Was Jon in Love with Daenerys When He Killed Her?

One of the most complex and emotionally intense arcs in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire involves Jon Snow's relationship with Daenerys Targaryen. This question about Jon's feelings has sparked extensive debates among fans. Was Jon's decision to kill Daenerys driven by love or duty?

Love, Duty, and the Human Heart

Jon initially believed that he and Daenerys shared a deep and pure love. The scripts and writers of the show did present a scenario where both Jon and Daenerys were in love with one another. However, Daenerys's vision of a better world through mass destruction posed a significant threat to the realm. This conflict between Jon's love and his duty to protect the people he loves is one of the central themes of the narrative.

Jon’s Commitment to the Realm

Throughout the series, Jon has consistently demonstrated his willingness to put the realm's welfare above all else, including his own personal interests. Whether it's rallying against the idea of assassinating Daenerys even after she demolished a city, or choosing to return to the Night's Watch to protect the realm, Jon has shown that he values his duty deeply. This commitment to the realm's safety is seen as far more critical than personal relationships, even those of a romantic nature.

Daenerys’s Mass Destruction and Beliefs

Late in the series, Daenerys's actions became increasingly erratic and violent. She believed that mass destruction was a necessary evil to bring about a better world. Her statement about the liberation of civilians did not come from a place of malice but from a sincere belief that mercy was a weapon to be used for the greater good. Jon was torn between this belief and his duty to protect innocent lives.

Duty and Extremism

When Daenerys’s belief in mass destruction became an extreme form of idealism, Jon’s resolve was tested. He had to choose between giving her a free pass, which he would have done if she had chosen a merciful approach, and acting against her when she declared the killing of civilians a "liberation." This decision highlighted the human heart in conflict with itself, as both Jon's love for Daenerys and his duty to the realm were at stake.

Jon’s Past Decisions and Commitments

Jon's past actions further illustrate his commitment to the realm. Even when dealing with the Wildlings, who were a threat to the realm, Jon and his allies did not give them a free pass. The Night's Watch defended against them fiercely to protect the realm, even at the cost of lives like Ygritte and Tormund. This shows Jon's prioritization of the realm's safety over personal relationships or temporary alliance.

The Break in Love

Ultimately, Jon's love for Daenerys became a heavy burden. He was unable to reconcile his feelings with his duty to protect the realm. This internal conflict made his decision to kill Daenerys both anguishing and necessary. The pain and guilt he felt for having to make this choice further emphasizes the complexity of his emotions and the weight of his duty.

Conclusion

In the end, Jon and Daenerys both chose what they viewed as their duty to the world over their feelings for each other. This tragic decision encapsulates the struggle between love and duty that defines the human experience. Jon's complex feelings and the dilemmas he faced illustrate the profound impact of duty on personal relationships and the challenges of leadership in a world where the right choices are often difficult and painful.