Why Benjen Stark Refrained from Joining Mance Rayder and the Wildlings

Benjen Stark, a loyal member of the Night's Watch, made the distinctive choice to remain on the Wall rather than side with Mance Rayder and the Wildlings. This decision was deeply rooted in his sense of duty, the potential danger to his family, and his understanding of the immediate and future threats. Let's explore the reasons behind this pivotal moment in his life.

Benjen's Loyalty and Commitment

Benjen Stark's allegiance to the Night's Watch runs deep. While some may argue that his unique circumstances, being bound to dragonglass, mean his current watch has concluded, the ethical and practical implications for him and his family make remaining in the role imperative. The Night's Watch, despite its flaws, offers stability, kinship, and a sense of purpose that Benjen craves post the rebellion.

From a young age, Benjen made his commitment to the Night's Watch, influenced by the plea from the brothers at the Harrenhal tournament. This choice to be a third son, destined to seek adventure, aligns with his desire to contribute meaningfully to society. The rebellion, while tumultuous, pushed Benjen to act more decisively. He feared the alternative of Nedd inheriting Lordship and ending up like their brother, who tragically died, or the potential political complications involving Lyanna Stark.

The Protection of His Family and the North

Benjen's central concern is the well-being of his family and the independence of the North. Joining Mance and the Wildlings would expose them to significant risks. The province would be vulnerable to attacks from the Wildlings, who might view Benjen as a Wight or the equivalent of an enemy. Such hostility could lead to him being killed for survival, complicating the already tense situation between these factions.

Beyond immediate dangers, the threat posed by the White Walkers looms large. While initially, their presence was less pressing, Benjen's fear of this threat remains acute. The Night's Watch's barrier effectively keeps the White Walkers at bay. Any alliance with Mance and the Wildlings would risk expelling him from this critical line of defense. Therefore, his presence on the Wall is crucial for maintaining this defense.

The Challenges and Limitations

Despite his desire to help, the practical challenges and limitations hinder Benjen's pursuit of joining Mance Rayder. The Night's Watch's magic barrier prevents him from accessing the neighboring lands freely. Additionally, the Wildlings, wary of anything resembling their main enemy, may see him as a viable target. This situation further complicates his potential cooperation.

Furthermore, the political landscape within the Wildlings' camp is fraught with tension. Having a traitor in their midst, the kneeler who was at odds with Jon Snow, further fractures the group. However, the appeasement of the rangers, particularly the First Ranger, would likely bring significant challenges. His insider information, though valuable, could be perceived as a double-edged sword. The risk of betrayal or distrust makes it difficult for the Wildlings to trust him fully.

Conclusion

Benjen Stark's decision to remain with the Night's Watch is a complex interplay of loyalty, duty, and strategic wisdom. His commitment to protecting his family, the North, and the balance of power against the White Walkers remains steadfast. The limitations imposed by the Night's Watch and the simmering tensions within the Wildlings compound his inability to ally with them effectively.

His presence on the Wall provides a crucial line of defense against an immediate and looming threat. Understanding Benjen's motivations and the challenges he faces offers valuable insights into the intricate geopolitical landscape of Westeros.