Jon Snow's Journey to the Wall

A Game of Thrones

Jon Snow leaves Winterfell for the Night's Watch, finding purpose and brotherhood amidst the harsh realities of the Wall.

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Bearing strength in each event

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Departure from Winterfell Departure from Winterfell from "A Game of Thrones". Leaving Home The Decision Jon decides to join the Night's Watch, partly to escape Catelyn's hostility and partly to find his own path.

Departure from Winterfell from "A Game of Thrones". Leaving Home The Decision Jon decides to join the Night's Watch, partly to escape Catelyn's hostility and partly to find his own path.

Leaving Home The Decision Jon decides to join the Night's Watch, partly to escape Catelyn's hostility and partly to find his own path. He says goodbye to Bran, who lies in a coma, and to Arya, to whom he gives the sword Needle. The Journey North Jon travels with his uncle Benjen and Tyrion Lannister. Tyrion's cynical wisdom challenges Jon's romantic notions of the Watch, preparing him for the harsh truth. First Sight of the Wall Jon sees the Wall for the first time, a colossal barrier of ice. He feels both awe and dread, sensing that his life will never be the same.

Life at Castle Black Life at Castle Black from "A Game of Thrones". The Hard Truth Training Under Ser Alliser Jon excels at swordplay but is resented by the other recruits.

Life at Castle Black from "A Game of Thrones". The Hard Truth Training Under Ser Alliser Jon excels at swordplay but is resented by the other recruits.

The Hard Truth Training Under Ser Alliser Jon excels at swordplay but is resented by the other recruits. Ser Alliser Thorne mocks him as 'Lord Snow,' and Jon struggles with his pride and isolation. The Armorer's Lesson Donal Noye confronts Jon about his arrogance, pointing out that the other boys never had his advantages. Jon begins to understand that he must earn respect, not demand it. Friendship with Samwell Jon befriends Samwell Tarly, a cowardly but intelligent boy. He protects Sam from bullies and helps him find his place as a steward, learning the value of compassion.

The Wight Attack The Wight Attack from "A Game of Thrones". The Dead Rise Discovery of the Bodies Jon and the rangers find the bodies of Benjen's men, Othor and Jafer Flowers, in the haunted forest.

The Wight Attack from "A Game of Thrones". The Dead Rise Discovery of the Bodies Jon and the rangers find the bodies of Benjen's men, Othor and Jafer Flowers, in the haunted forest.

The Dead Rise Discovery of the Bodies Jon and the rangers find the bodies of Benjen's men, Othor and Jafer Flowers, in the haunted forest. The corpses are strangely preserved and have blue eyes. The Attack That night, the wights come to life and attack Castle Black. Jon wakes to find his guard dead and a wight in Mormont's chambers. He fights the creature, using fire to destroy it. The Aftermath Jon is given the sword Longclaw by Mormont for his bravery. He realizes the true threat beyond the Wall is not wildlings but the Others and their wights. His place is here.

Attempted Desertion and Return

The Choice The News from the South Jon learns of his father's execution and Robb's war. He feels torn between his duty to the Watch and his loyalty to his family. The Flight Jon tries to desert, riding south to join Robb. His friends intercept him and bring him back, reminding him of his vows. The Oath Renewed Mormont confronts Jon, arguing that the real war is in the North against the Others. Jon accepts his duty and decides to join the great ranging beyond the Wall.

after Bran's fall, before the royal departure

after arrival at Castle Black

after the ranging, near the end of the book

after news of Eddard's death