Sign in to your ScreenRant account
Jon Snow's betrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones season 8 is among the many aspects of the final outing to get criticism. However, Jon's decision was perfectly set up all the way back in Game of Thrones season 1. Jon and Dany's alliance starts off tenuous, but the two find a common enemy in the Night King. They grow closer while they address the threat to the North, but Game of Thrones' big Jon Snow twist puts their relationship on shaky footing once again.
Jon Snow's true parentage is among the many factors that contribute to Daenerys becoming the "Mad Queen" in Game of Thrones season 8, alongside multiple losses and betrayals. Both Tyrion and Jon come to regret their decision to follow Dany after she burns King's Landing to the ground. However, Jon is the only one who can get close enough to act on it. While Jon killing Daenerys is a devastating twist for the HBO show, it's the right move for his character. It fulfills the themes of his arc, and it calls back to Ned's story in Game of Thrones' season 1.
Jon Snow's Decision In Game Of Thrones Season 8 Was Always The Right Thing For His Character
He Consistently Chose Duty Over Love
Jon's decision to kill Daenerys might seem shocking at first, but it's in line with the overarching message of his character arc. Once Jon joins the Night's Watch, he's forced to accept the reality that duty must come before love — and Game of Thrones tests his commitment to that on multiple occasions. Jon's instinct is to ride to his brother after Ned's death, but his friends persuade him to remain at Castle Black.
Related
Game Of Thrones Left Out One Of The Most Important Parts Of House Stark's Story, And It Hurt 6 Characters
Game of Thrones left out the most important part about House Stark, which hurt all six Stark children—Jon, Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon.
Jon chooses duty and honor over love once again when he returns to the Night's Watch after Game of Thrones season 3. Despite falling in love with Ygritte, Jon remains loyal to the group he swore an oath to. Jon turns on Ygritte, despite his feelings for her, just as he betrays Daenerys later on. It's no surprise that Tyrion tells him "duty is the death of love" when discussing what to do about Daenerys. He knows Jon will place the realm and the lives of innocent people over the woman he cares about.
When Jon's oath interferes with doing the right thing, he makes an exception.
Tyrion also knows Jon will break his oath, even though he's typically honorable to a fault. This is perhaps the most surprising aspect of Jon betraying Daenerys, as he's a man of his word. But when Jon's oath interferes with doing the right thing, he makes an exception. It's something Ned Stark also does in Game of Thrones season 1. By highlighting the similarities between the two characters, Game of Thrones sets Jon up to betray Daenerys long before they meet.
Snow's Betrayal Of Dany Was In His Blood, And Season 1 Proved It
Ned's Conversation With Varys Teased It Early On
Ned and Jon face similar predicaments in Game of Thrones seasons 1 and 8, as both are forced to choose between their morals and someone they swore fealty to. Ned realizes that Joffrey doesn't have a claim to the Iron Throne, while Jon comes to the revelation that Dany isn't fit to rule. After emphasizing the two characters' likenesses throughout its run, Game of Thrones offers them a similar choice. And while Ned and Jon come to opposite conclusions — one makes an oath against his better judgment, while the other breaks his word — they both betray their sense of honor.
Related
Would Ned Stark Have Been A Better King Than Robert Baratheon In Game Of Thrones? All Evidence About His Reign
Ned Stark could have claimed the Iron Throne before Game of Thrones, but it’s hard to say whether he would have been a better king than Robert.
As one Redditor points out, both Ned and Jon are convinced to do so through references to Sansa and Arya. When Varys visits Ned in the dungeons in Game of Thrones season 1, he convinces him to bend the knee to Joffrey — even if it's not the righteous thing to do. While Ned doesn't care about his own life in this scenario, he's willing to bend his morals in order to save his daughters. Varys asks him, "And what of your daughters' lives?," and that's the turning point of Ned's decision-making.
Like Ned, he goes against his moral code in order to protect his family.
Similarly, when Jon visits Tyrion in the dungeons in Game of Thrones season 8, Tyrion brings up his sisters. He knows that Sansa and Arya won't bow to a tyrant, and he convinces Jon of this truth. While Jon's concerns about Dany extend far beyond his sisters, he knows he's condemning them and the North if he continues to follow her. Like Ned, he goes against his moral code in order to protect his family. Jon also manages to save the realm, but there's no denying that his choice in Game of Thrones season 8 mirrors Ned's in a very intentional way.
Your changes have been saved
Based on George R.R. Martin's novels, this fantasy series follows the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The series is known for its complex characters, political intrigue, and unexpected plot twists.
Release Date April 17, 2011
Seasons 8
Directors David Nutter , Alan Taylor , D.B. Weiss , David Benioff
Showrunner David Benioff , D.B. Weiss
English (US) ·