Why is there a popular fan pairing of Arya and Gendry in Game of Thrones but not for Sansa and Jon even though they are both siblings by blood?

Introduction

Game of Thrones has garnered a vast and passionate fan base, with numerous fan pairings (or "ships") that fans have created to reflect their interpretations of the story. Among these, one of the more popular pairings is between Arya and Gendry, a pairing that has intrigued and captured the imagination of many viewers. In contrast, another pair, Jon Snow and Sansa Stark, despite being siblings by blood and siblings in the show, does not have as strong of a following as Arya and Gendry. This essay explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, including the characters' personalities, their storyline developments, and the influence of the fan base and media.

In this article, we will also delve into why Jon/Sansa is a hugely popular ship among fans, the reasons behind the less popular ship, and explore the effects of the fandom's media and the adaptability of the HBO show compared to the books.

The Popularity of Arya and Gendry

Arya and Gendry quickly became a fan favorite pairing, with their interactions in the finale episodes of the show further cementing their place in the realm of OTPs (One True Pairings). Their bond is not based on family ties or age, but rather on mutual respect and shared experiences. Arya and Gendry’s chemistry, as seen in the show and fan-reimaged scenes, contributes to their popularity. Additionally, their separations and subsequent reunions create elements of tension and drama that fans gravitate towards.

The Lack of Connection between Jon and Sansa

Jon and Sansa stand in stark contrast with the pairing of Arya and Gendry as their relationship is much more static and less dynamic. Jon, being a man of strong moral integrity, would never consider a relationship with Sansa, his sister. This attitude is rooted in the show’s portrayal of Jon as a character who would never breach the sanctity of family ties in such a manner. On the other hand, Sansa, portrayed as initially fascinated with romance and the idea of a love story, does not hold the same romantic interest in Jon.

Moreover, when Jon and Sansa do meet again, they are vastly different in their contexts and perspectives. While Sansa, having grown up in King's Landing amid political intrigue and romantic escapades, has matured significantly, Jon, having served and fought in the Night's Watch, has a very different worldview. These differences make them seem worlds apart, further diminishing the appeal of a romantic pairing between them.

Jon/Sansa: A Popular Fan Ship

Despite their distance, Jon/Sansa remains a popular ship among the fan base. However, the fandom's interpretation of this ship differs from the subtle hints in the original books. While in the books, there are some hints that Jon and Sansa might have romantic feelings for each other, the show has downplayed these hints, leading fans to project their own interpretations and desires. For example, Kit Harrington, the actor who portrays Jon, has even made light of the idea after the show's run, suggesting fans' associations with Jon and Sansa are more reflective of their own wishes and less based on the show's depiction.

Many pieces of Jon/Sansa fanfiction often focus more on the external conflict, such as the threat posed by Daenerys, rather than the development of the relationship between the two siblings. This focus on the evil of Daenerys as a character and the need to defeat her adds depth and intrigue to the ship, making it more appealing to fans. This contrast also highlights the differences in media portrayal and fan engagement.

Conclusion

The differences in fan popularity between Arya and Gendry and Jon and Sansa highlight the complex interplay of character development, storylines, and fan interpretation in the world of fan fiction and the show itself. While Arya and Gendry’s chemistry and shared experiences make them a clear favorite, Jon and Sansa’s moral and contextual differences have made their ship less popular, but more intriguing in the eyes of some fans.

Keywords

Game of Thrones, fan pairing, Arya Stark, Gendry, Jon Snow, Sansa Stark