The death of Jon Snow at the end of Game of Thrones’ Season 5 was a seismic event, leaving fans reeling and sparking countless theories. He was stabbed repeatedly by his own brothers in the Night’s Watch, an act of mutiny fueled by his perceived betrayal of their vows. The question wasn’t just if he was coming back, but how. This article dives deep into the events surrounding his demise and ultimate resurrection, exploring the magic, the faith, and the characters who played pivotal roles in bringing the “King in the North” back from the dead.
The Ides of Castle Black: Jon Snow’s Assassination
The final scene of “Mother’s Mercy” is burned into the memories of Game of Thrones fans. Olly, the young boy Jon had taken under his wing, delivers the final, devastating blow. “For the Watch,” they utter, as Jon collapses in the snow, his lifeblood staining the pristine white. The symbolism is heavy: a noble leader betrayed by those he swore to protect, a messianic figure seemingly sacrificed for the greater good (or, at least, what his killers perceived as the greater good).
The context is crucial. Jon’s decisions as Lord Commander, particularly his alliance with the Wildlings, were deeply unpopular. Many Night’s Watchmen saw the Wildlings as their sworn enemies, responsible for countless deaths and raids. Jon’s attempts to integrate them south of the Wall were viewed as an act of treason.
This internal conflict within the Night’s Watch set the stage for the mutiny. The seeds of discontent had been sown, and Olly, manipulated by more senior members like Alliser Thorne, became the instrument of Jon’s demise.
Melisandre’s Faltering Faith and a Desperate Prayer
Melisandre, the Red Woman, arrives at Castle Black shortly before Jon’s death. Her faith in Stannis Baratheon had been shattered, and she’s visibly shaken. The burning of Shireen Baratheon, an act she believed would secure Stannis’ victory, had instead led to his crushing defeat and death. Her visions, once so clear, seemed to have led her astray.
Despite her wavering faith, Melisandre still possesses powerful magic, derived from the Lord of Light. She witnesses Jon’s body and senses something significant about him. Perhaps she sees a flicker of the power she once believed resided in Stannis, or perhaps she senses something else entirely.
In the aftermath of the assassination, Ser Davos Seaworth, loyal to Stannis and now seeking a new purpose, convinces Melisandre to attempt a resurrection ritual. He appeals to her past successes, reminding her of the power she wields.
The ritual itself is a desperate gamble. Melisandre hasn’t attempted a resurrection before, and her confidence is clearly diminished. She washes Jon’s body, cuts his hair, and chants in High Valyrian, invoking the Lord of Light to bring him back. But nothing happens.
Davos, along with Ghost, Jon’s direwolf, remain steadfast, urging Melisandre to continue. The tension is palpable. Is this the end of Jon Snow? Has the Red Woman lost her touch?
The Power of the Lord of Light: Resurrection
After what seems like an eternity, Jon Snow gasps for air, his eyes snapping open. He is alive, albeit changed. The resurrection scene is masterfully crafted, leaving the audience in suspense until the very last moment.
The question then becomes: how did it happen? The most straightforward answer is the Lord of Light. Melisandre, despite her faltering faith, was able to channel the power of her god to restore Jon to life. This power isn’t without its consequences, however.
Jon Snow’s resurrection isn’t merely a return to his former self. He experiences a period of disorientation and confusion. He struggles to reconcile his memories of death with his newfound life. This ordeal profoundly impacts him, shaping his decisions and actions in the seasons that follow.
The exact mechanism of the resurrection remains somewhat mysterious. It’s not clear precisely what Melisandre did or how the Lord of Light intervened. What is clear is that Jon Snow’s resurrection is a pivotal moment in the series, demonstrating the power of faith and magic in the world of Westeros. It also underscores the importance of Melisandre’s character, highlighting her ability to wield powerful magic even when her faith is shaken.
The role of Azor Ahai is often brought up when discussing Jon’s resurrection. Melisandre’s interpretation of the prophecies surrounding Azor Ahai, the prophesied hero destined to defeat the darkness, led her to believe that first Stannis and then Jon were the chosen one.
Whether Jon Snow truly fulfilled the Azor Ahai prophecy remains a point of debate among fans. However, his resurrection undoubtedly positioned him as a key player in the fight against the Night King and the White Walkers.
The Aftermath: A Changed Man and a New Purpose
Jon’s resurrection has profound consequences, not just for him personally, but for the entire realm. He has experienced death, and this experience fundamentally changes him. He is no longer bound by the same rules and expectations.
He executes the mutineers, including Olly, acknowledging the necessity of justice while simultaneously grappling with the moral implications of taking a young boy’s life. This act marks a turning point for Jon, demonstrating his willingness to make difficult decisions for the greater good.
He relinquishes his command of the Night’s Watch, arguing that his oath ended with his death. This decision frees him to pursue his true destiny: to confront the growing threat of the White Walkers and to unite the realm against the coming darkness.
Jon Snow’s resurrection transforms him from a reluctant leader into a determined warrior. He embraces his responsibility to protect the living, setting him on a path that will ultimately lead him to confront the Night King and to play a crucial role in the final battle for Westeros.
He travels South and ultimately forms an alliance with Daenerys Targaryen. The meeting of fire and ice has profound implications for the war ahead. They fight alongside each other and fall in love, an alliance that will change the course of history.
The fact that he willingly bends the knee to Daenerys demonstrates a significant shift in his character. He is determined to protect the realm no matter the cost.
Theories Surrounding the Resurrection
Several theories have emerged surrounding Jon Snow’s resurrection, offering alternative explanations or expanding upon the established narrative.
Some theories suggest that Jon Snow’s Targaryen heritage played a role in his resurrection. The Targaryens are known for their connection to dragons and their resilience to fire. While Jon isn’t fireproof like Daenerys, some believe that his Targaryen blood might have made him more receptive to the magic of the Lord of Light.
The role of Ghost is often highlighted in resurrection theories. Direwolves have a strong connection to their Stark owners. It is thought that Ghost may have helped preserve Jon’s spirit in some way.
Another interesting theory involves the Children of the Forest. Some believe that they may have played an indirect role in Jon’s resurrection.
Conclusion: A Miracle and a Turning Point
Jon Snow’s resurrection is one of the most significant events in Game of Thrones. It is a testament to the power of faith, magic, and the enduring spirit of a hero. It also underscores the importance of characters like Melisandre and Davos, who, despite their own doubts and struggles, played crucial roles in bringing Jon back from the dead.
The resurrection transformed Jon Snow, shaping him into the leader he was destined to become. It also had profound consequences for the realm, setting the stage for the final confrontation between the living and the dead. While the exact mechanisms of the resurrection remain somewhat mysterious, its impact on the story is undeniable. It marked a turning point in the Game of Thrones, altering the fates of countless characters and ultimately leading to the resolution of the series’ central conflict. The Lord of Light, or whatever power intervened, gave Westeros another chance, placing its fate in the hands of a man who had already stared death in the face and returned, ready to fight for the living.
Why was Jon Snow killed in the first place?
The mutiny at Castle Black, led by Alliser Thorne and other members of the Night’s Watch, stemmed from Jon Snow’s perceived betrayal of their vows. Specifically, his decision to allow the wildlings, the sworn enemies of the Watch, south of the Wall to escape the impending White Walker threat ignited deep resentment. The Night’s Watch felt Jon Snow was putting the lives of wildlings above the safety and interests of the realm he was sworn to protect, viewing it as a profound violation of their ancient oaths.
His last words, “For the Watch,” spoken by Thorne as he plunged his sword into Jon, emphasize the core reason for the betrayal: the belief that Jon Snow’s actions compromised the Night’s Watch’s purpose and jeopardized their ability to fulfill their duty. The mutiny was fueled by a complex mixture of fear, resentment, and adherence to what the Night’s Watch members believed was the true meaning of their vows.
Who brought Jon Snow back to life?
Melisandre, the Red Priestess of the Lord of Light, orchestrated Jon Snow’s resurrection through a combination of rituals and prayers. Having witnessed Stannis Baratheon’s defeat and the failure of her prophecies concerning him, Melisandre’s faith was shaken, but she still held a flicker of hope in the power of her god, R’hllor, the Lord of Light. She believed, or desperately wanted to believe, that Jon Snow had a greater purpose to fulfill.
With the help of Davos Seaworth, who convinced her to try despite her lack of confidence, Melisandre performed a ritual involving washing Jon’s body, cutting his hair, and reciting ancient Valyrian incantations. After many failed attempts, and with the desperation of those present palpable, the ritual finally worked, and Jon Snow miraculously returned to life.
What role did the Lord of Light play in Jon Snow’s resurrection?
According to the Red Priests and Priestesses, the Lord of Light, R’hllor, is the source of their power and the ultimate force behind resurrections. They believe that R’hllor chooses individuals to be brought back to life for a specific purpose, imbuing them with a renewed sense of destiny. Melisandre acted as an intermediary, channeling the Lord of Light’s power through her rituals and prayers.
While the exact mechanisms of the resurrection remain shrouded in mystery, the series implies that the Lord of Light intervened directly to restore Jon Snow to life. This intervention suggests that Jon Snow had a crucial role to play in the larger narrative, specifically in the fight against the White Walkers and the Night King, aligning with the prophecies associated with the Prince That Was Promised, or Azor Ahai reborn.
What were the immediate consequences of Jon Snow’s resurrection?
Upon his resurrection, Jon Snow was understandably confused and disoriented. He struggled to reconcile his experience of death with his renewed existence, grappling with the trauma of the mutiny and the feeling of being different, changed by the experience. He initially questioned his purpose and found himself burdened by the knowledge that he had failed in his duty to protect the realm.
The immediate political consequence was Jon Snow’s abdication of his position as Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Because his watch had officially ended with his death, he felt free to leave and pursue his own path. This led to the selection of Eddison Tollett as the new Lord Commander and allowed Jon to focus on the threat of Ramsay Bolton and reclaim Winterfell.
How did Jon Snow change after being resurrected?
Jon Snow’s experience of death profoundly impacted him, leading to a shift in his perspective and priorities. While he retained his inherent sense of justice and compassion, he became more decisive and willing to take drastic action. The weight of his resurrection and the knowledge that he had been given a second chance fueled a sense of urgency and a determination to fulfill his perceived purpose.
Furthermore, Jon Snow became less concerned with traditional rules and protocols, understanding that the threat posed by the White Walkers demanded unconventional strategies. He became more pragmatic in his decision-making, prioritizing the survival of humanity above all else. This change is evident in his willingness to forge alliances with former enemies and to disregard traditional power structures in pursuit of a common goal.
What does Jon Snow’s resurrection signify in the context of the larger narrative?
Jon Snow’s resurrection serves as a pivotal turning point in the overall narrative, signaling the importance of his character in the fight against the White Walkers. His return from the dead reinforces the themes of hope and destiny, suggesting that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, there is still a possibility for victory. It also solidifies the Lord of Light’s role as a major player in the events unfolding in Westeros.
Moreover, Jon Snow’s resurrection fulfills several prophecies and theories surrounding his character, most notably those associated with Azor Ahai, the legendary hero destined to defeat the darkness. His return validates the belief that he is a key figure in the fight against the Night King and the Army of the Dead, placing him at the center of the conflict between good and evil.
Is Jon Snow the only character who has been resurrected in Game of Thrones?
No, Jon Snow is not the only character to experience resurrection in Game of Thrones, although his revival is arguably the most significant. Beric Dondarrion, a leader of the Brotherhood Without Banners, was repeatedly resurrected by Thoros of Myr, another Red Priest, highlighting the powers of the Lord of Light to bring people back from the dead. Each resurrection came at a cost, however, slowly eroding Beric’s memory and sense of self.
Furthermore, the series features other forms of “un-death,” such as the wights and White Walkers created by the Night King through dark magic. These creatures, while technically reanimated, are not true resurrections in the same sense as Jon Snow and Beric Dondarrion, as they lack free will and are controlled by the Night King. The contrast between these different forms of “un-death” emphasizes the significance of Jon Snow’s resurrection as a divinely ordained event with a specific purpose.