The Consequences of Jon Snow's Banishment: Why the Night's Watch Remained in Disgrace After the Night King's Defeat

At the Game of Thrones series finale, Jon Snow's banishment to the Night's Watch has puzzled many viewers. Despite the absence of the White Walkers, the Night's Watch remained a critical component of Westeros' defense strategy. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision and the prevailing perceptions of the Night's Watch in the aftermath of the war.

The Peace Talks and Bran's Abdication

During the peace talks, Bran Stark, with the help of Grey Worm, orchestrated a significant power shift in Westeros. Grey Worm, who commanded the Dothraki host, emerged as the most powerful individual in King's Landing (KL) at the time. Bran's decision to abdicate power, despite the murder of his mother, Daenerys Targaryen, signifies a profound respect for his people's will and a peaceful transition of power.

However, the conditions for Bran's departure included the banishment of Jon Snow to the Night's Watch. This was a notable concession given Grey Worm's immense influence and power. It underscores the weight associated with this decision, which the Night's Watch had to respect and honor.

The Night's Watch Before the White Walkers

The Night's Watch was originally created to defend against the White Walkers, a formidable force that had been gone for thousands of years. Over time, the Watch lost its purpose and became a symbol of neglect and punishment. Volunteers like Jon Snow and Benjen Stark, who was both Ranger and probable First Ranger, were the exception, while most recruits were unwanted individuals or prisoners faced with a choice between joining the Watch or death.

This perception of the Night's Watch as a prison system, particularly in the southern regions of Westeros, persisted even when the White Walkers reappeared. The legacy of the Wall as a line that kept the wilderness at bay remained, but the perception that the Night's Watch was problematic endured.

Jon Snow's Choice and Ned Stark's Priorities

When Jon Snow volunteered for the Night's Watch, it was partially influenced by his uncle Benjen's position as a Ranger. Benjen's authority allowed him to keep a closer eye on Jon, providing an additional layer of scrutiny. However, this decision was ultimately Jon's, one driven by a sense of duty and purpose, not Ned Stark's explicit desire.

Ned Stark did not initially want Jon to join the Night's Watch, suggesting that he believed there were other, perhaps more viable, options for his son. Jon's actions show that he made his own choice, despite his father's reservations.

The Night's Watch in Truth

With the defeat of the White Walkers, the Night's Watch faced an existential crisis. They were no longer necessary as a literal defense against an external threat. The Wall itself could be rebuilt, but the Night's Watch, as an institution, needed to find a new purpose. Given the prevailing narrative of the Wall as a prison, it is perhaps unsurprising that the institution was tarnished post-defeat.

The decision to banish Jon Snow highlights how the Night's Watch was viewed not just as a strategic necessity but also as a legacy of a bygone era. Exile from Westeros was not merely a punishment but a symbolic rejection of the institution itself. As the show concluded, the Night's Watch was left grappling with its role in a world without the immediate threat of the White Walkers.

In summary, the decision to banish Jon Snow to the Night's Watch was multifaceted, reflecting the complex perceptions of the institution and the broader geopolitical landscape of Westeros. The Night's Watch, like the Wall itself, was caught between the past and the present, its relevance forever changed by the events that unfolded at the end of the series.