Religion in Game of Thrones
Uncontrollable Faith in
Jon Snow
Some characters in fiction set their only goal in becoming powerful and great - in the case of Jon Snow, he receives similar praise as Daenerys in becoming a figure of importance in many of the people's lives, however, he does not want the power.
Yet, many people in the Game of Thrones universe see his story as something to glorify and place above themselves. He is put in a position to be worshiped without really trying to. This leads to jealousy in those who are simultaneously competing for power, but ultimately, the people have faith in a humble figure.
"Bastard" Background
The beginning of Jon Snow's character arc is set in the North at Winterfell. Jon is the bastard son of Eddard Stark, who is Lord in the North at the beginning of the series. Jon knows little about his background or history as
The name "Snow" is given to any bastard born in the North, therefore, it follows around whoever bears the name. It is a constant reminder that he is not actually a part of a family. Especially since Jon is a part of such an important family in the North, he is constantly oppressed because of it. Ned Stark's wife and mother to the rest of his children, Catelyn, hates Jon because he reminds her of Ned's infidelity. Therefore, similar to Daenerys, Jon Snow's character arc also begins at rock bottom and includes neglect within family life as well.
The Night's Watch
Due to the lack of faith in Jon within his "family" life, he decides very early in the series to enrol in the Night's Watch. This is a group of protectors at the wall that blocks the unknown North of Westeros from the rest of the living population. This is a very important job as when the original "long night" came to an end, it became known that beyond the wall was where the undead and those who do not follow the law live. To become a Brother of the Night's Watch is to swear your life to protecting the realm, and giving up pleasures such as marrying and having children. This is a perfect fit for Jon Snow at the time.
The idea of "goodness" in person is something that is incredibly typical of someone who becomes deemed as a figure of influence. Jon being selfless enough to give up the only family that he has, and vowing to never have one of his own is symbolic of him being a higher being than most. This is not to say choosing to have a family is of lesser value - however, instead of having a traditional family, he choses to give his life to protecting people. This is a simple example of "goodness" which makes people begin to respect him.
Pictured is the wall which shields the realm from "evil" that is beyond it
Magical Regeneration
An important part of someone who becomes a god-like figure is that they have some aspect of their being that is magical or atypical that puts them in a position of power (whether they would like it or not in Jon's case).
For Jon Snow, he achieves many great things, however, the most shocking and unworldly of them was coming back to life after being killed by his fellow Night's Watchmen. This was from the help of Melesandre, a Red Priestess who worships the Lord of Light. When Jon is killed after breaking rules at the wall (for the greater good), Melesandre arrives to attempt to conjure him back to life. When the attempt is successful, Melesandre claims he must be the prince who was promised, essentially claiming he is a very powerful person who will be crucial in ending the long night.
This situation is a bit reminiscent of the death of Christ and the act of being reborn to serve the people. Jon Snow resists death and continues to serve the people if it is the last thing he does.
"Game Of Thrones 6x03 - Jon Snow, after he awakens."
Uploaded by GOT Clips
This is the moment in which Jon awakens from death.
Resisting Higher Power
Once achieving greatness throughout the series, for example: killing a white walker, coming back from the dead, surviving hardship beyond the wall, and most importantly: protecting the realm above protecting himself, he is granted endless praise. The people in the North want to crown him the King in the North, however, he does not want this attention. He remains humble throughout this journey, which makes people believe he is more qualified.
"The King in the North!"
"Game of Thrones 6x10 - The King in the North!"
Uploaded by Kristina R
Although Jon Snow's ideals do not align with everyone's in the North - tensions between different groups are put to rest for the greater good. This is all he hopes for.