyjoy, representatives from Dorne, and Edmure Tully, among others, gathered to debate these crucial issues.
The Argument for Justice: Tyrion’s Advocacy
Tyrion Lannister, despite his past allegiance to Daenerys, played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative surrounding her death. He argued that Jon Snow’s actions, while technically treasonous, were motivated by a desire to protect the realm from Daenerys’s increasingly erratic behavior.
Tyrion presented a compelling case, highlighting the destruction of King’s Landing and Daenerys’s stated intention to continue her campaign of “liberation” across the world. He argued that Jon Snow had acted as a necessary check on Daenerys’s power, preventing further atrocities.
Tyrion’s arguments resonated with many members of the council, who had witnessed the horrors of Daenerys’s reign firsthand. His advocacy, combined with Jon Snow’s own confession and the overwhelming evidence of Daenerys’s actions, ultimately swayed the council towards a relatively lenient punishment.
The Verdict: Exile to the Night’s Watch
The Great Council, after much deliberation, reached a verdict regarding Jon Snow’s fate. They acknowledged the gravity of his actions but also recognized the extenuating circumstances. Ultimately, they decided to spare his life but sentenced him to exile at the Night’s Watch.
This decision was a compromise, satisfying both those who demanded justice for Daenerys’s death and those who recognized Jon Snow’s heroism. The exile to the Night’s Watch removed Jon from the political landscape of Westeros, preventing him from further disrupting the established order.
Grey Worm’s Dissatisfaction: The Price of Peace
Grey Worm, representing the Unsullied and Daenerys’s loyalists, vehemently opposed the council’s decision. He demanded that Jon Snow be executed for his treasonous act. However, the council, recognizing the need for stability and the potential for further conflict, refused to yield.
Grey Worm, ultimately, departed Westeros with the Unsullied, seeking to establish a new life elsewhere. His departure signified the end of Daenerys’s influence in Westeros and the beginning of a new era, albeit one tinged with the lingering memory of the Dragon Queen.
The Lasting Impact: A Legacy of Controversy
The circumstances surrounding Daenerys’s death and the subsequent handling of Jon Snow’s case continue to be debated by fans and critics alike. The ambiguity surrounding Daenerys’s descent into madness and the perceived leniency of Jon Snow’s punishment remain points of contention.
The event highlights the complex moral dilemmas inherent in positions of power and the difficult choices that leaders must make in times of crisis. It also underscores the importance of accountability, even for those who believe they are acting in the best interests of the realm.
Ultimately, the story of how they knew Jon Snow killed Daenerys Targaryen is a story of political maneuvering, moral compromise, and the enduring search for justice in a world ravaged by war and ambition. It serves as a reminder that even in the realm of fantasy, the consequences of actions, both good and bad, can have far-reaching and lasting implications. The truth was pieced together from broken loyalties, devastating consequences, and the unwavering integrity of a few key players, forever shaping the future of Westeros.
How did Bran Stark know Jon Snow killed Daenerys?
Bran Stark, as the Three-Eyed Raven, possesses an immense ability to perceive past, present, and potential future events. This power isn’t necessarily predictive, but rather observational. He can access the “Weirwood net,” a mystical network connected through the Weirwood trees that allows him to see events that occurred in their vicinity, and even possibly other events through the strength of his abilities. Therefore, he likely witnessed Jon’s actions in the throne room through this network, allowing him to understand the event without needing direct testimony or evidence.
Furthermore, Bran’s role shifted from being a Stark family member to a neutral, almost detached observer. His primary concern is the preservation of knowledge and the balance of the realm. Knowing the truth about Daenerys’ death was crucial for making informed decisions about the future of Westeros. His knowledge wasn’t simply about knowing who did it, but understanding the implications and motivations behind the act, ultimately helping guide the council toward a more stable future.
What evidence, besides Bran’s knowledge, pointed to Jon being the culprit?
While Bran’s knowledge provided the certainty needed for a judgment, other circumstantial evidence likely played a role in the council’s understanding. Jon Snow was the only person present in the throne room with Daenerys at the time of her death. The lack of any other suspects, coupled with Jon’s known internal conflict regarding Daenerys’ increasingly tyrannical actions, made him the prime suspect even without Bran’s confirmation.
Furthermore, Jon’s own demeanor after the event likely contributed to the perception of his guilt. He didn’t actively deny killing Daenerys, nor did he attempt to escape or cover up his actions. His surrender and acceptance of the consequences, coupled with his history of moral integrity, strongly suggested he acted out of a difficult but ultimately necessary conviction, further solidifying the council’s belief in his involvement.
Why did no one directly witness Jon killing Daenerys?
The specific setting of Daenerys’ death within the throne room contributed to the lack of direct witnesses. The throne room was intended for the ruler and their inner circle, not a public space constantly monitored. This isolation allowed Jon the privacy to confront Daenerys without immediate interruption.
Beyond the setting, the speed and decisiveness of Jon’s action prevented potential witnesses from intervening. The act was born out of a moment of extreme moral conflict and executed swiftly, leaving no time for others to arrive and potentially stop him. The guards outside the throne room would likely have respected Daenerys’ privacy, assuming she was safe with Jon.
What was the council’s reasoning for trusting Bran’s knowledge?
The council, composed of the remaining prominent figures in Westeros, were aware of Bran’s abilities as the Three-Eyed Raven. While his powers might have seemed mystical or difficult to comprehend, they had witnessed firsthand instances where his knowledge proved accurate and undeniably beyond normal human comprehension. This previous experience built a certain level of trust, even if they didn’t fully understand the mechanics behind his visions.
Furthermore, the alternative was to rely on conjecture and potentially destabilize the realm further with accusations and trials. Given the sensitive nature of Daenerys’ death and the potential for renewed conflict, accepting Bran’s knowledge offered a clear and relatively peaceful resolution, preventing a prolonged investigation that could have ripped the already fractured kingdom apart.
Could Jon have denied Bran’s claim? What would have been the consequences?
Jon could have denied Bran’s claim, but it would have been a risky and potentially futile move. Given Bran’s established reputation and the circumstantial evidence already pointing towards Jon’s guilt, a denial would likely have been met with skepticism. It could have been seen as an attempt to evade justice, potentially worsening his situation.
The consequences of denial could have included a formal trial, which would have further exposed the deep divisions within the realm and the complicated relationship between Jon and Daenerys. This could have ignited new conflicts, especially with those who still supported Daenerys’ vision. Ultimately, denying the claim might have prolonged the unrest and led to a less favorable outcome for Jon, and potentially the entire realm.
Why wasn’t Jon immediately executed for killing Daenerys?
Jon was not immediately executed due to a combination of factors, including his status as a war hero, his Targaryen lineage, and the pragmatism of the new ruling council. Executing Jon would have been deeply divisive and could have sparked further conflict. His contributions to defeating the Night King and his overall character were taken into consideration.
More importantly, the council recognized the need for stability and a unified front. Sending Jon to the Night’s Watch offered a compromise, removing him from Westeros while allowing him to retain his life. This decision served as both a punishment for his crime and a strategic move to prevent further bloodshed and consolidate power within the new political landscape.
How did Grey Worm and the Unsullied accept the council’s verdict regarding Jon?
Grey Worm and the Unsullied, fiercely loyal to Daenerys, were initially unwilling to accept any outcome that did not involve Jon’s execution. Their sense of justice demanded retribution for the death of their queen, and their unwavering devotion to Daenerys blinded them to any arguments for leniency or compromise.
Ultimately, Grey Worm accepted the council’s verdict, not because he agreed with it, but because he was offered a pathway to leave Westeros and establish a new life for the Unsullied on Naath. This agreement provided a sense of closure and allowed him to fulfill Daenerys’ promise of freedom and self-determination for his people, making the compromise palatable despite his continued resentment toward Jon.