The Bond Between Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister

A Game of Thrones

An unlikely friendship forms between the bastard and the dwarf, based on mutual respect and outsider status.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
First MeetingFirst Meeting from "A Game of Thrones". The Outsiders The Conversation Tyrion finds Jon outside the feast, brooding. He offers advice: never forget what you are, wear it as armor.
The Outsiders The Conversation Tyrion finds Jon outside the feast, brooding. He offers advice: never forget what you are, wear it as armor. The Connection Both are outcasts in their own families. They share a moment of understanding. The Gift Tyrion gives Jon a perspective that helps him accept his bastardy.
Journey to the WallJourney to the Wall from "A Game of Thrones". The Road North The Conversations Tyrion and Jon travel together, discussing dragons, honor, and the Night's Watch. Tyrion's cynicism challenges Jon's idealism.
The Road North The Conversations Tyrion and Jon travel together, discussing dragons, honor, and the Night's Watch. Tyrion's cynicism challenges Jon's idealism. The Respect Tyrion defends Jon against Benjen's dismissiveness. Jon begins to see Tyrion as a friend. The Farewell At the Wall, they part ways, but the bond remains. Tyrion promises to help Bran.
The Promise KeptThe Promise Kept from "A Game of Thrones". The Gift The Saddle Tyrion gives Bran a special saddle, fulfilling his promise to Jon. This act strengthens their bond.
The Gift The Saddle Tyrion gives Bran a special saddle, fulfilling his promise to Jon. This act strengthens their bond. The Respect Tyrion shows kindness to Bran, and Jon hears of it. Their friendship endures despite distance. The Memory Jon remembers Tyrion's advice when he faces his own trials at the Wall.
at Winterfell, during the feast
after Winterfell, on the kingsroad
later, when Tyrion visits Winterfell