Is Jon Snow King?

The question of Jon Snow's reign as the King in the North is a topic of intense discussion among fans of the hit TV series, A Game of Thrones. While Jon Snow is not exactly a traditional king, his leadership and the respect he commands among the wildlings and the northern lands are undeniable.

Perspective of the Wildlings

The wildlings, a people of the far north, hold Jon Snow in high esteem. In the final episode of season 8, when Jon returned to Castle Black, the wildlings welcomed him with open arms and love. They consider him one of their own, a kind of legendary hero due to his selfless acts. Most notably, he sacrificed his life to save them during the battle with the White Walkers. Therefore, while they may not kneel to him in the traditional sense, Jon will undoubtedly hold a significant position of power among them. He will lead them and help them resettle in their lands, bringing in civilization and stability. Jon’s hybrid status as both a warged direwolf and a man reflects his unique and powerful identity, further solidifying his place among the wildlings.

Ambition and Intrigue in Westeros

Westeros, with its seven kingdoms, was once ruled from King's Landing by whomever sat on the Iron Throne. However, as of Season 6, there are now two reigning monarchs: Cersei Lannister, who rules the Lower Six from the Iron Throne, and Jon Snow, the King in the North. The wildlings have declared independence, and it is likely that Cersei, after receiving news of Petyr Baelish's raven, will be unhappy to learn of the North's independence, particularly as she views Jon as a thorn in her side, being the Ned Stark's bastard. Meanwhile, other figures such as the Night's King and Daenerys Targaryen are also in the game, each with their own ambitions and threats.

Protecting the North

Daenerys believes that ruling the Seven Kingdoms is her birthright, a sentiment bolstered by the death of her siblings. She shows little interest in supporting the independence of the North, regarding it as an obstacle to her ultimate goal. However, Jon Snow's primary concern is to protect the North from the impending threat posed by the Night's King and the white walkers. His loyalty lies with his people and the safety of the northern lands, which is why he is less focused on fighting for the Iron Throne.

Cultural and Strategic Significance

Jon's leadership and role in A Game of Thrones go beyond the political sphere. His presence is a symbol of hope and unity, a counterbalance to the dark forces that seek to destroy the North. Jon’s direwolf, a symbol of the True North, embodies his unique and powerful identity, making him a fearsome and respected figure among the wildlings. Jon has earned their trust and support, and his future will likely be defined by his leadership and the challenges he faces to protect the northern lands from both within and without. Whether Jon will eventually become a true king or simply a hero among the wildlings remains to be seen, but his impact on the world of Westeros is undeniable.

In conclusion, Jon Snow's role as King in the North is a complex and multifaceted one, shaped by the unique circumstances of the wildlings, the ambitions of Cersei and Daenerys, and the ongoing threats from the Night's King. While he may not be a traditional king, his leadership and dedication to the North and his people make him a significant and pivotal figure in the saga of Westeros.