The real Jon Snow

Jon Snow is depicted as a fantasy hero with a complex journey. He is a bastard seeking family and identity, and his character evolves significantly between the books and the TV adaptation of 'Game of Thrones'. In the earlier seasons, he is portrayed as a brave but naive warrior, stubbornly honest and not adept at politics. However, in the books, Jon is more of a smart politician who is not always honest and has secret plans. He is also tempted by desires for honor, revenge, love, and home. His internal conflict between his desires and his duty is a central theme, and his character is deeply connected with prophecy and magic that will change the world of ice and fire.

Jon Snow grows up at Winterfell with the Stark family, but as a bastard, he feels different and faces prejudice. His mother's identity is a mystery, with theories suggesting she might be Lady Ashara Dayne or a commoner. In reality, Jon is likely the son of Ned Stark's sister, Lyanna Stark, and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, making him the rightful King of Westeros. His upbringing is marked by a sense of not belonging, especially with Catelyn Stark's cold treatment, and his physical appearance sets him apart from his Stark siblings.

Jon's connection with his direwolf pup, Ghost, symbolizes his difference from his Stark siblings and hints at his deeper connection to the old gods and the magic of the North. The white fur and red eyes of Ghost could be a sign of Jon's true heritage, linking him to his father Rhaegar and the Targaryen lineage. The mysterious circumstances of finding Ghost and the wolf's silent nature suggest the influence of Bloodraven, a greenseer with the magic of the old gods, who might have plans for Jon in the prophecy to defeat the white walkers.

Feeling rejected and with no future at Winterfell, Jon decides to join the Night's Watch, an ancient brotherhood guarding the Wall in the North. His uncle Benjen warns him about the lifelong commitment and the 'cost' of the oath, which includes renouncing marriage, children, and titles. This decision is influenced by his desire for honor and adventure, as well as the political implications of his potential claim to the throne if he is indeed Rhaegar's son.

Jon's life at Castle Black is initially difficult, marked by harsh training under Alliser Thorne and the resentment of his fellow recruits. However, he learns to empathize with others, befriending Grenn and Pyp, and teaching the recruits to fight better. His leadership skills emerge as he protects Samwell Tarly and convinces the recruits not to harm him. Jon's journey is one of personal growth, learning to navigate the complexities of duty and loyalty.

Jon faces his first significant moral dilemma when he must choose between his duty to the Night's Watch and his love for the Starks. Maester Aemon advises that love can be the death of duty, and Jon's decision to ride south to help Robb, knowing the punishment for desertion is death, shows his willingness to sacrifice for love. However, his friends remind him of his duty, and Jeor Mormont emphasizes the importance of the war in the North against the white walkers, leading Jon to return to the Wall.

Beyond the Wall, Jon experiences a harsh reality that contrasts with his幻想的冒险生活. He learns that life is more complicated than he imagined, and good and evil are not always clear-cut. The Night's Watch's alliance with Craster, a man who sacrifices his sons to the white walkers, forces Jon to question the morality of the Watch. His encounter with Ygritte, a wildling, further complicates his understanding of the world, as he begins to see the wildlings as people, not just enemies.

Jon's struggle with his loyalty and identity intensifies when he is forced to kill Qhorin Halfhand to infiltrate the wildlings and discover their plans. This act of betrayal against his sworn brother and his subsequent acceptance by the wildlings, including his relationship with Ygritte, further blurs the lines between friend and foe. Jon's internal conflict is highlighted by his torn loyalties and his growing connection to the wildlings, despite his duty to the Night's Watch.

As the wildling army led by Mance Rayder threatens Castle Black, Jon takes command after the death of Donal Noye. He employs strategic tactics, such as burning and collapsing stairs, to defend the Wall against the wildlings. This battle tests Jon's leadership and his commitment to the Night's Watch, as he must make difficult decisions to protect the realm, even if it means sacrificing his personal feelings.

Jon's election as the 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch marks a significant turning point in his journey. Despite initial resistance due to his bastard status and connection to the old gods, he gains support through political maneuvering and a sign from a talking raven. As commander, Jon faces the daunting task of uniting the Night's Watch and dealing with external threats, including Stannis Baratheon's ambitions and the ongoing conflict with the wildlings.

Jon's death and potential resurrection are pivotal events that could transform his character. George R.R. Martin suggests that characters who return from death are changed, losing something of themselves. Theories about Jon's resurrection involve his spirit living on in his direwolf, Ghost, which could make him more wolfish and less human. This transformation could lead to a more reckless and dangerous Jon, focused on his own desires.

Jon's legal claim to Winterfell and the North is a significant aspect of his story. Robb Stark's will, which may name Jon as his heir, could lead to a complex inheritance struggle. Jon's desire for Winterfell and his potential role as King in the North are complicated by the return of other Stark siblings and the political machinations of various factions in the North.

Jon's connection to Daenerys Targaryen and the revelation of his true parentage could have profound implications for his identity and destiny. As the son of Lyanna Stark and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, Jon is not only a Stark but also a Targaryen with a claim to the Iron Throne. This discovery could lead to a deeper bond with Daenerys, as well as a moral and emotional struggle as he grapples with his newfound royal heritage and the responsibilities it entails.

Jon's potential role as Azor Ahai reborn, the prophesied hero destined to fight against the darkness, adds another layer to his character's complexity. The prophecy suggests that Jon, with his ice and fire heritage, could be the one to wield a flaming sword against the white walkers. However, the fulfillment of this prophecy could come at a great cost, testing Jon's morality and his commitment to his duty.

Jon's ultimate confrontation with the white walkers is set to be a defining moment in his story. Theories suggest that he might journey north to destroy the Great Other, the entity controlling the white walkers, possibly involving a sacrifice or a profound moral choice. The outcome of this battle could determine the fate of Westeros and the nature of Jon's heroism.

Jon's heroism is not simply a result of prophecy or royal blood but is rooted in his choices and his commitment.