Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen- Love Story or Stockholm Syndrome?

HOW FOOLISH CAN NED STARK BE?

 Although the world Ned Stark lives in is filled with colors and ambiguity, why does he only see in black and white? Yes of course this may have been a time where people like Ned Stark were taught differently and raised to think a different way than we may think now. However, I’m sure the world was still just as colorful and complicated as the one we live in now. Real world situations aren’t just black and White, but more of a “ROGYBV” type of affair.

I mean, come on, let’s just start by saying “Hand to the King” sounds like a job suitable for a kiss ass, a teacher’s pet, a suck up, a snitch… however else you may choose to look at it. It’s supposed to be a job for the second most powerful man in the kingdom, but it’s more

like a patsy for the highest bidder. All of which could put Ned in the running for hand to the king, seeing as how he follows all the rules. Many people forget about his loyalty for the job, however, consider his good qualities.  Jeni writes, “I think he was just true to himself. He never varied from what he thought was right. He ‘walked the walk,’ so to speak.” Which is true he did walk the way he talked, but at what cost? Following the rules isn’t always the best choice, which Ned discovered later through the series.   

For instance, the boy of the Night’s Watch Ned kills in the first episode by beheading had a pretty good reason for running from the wall. A young boy sees people he knows get their heads cut off by what seems like an oversized bride of Chuckie doll in the woods, and they expect him to not run and not be scared? Come on. And instead of being honorable and understanding where the boy was coming from, Ned was more of a wannabe manager at the job you hate who alway’s yelling, THIS IS POLICY! Seeing things one-sided instead of recognizing the complexity of the world. Okay, Karen, I mean, Lord Eddard.

And not to mention the conversation between Catelyn, Ned, and Maester Lewin when Lysa Arryn wrote them. Brother-in-law Ned had to make a decision to be Hand of the King or stay with his family. it's worth noting that numerous individuals warned the Lord of Winterfell not to bark up the Baratheon-Lannister family tree. But he was dead set in his noble ways, Catelyn makes a good argument when she states that Ned has already fought for Robert long enough.  Yet Ned sees in black and White, so he automatically determines that he needs to protect Robert. This decision doesn’t seem too honorable when you consider that his family is on the line. Endangering your life for a man who already told you he wants you to run his kingdoms while he parties—yes, Robert literally said that—doesn’t seem to be the honorable choice for your family, who should come before anything.

Shit is already starting to hit the fan, and Ned isn’t even at Kings Landing yet. Although Ned was aggravated and in total disbelief with Robert when his daughter went missing after fighting with Prince Joffrey, and Robert acted as if it was Arya’s fault. And when it comes down to decision-making time the king orders Lady to be put down just to make his bad-tempered wife happy… instead of standing up for what he knew was right, the oh-so-obedient Ned Stark followed through with commands. The irony in the scene itself is quite funny. A man who is just as obedient and loyal as the very dog he has to kill. Just as innocent and what seems to be just as submissive to authority. Even though some might argue that the wolf had twice as much heart as the man who killed her.

Although even in this era, there were people that knew that there were many ways and one solution was not the only answer. They saw that you can’t handle every situation with one simple solution. For example, when little finger and Ned were discussing the options that Ned had when becoming hand to the king. Little finger expressed that a good option would be to marry Auria to Joffrey and raise him as a son to be a good king to serve under ed didn’t take the advice, he didn’t see that as being honorable he saw it as being manipulative and sneaky. Not realizing it could have ben a good deal for not only him but, his family as well. And maybe even the seven kingdoms.   

 But did Ned Stark know that at one point his one view might become his downfall?

Now let’s not forget the strong conversation between the king and Ned Stark…yes, the one where Stark is told to kill Daenerys and her child. At this point Ned spoke up about his honor and how it will go against his morals. And for a minute we all thought, OH WOW Ned grew a pair and stoop up for what he believes in. Quickly packing his kids and ready to escape the king’s yes man team. If we’re discussing rather Ned Stark is honorable this may have been one of the only times, he’s showed honor.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. I guess one sword through the knee and a dead friend is more than enough to make a grown man step in line. Ned coming back to his one-track ways, got his pen back, and fell back into place in the king’s men. It almost makes you wonder; will this be the turning point for Ned? Will he finally see the world for what it is? And not just some cause and effect flash cards from fifth grade.

When Ned first discovered that King Robert’s son Joffrey was not the right heir to the throne and that Joffrey wasn’t even Robert’s son. This led Ned to figure out why his son Bran was bedridden. Ned figures out that his son saw the incest between Ceresi and her brother Jamie. Ned underestimates Cersei by threatening her with the truth of her second relationship to king Robert. Ned not believing that a woman’s wrath can be just as powerful as a mans show’s his looks on gender roles. He’s seeing her as a woman who would not pose a threat, however Cerise is much more than that. Angel wrote “ Cersei’s weakness comes not from her gender, but from her lack of natural political savvy. She’s incredibly ambitious, strong willed, and determined,“ By underestimating how powerful Cerise was he assumed that she would be scared and would run. Instead it backfired on him in the worst possible way.

 

His own death. How ironic is that?

That Following what he thought was his most honorable self turned out to be the same thing that gets him killed. He didn’t want to bow down and swear his loyalty to a child I mean who would…right? The man composed a false confession for treason “ I plotted to murder his son... and seize the throne for myself. Let the High Septon and Baelor the Blessed bear witness to what I've said. Joffrey Baratheon... is the one true heir to the Iron Throne.” Stated by Ned Stark. Although it didn’t help his case any he did once say his honor meant more than his life. 

Not to just bash Ned for being who he is. we must give Ned credit for being an idealist. He was a man who lived by a set of rules and codes, and never switched up no matter what the situation was. If anything Ned Stark was loyal, truthful, brave, and a man of his word. But he also is missing a head.