Did Jon Snow Really Break His Oath by Leaving the Night’s Watch After His Resurrection?

The question of whether Jon Snow broke his oath to the Night’s Watch by leaving after his resurrection is a complex one rooted in the themes of duty, honor, and personal agency in Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire.

The Oath of the Night's Watch

Members of the Night’s Watch swear an oath that includes a commitment to serve for life, renouncing all previous allegiances. Jon Snow took this oath seriously, and it defined much of his character throughout the series.

Resurrection

Jon’s death and subsequent resurrection by Melisandre complicate the matter. From a literal standpoint, he was dead and thus could be seen as having been released from his oath as he was no longer a member of the Night’s Watch at that time. However, the interpretation of oaths can vary. Some might argue that his resurrection means he is still bound by his original oath, while others might contend that he was given a second chance at life and, therefore, could choose a new path.

Interpretation of Oath

The interpretation of oaths can vary based on their nature and the circumstances surrounding them. In Game of Thrones, honor and duty are paramount, and the concept of honor doesn't allow for loopholes. The Jon Snow in the books would agree with this, as would his father-uncle Ned Stark, Ser Barristan Selmy, and pretty much everyone else who had honor as an integral part of their character.

For example, Ned never respected Jaime Lannister after Jaime broke his oath and killed King Aerys, even though he agreed that Aerys needed to die. Similarly, Selmy felt shame for betraying his oath to King Aerys and serving Robert Baratheon, even though Aerys was dead. These examples illustrate how duty and honor are interpreted without making exceptions.

Imagine someone in real life trying to get out of a marriage simply because they were clinically dead for 3 minutes after a drowning incident or other health event. Would their marriage vow of “until death do us part” be considered fulfilled in the eyes of their god-spouse or any other human? Of course not. Honor doesn’t allow for loopholes.

Jon's Honor

In the books, Jon’s honor is his defining characteristic. Not knowing his mother, the shame of being bastard-born, and being raised by a “father” known throughout the Seven Kingdoms for his strict, even pricky sense of honor drove Jon to live up to the Stark name he would never have. Breaking this oath would make him a lesser man in his mind and a lesser character from a literary standpoint.

So, if Jon Snow left the Night’s Watch, it would likely be seen as a break of his oath in the context of the show's universe. However, given his deeply held belief in honor and duty, it’s hard to imagine Jon making such a decision unless under extremely compelling circumstances.

The Show’s Interpretation

On the show, there were so many inconsistencies that it’s difficult to keep track of them all. In general, the concept of honor doesn’t allow for loopholes. If Jon Snow were to break his oath in the show, it would be seen as a significant departure from the strict ethical framework established in the books.

The Final Decision

Ultimately, Jon decides to leave the Night’s Watch to seek out a new life beyond the Wall. This decision is influenced by his experiences, the events of the war, and his desire to find a sense of belonging and purpose outside the constraints of his past.

In conclusion, while Jon’s resurrection raises questions about the nature of his oath, his decision to leave can be seen as a personal choice rather than a strict breaking of his vow given the circumstances surrounding his return to life. The series presents this as a moment of character growth and a departure from the rigid codes of duty that had previously defined him.

Ultimately, the adherence to one's vows and the challenges of honor are central themes in both the show and the books, making Jon’s decision a critically important moment in the series.