Jon Snow’s betrayal of Daenerys Targaryen inGame of Thronesseason 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 inGame of Thronesseason 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, butGame of Thrones’big Jon Snow twistputs their relationship on shaky footing once again.
Jon Snow’s true parentageis among the many factors that contribute to Daenerys becoming the “Mad Queen” inGame of Thronesseason 8, alongside multiple losses and betrayals. Both Tyrion and Jon come to regret their decision to follow Dany aftershe burns King’s Landing to the ground. However, Jon is the only one who can get close enough to act on it. WhileJon killing Daenerysis a devastating twist for the HBO show, it’s the right move for his character. It fulfills the themes of his arc, andit calls back to Ned’s story inGame 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 —andGame of Thronestests 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.
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Jon chooses duty and honor over love once again when he returns to the Night’s Watch afterGame of Thronesseason 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 Daeneryslater 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 inGame of Thronesseason 1. By highlighting the similarities between the two characters,Game of Thronessets 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 inGame of Thronesseasons 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 Thronesoffers 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.
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As oneRedditorpoints out,both Ned and Jon are convinced to do so through references to Sansa and Arya. When Varys visits Ned in the dungeons inGame of Thronesseason 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 to protect his family.
Similarly, when Jon visits Tyrion in the dungeons inGame of Thronesseason 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 to protect his family. Jon also manages to save the realm, but there’s no denying that his choice inGame of Thronesseason 8 mirrors Ned’s in a very intentional way.
Game Of Thrones
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Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
