The Unconventional Loyalty: Why Robb Stark Named Jon Snow His Heir

It's a common theme in A Song of Ice and Fire series, where traditional views of inheritance often conflict with complex relationships based on trust, loyalty, and honor. One such instance is King Robb Stark's decision to name Jon Snow as his heir. Let’s explore the reasons behind this non-traditional choice and why it makes sense within the intricate political landscape of Westeros.

Trust and Loyalty

Robb Stark likely sees Jon as the most trustworthy person in his life. In a tumultuous political landscape where alliances and loyalty can shift based on mere circumstances, having someone loyal and honorable as an heir could be more valuable than traditional claims to land or titles. The Song of Ice and Fire series is replete with instances where traditional claims to power have been overtaken by practical realities. In such a context, Robb might view Jon as a person capable of leading the North not just for his own sake, but for the broader well-being of the realm.

Symbolic Gesture

By naming Jon as his heir, Robb might have been making a statement about the importance of family and loyalty, regardless of bloodlines. Jon is a member of the Stark family and is raised as a brother despite his status as a bastard. This act could symbolize the bond between Robb and Jon, highlighting that true family can transcend conventional notions of kinship. The decision is a powerful reminder that in Westeros, loyalty and trust are valuable commodities, often more important than lineage.

Contingency Planning

Robb Stark was facing numerous threats at the time of his decision. Naming Jon as his heir could have been a strategic move, ensuring that someone he trusts would take up the mantle of leadership if anything happened to Robb. Even if Jon cannot inherit in the traditional sense, the act of naming him could influence future decisions about leadership and loyalty. In a world where power can be taken or lost with ease, Robb might have seen it as a prudent measure to safeguard the North.

Potential for Change

The dynamics of Westeros are complex, and Robb might have believed that there could be a future where Jon's status could change. For instance, if Jon were to leave the Night's Watch, he might have a legitimate claim to northern lands, making him a more suitable heir than other potential successors. The Song of Ice and Fire series is known for its fluid and uncertain political environment, where seemingly improbable scenarios can suddenly become possible. Robb’s decision could be seen as an insurance policy against such unpredictable shifts.

Why This Decision Makes Sense

I often hear it said that Robb's decision might be seen as irrational. However, when we consider the context and the values at play in Westeros, it makes perfect sense. Robb is King in the North and has the authority to make such decisions without facing negative consequences. Furthermore, Jon is a male who is half-Stark, and bastards have always been seen as potential heirs if all other options run out. Additionally, the Night's Watch has been on the best terms with the North, and Robb might find it problematic to replace Jon with 100 lesser candidates. The situation with Yoren, a member of the Night's Watch who went beyond his duties to help a Stark, further supports the idea that the Night's Watch respects and values the North.

Lastly, let's not forget that politics, whether in this fictional world or in the real one, are largely about convenience. As Jaime Lannister once said, oaths are nearly impossible to keep through your whole life, and practicality often trumps abstract notions of honor. Robb's decision, therefore, is a pragmatic response to the complex political realities he faced, rooted in a deep understanding of the importance of trust and loyalty.