Game of Thrones season 8 spotlight: Jon Snow, King in the North

Throughout the final season, Culturess will analyze Game of Thrones through the lens of a particular character. For “Winterfell,” we look at Jon Snow.

Of all the characters that are still alive, Jon Snow (or Aegon Targaryen, as we now know) is the closest Game of Thrones has to a conventional hero. He has a firm moral compass and fits neatly into the “chosen one” narrative, having risen from a misfit to the potential savior of humanity. In season 6, Brienne described him as “a bit brooding, perhaps, but that’s understandable, considering.”

He wasn’t always that way. When he first arrived at the Wall, Jon, like the other Stark kids, had an arrogant streak, taking his privileged upbringing for granted. It was only after living with the Free Folk that he learned to put aside his personal desires for the greater good. And only after the loss of Ygritte and his own death did he come to truly realize what it means to be a hero.

Kit Harington as Jon Snow. Photo: Helen Sloan/Courtesy of HBO

What “Winterfell” means for Jon

Season 8 opens with Jon and Daenerys arriving at Winterfell with their army. It quickly becomes apparent that convincing the northerners to rally behind a Targaryen stranger won’t be a piece of cake. Even Lyanna Mormont, Jon’s most vocal ally, openly chastises him at a town hall meeting, expressing disappointment that he relinquished his title as King of the North.

Yet again, Jon has underestimated the pettiness of people. Having fought the White Walkers on multiple occasions, he knows the danger and stakes at hand; it seems obvious that getting rid of them should surmount all other concerns.

Also, he has come to share Ygritte’s disregard for titles and lineage, realizing that they cause strife as often as they reinforce order. Most people, though, still view the White Walkers as an abstract threat and remain bound by tradition and history.

Of course, the crux of “Winterfell” is the revelation of Jon’s true parentage. Fittingly, the scene unfolds in the crypt, with the statues of Eddard and Lyanna Stark watching and Jon bathed in the fire of candles. Jon’s reaction is somewhat subdued, considering he has just realized that he slept with his aunt; over the years, he has grown adept at feigning composure. But his emotions are plain in Kit Harington’s expression, shifting from confusion to doubt to denial to despair.

While viewers may be preoccupied by the idea of incest, what is truly devastating for Jon is the knowledge that he’s not only expected to lead but destined. At one point, he aspired to greatness, hoping to prove his worth and transcend his origins as a bastard.

Ironically, though, now that he has power, he no longer wants it. He understands that leadership demands an enormous amount of responsibility and sacrifice and offers little reward, and he’s tired of it. In addition to being the most logical thing to do, pledging to Daenerys allowed Jon to relieve a little of that burden.

At the same time, he values honor too much to give up completely. If he garners enough support from allies like Sam, he will feel obliged to pursue his claim to the Iron Throne. As Karl Tanner said before Jon shoved a sword into the back of his head, he will never be free.

Game of Thrones airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO. 

Watch Game of Thrones for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels.