10 reasons why Jon Snow couldn't become the king of Westeros in Game of Thrones

Jon Snow, the illegitimate son of Eddard "Ned" Stark, Lord of Winterfell, first appeared in Game of Thrones as the half-brother of Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. He stood out due to his leadership, loyalty, and strong moral compass. Admired for his honesty and bravery, Jon was a natural leader, yet he never sought power. Despite being the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, several factors prevented him from ruling Westeros. Here are ten reasons why Jon Snow could not become king.

Disclaimer: Please note that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

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10. Night's watch vow

Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 7, Jon Snow took a sacred vow to the Night's Watch, promising loyalty to Castle Black, thereby relinquishing all right to inheritance and titles. This vow proved to be a significant obstacle when the chance to take the throne comes along. His unshakeable commitment to the Night's Watch eventually compelled him to go back to the Wall instead of assuming kingship in Westeros.

9. Reluctance to Rule

Jon prioritized the protection of the realm over personal ambition. When Northern lords offered him the crown, he refused, choosing instead to ally with Daenerys Targaryen to combat the larger threat of the White Walkers. His refusal to manipulate political situations and his dedication to duty proved that he did not seek power, reinforcing why he never sat on the throne.

8. Targaryen Legacy Issues

Jon's Targaryen ancestry always made things more difficult in Game of Thrones. He was a legal heir to the Iron Throne, being the last Targaryen still alive. His skepticism about asserting power were strengthened, meanwhile, by the sordid past of his ancestry and Daenerys' devastating conquest of King's Landing. Jon frequently battled the burden of his ancestry, and Tyrion even mentioned that the Targaryens are linked to turmoil in Westeros. He finally felt compelled by his ancestry to kill Daenerys in order to stop additional damage.

7. Lack of Awareness

Despite his success in uniting the Free Folk, the North, and Daenerys' forces against the White Walkers, Jon failed to grasp the intricacies of Westerosi politics. Unlike Sansa and Tyrion, who exceled in political maneuvering, Jon remained straightforward and honorable to a fault.

His inability to rally the Northern lords effectively and his failure to recognize Daenerys' descent into tyranny highlight his political shortcomings, making him ill-suited to rule.

6. True Contentment Beyond the Wall

Jon found true happiness beyond the Wall, living among the Free Folk, who value independence and resilience. He was greatly influenced by his time spent with Ygritte and the Wildlings, and he found resonance in their lifestyle. By the end of the narrative, his departure beyond the Wall signified his acceptance of his rightful place rather than being constrained by the demands of ruling Westeros.

5. "I Don't Want It"- Jon Snow (Season 8)

In season 8, Jon said to Daenerys, "I don't want it," revealing his reluctance to wield power. Unlike Daenerys, who spent her life yearning for the throne, Jon’s humility and sense of duty made him a reluctant leader.

Throughout the series, it is quite obvious that he constantly avoided leadership roles. In fact, A true king must desire to rule, but Jon's aversion to power ultimately disqualifies him. His humility and sense of duty led him to serve but never rule.

4. Predictable Choice for GOT

Jon Snow was an obvious choice for the throne because of his immense popularity. His journey follows the traditional heroic arc of a reluctant leader, a trope that Game of Thrones purposefully subverts. The choice of Bran Stark as king provides a more unusual and appropriate ending for the story, which thrives on surprising turns and nuanced people.

3. Betrayal of Daenerys

Daenerys Targaryen became the "Mad Queen" at the end of this historical drama. The significant chain of events led her to destroy King's Landing, eventually leading Jon Snow's betrayal by forcing him to end her reign. Jon held a mourning embrace with his beloved friend before killing her with a dagger in the Red Keep.

Although his exile was a political exemption, killing her saved Westeros. As a result, he is sentenced to return to the Night’s Watch, removing him from any claim to the throne. Moreover, he wanted Westerosi lords to move forward with choosing a new ruler without the threat of a Targaryen on the throne.

2. Resonating Ned Stark's Legacy and Fate

Jon Snow carried the Stark legacy with him and is often likened to his adoptive father despite not being Ned Stark's biological son. Even Cersei Lannister remarks on Jon's similarity to Ned, hinting that he, too, is ill-suited for the political machinations of the South. The Stark lineage has a fraught history with King's Landing, where their honorable nature often clashes with the city's treachery.

Jon's journey southward would have mirrored the tragic fates of his Stark predecessors. Even if the series had concluded on a hopeful note, the political landscape would quickly revert to its old ways, leaving Jon vulnerable and overwhelmed in the cutthroat environment of King's Landing.

1. Moral Conflict

Jon's unshakeable sense of morality tends to place him in precarious situations. His inner conflict of love versus duty, justice versus loyalty characterized his personality. Executing Daenerys, someone he loved dearly, is evidence of his readiness to make sacrifices for the common good. Yet, his high moral standards are at odds with the ruthless pragmatism that comes with Westeros' rulership, illustrating that he was never destined for the Iron Throne.

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John did possess the qualities of a great leader, but he was never tied to the Iron Throne. His intense sense of duty, personal hardships, and ultimate rejection of power shaped his destiny. His departure beyond the Wall provided a poetic and fitting conclusion to his journey, reaffirming that Game of Thrones excels in defying expectations.