Top 10 Coolest Things About Jon Snow

Jon Snow stands at the heart of both the novels in ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ and the TV adaptation ‘Game of Thrones’, where his arc threads together the North, the Night’s Watch, and the war against the dead. Across the story, he moves from an outsider at Winterfell to a central figure whose decisions reshape the political and military landscape. His background, training, allies, and artifacts all contribute concrete advantages that change outcomes on and off the battlefield. Here are ten specific, fact-based highlights that define what makes Jon Snow stand out.

Stark–Targaryen Parentage

Jon Snow is revealed in ‘Game of Thrones’ to be the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, a fact confirmed through Bran Stark’s visions and Samwell Tarly’s reading about Rhaegar’s annulment and remarriage. This lineage makes him both a Stark by blood and a Targaryen with a claim to the Iron Throne. The revelation also clarifies why he has traits associated with both houses—northern upbringing and a Targaryen name, Aegon. Politically, it recontextualizes alliances around him and complicates succession debates in Westeros.

Direwolf Companion Ghost

Ghost is Jon’s albino direwolf, bonded to him since the litter was found near Winterfell. The direwolf’s keen senses, loyalty, and silent tracking support Jon during ranging missions and in battles. Ghost’s presence often acts as an early-warning system, detecting threats Jon cannot see. The bond illustrates the Stark children’s longstanding connection to their direwolves and provides Jon with a constant, effective guardian.

Valyrian Steel Sword Longclaw

After Jon saves Lord Commander Jeor Mormont from a wight, Mormont gifts him Longclaw, a Valyrian steel sword. The weapon’s bear-head pommel is replaced with a direwolf to reflect Jon’s house. Valyrian steel is known to be exceptionally light, sharp, and—crucially—capable of destroying White Walkers. Longclaw’s properties make it a decisive asset in confrontations where ordinary steel fails.

Night’s Watch Training and Service

Jon arrives at the Wall as a volunteer and quickly distinguishes himself through discipline, swordsmanship, and leadership potential. Under the Watch’s regimen, he learns ranging skills, survival in extreme cold, and command basics. He serves alongside seasoned rangers such as Qhorin Halfhand, gaining practical experience beyond the fortress. This foundation equips him to make informed tactical choices during crises facing the Watch.

Election as Lord Commander and Reforms

The Night’s Watch elects Jon as Lord Commander, placing him in charge of strategy, discipline, and diplomacy. He prioritizes garrisoning long-neglected castles, improving supply lines, and restructuring defenses to meet the threat from beyond the Wall. Jon also alters recruitment and resource use to adapt to dwindling numbers. His administrative steps strengthen the Watch’s ability to function under sustained pressure.

Alliance with the Free Folk

Recognizing the existential threat from the White Walkers, Jon negotiates with leaders like Tormund Giantsbane to bring Free Folk south of the Wall. This decision increases available fighters, scouts, and knowledge of northern terrain. He arranges resettlement and safe passage, tying cooperation to mutual defense. The alliance reduces raids while creating a larger, unified front against the undead.

Hardhome and the White Walker Threat

At Hardhome, Jon oversees an evacuation of Free Folk and witnesses the Night King’s power firsthand. During the fighting, he proves that Valyrian steel can shatter a White Walker, confirming a practical countermeasure. He also secures large quantities of dragonglass, another proven weapon against the undead. These findings become the basis for later procurement, forging, and battlefield planning.

Resurrection and Release from Vows

After a mutiny at Castle Black, Jon is killed and subsequently revived by the red priestess Melisandre. Upon returning, he treats his death as fulfillment of his Night’s Watch oath—“until my death”—and steps away from command there. This allows him to reorient his efforts toward threats beyond the Watch’s traditional scope. His return shifts political dynamics, enabling him to lead coalitions the Watch could not.

Battle of the Bastards and the Restoration of Winterfell

Jon organizes a northern coalition to confront Ramsay Bolton and retake Winterfell. The battle employs infantry formations, cavalry maneuvers, and timely reinforcement by House Arryn to break the encirclement. The victory restores Stark control of the ancestral stronghold and secures logistical hubs in the North. With Winterfell reclaimed, northern leadership and supply chains stabilize for subsequent campaigns.

King in the North and Strategic Southern Alliance

Following the victory over the Boltons, northern lords proclaim Jon King in the North, granting him authority to coordinate regional defense. He pursues dragonglass at Dragonstone and forges a strategic alliance with Daenerys Targaryen to concentrate resources against the undead. This cooperation yields access to fleets, armies, and, critically, dragons that can counter large undead formations. The combined forces enable multi-front operations that smaller northern hosts could not sustain alone.

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