Why was Jon Snow unable to be revived immediately like Beric Dondarrion by Melisandre?

The mystery surrounding the inability of Melisandre to bring Jon Snow back to life immediately, unlike the revival of Beric Dondarrion by Thoros of Myr, is a complex one that delves into the deeper layers of the conflicts and powers at play within the narrative universe of A Song of Ice and Fire.

The Source of Their Powers: R'hllor and the Red Priests

Thoros of Myr and Melisandre’s divine abilities, such as the capacity to resurrect the dead, are not inherent traits but manifestations of the faith and power of R'hllor, the Lord of Light. This is a key point that elucidates their limited abilities. The invocations of Thoros and Melisandre are not the result of their own will, but tools given to them by R'hllor to further his hidden agenda.

Thoros’ ability to resurrect Beric Dondarrion six times was a direct act of R'hllor, who drained a portion of Beric’s life force as payment, a small price in R'hllor’s grand scheme. This decision resulted in Catelyn Stark being resurrected as Lady Stoneheart, with her unique half-alive state creating a new, relentless, and bloodthirsty entity. For reasons that are still unknown, R'hllor decided to keep Beric Dondarrion away and replace him with Catelyn Stark, a personification of the conflict between good and evil.

Jon Snow’s Destiny and R'hllor’s Role

Unlike Beric Dondarrion, Jon Snow's resurrection is deliberately delayed by R'hllor, aligning with what may be revealed in The Winds of Winter. His unique heritage as a Stark and Targaryen hybrid, as well as his destined role as the warlord of the living in the war against the Others, complicates his resurrection. It is theorized that R'hllor, alone, cannot fully bring Jon back to life. Instead, the perfect resurrection of Jon Snow requires the collaboration of both R'hllor and the Old Gods of the Forest.

The Old Gods of the Forest are tasked with empowering the resurrected body of Jon Snow, while R'hllor handles the rebirth of his soul. The impending sacrifice of Theon Greyjoy before a weirwood heart tree during Stannis Baratheon’s time as the regent of Dragonstone could be a significant event, as it is anticipated to empower the Old Gods and assist R'hllor in fully bringing Jon back to life. This union of faith and power suggests an intricate and multi-layered plot that is yet to be fully unfolded in the narrative.

The Adaption Choices and Limitations

The TV adaptation of A Song of Ice and Fire required certain narrative decisions to be made, particularly to ensure the survival of Theon Greyjoy, who plays a crucial role in the planned arcs. Therefore, the delay in Jon’s resurrection, rather than being a whimsical act by R'hllor, was a necessity of the storyline. Melisandre’s entreaties for Jon’s resurrection signify R'hllor’s need for certain conditions to be met before providing the full power of resurrection.

While the TV show may have had to conform to the demands of its viewers and the complexity of the series adaptation, the inherent limitations of the narrative universe around Jon Snow’s resurrection provide a rich ground for speculation and fan theories. These elements add to the depth and intrigue of the story, inviting viewers to engage more deeply with the complex plotlines and character motivations.