The Uncertain Fate of Dawn: Eddard Starks Dilemma

The What if Eddard Stark chose not to return the sword Dawn to House Dayne scenario is an intriguing one, especially within the political and social context of the world of Game of Thrones. While House Dayne's allegiance to the Targaryens might have made them more accepting of such a decision, Ned Stark's moral and ethical stance in the show suggests a different path would have been less likely. His personality and principles would have likely led him to return the sword, even with potential political ramifications.

The Shadows of the Tower of Joy and House Dayne

The Tower of Joy and its connection with House Dayne have always been a shrouded mystery. Given the lack of clear information about the audience, the exact sequence of events and the timeline can be highly speculative. However, the actions of the Lord of Starfall, who was instrumental in the fate of the Dawn sword, hint at a much more complex and muddy situation than initially presented.

The idea that the Lord of Starfall would simply hand over the sword without any confrontation or retribution seems highly implausible. The personality of House Dayne, known for their honor and justice, does not align with a brooding surrender. Furthermore, the timing of events—such as Rhaegar knighted Richard and Myles just before the Battle of the Bells but did not return to King's Landing until after the battle—suggests an ulterior motive that has yet to be fully explored. It is likely that Rhaegar had a deeper reason for returning the Dawn sword, possibly related to a hidden agenda involving Arthur Dayne.

Alternative Perspectives

If Eddard Stark had opted not to return the Dawn sword, several alternate scenarios could have unfolded:

Renaming and Redefining Loyalty: Rather than returning the sword to House Dayne, Ned could have changed the guard to one that better represented the Stark family and renamed the sword. This action would have symbolized a shift in allegiance without openly betraying his own principles. Hidden Agendas and Aristrocratic Deceit: It is possible that Lord of Starfall was aware of Rhaegar's intentions and decided to play a different role. Arthur may have been involved in a plot orchestrated by Rhaegar, kept alive to manipulate the political climate and align loyalties. Esguard Claim and Financial Gain: If Ned was not the same principled character we see, he might have tried to ransom the sword to House Dayne or sell it to Robert Baratheon for a fortune. Alternatively, he could have claimed it as werregild for his sister's death, considering Arthur Dayne as one of her "jailers."

A Stark Choice

However, given the character of Eddard Stark, these alternate options seem highly unlikely. His moral compass and principles driven by honor and justice would have led him to return the Dawn sword, even in the face of political pressures. Ned's actions in returning Dawn can be seen as an excuse to see Ashara one last time, driven by a mix of duty and a lingering romantic sentiment.

In conclusion, while the exact nature of the Tower of Joy and House Dayne's involvement remains shrouded in mystery, Eddard Stark's choices reflect his unwavering commitment to his principles. Any deviation from his path would have been a significant departure from the character he represents in the world of Game of Thrones.