44 replies to this topic

[xylem]

yes - that was my assumption as well: that BenJen joined when he was young and impulsive, out of a sense of the glory and honour of defending westeros against threats beyond the wall (or from an adventurous spirit of wanting to explore / range beyond the wall).

I think he saw a lot of himself in Jon, and was aware of how his own dreams of joining the night watch differed from the reality of serving for life... and wanted Jon to be aware of the enormity of the decision he was making.

[Angalin]

This is the Still Reading subforum, posters.  No spoiling.

[podrick_payne45]

As far as i know we do not specifically find out. But one can assume that he joined because in the North it is viewed as a honorable act (like Jeor Mormont joining). Also, because of him being the youngest of his brothers, there is a chance that he saw this as his oppertunity to distinguish himself.

[olisaurus]

Like others, I'm assuming that Benjen was the youngest of the three Stark boys. Perhaps it was a tradition for one of the youngest sons (either for the Starks in particular or the North in general) to join the Nights Watch like it was for younger noble sons to join the Church back in the day?

[grod823]

Being that he was the youngest child and had no claim to the throne could be why he took the Black.   I am genuinely curious as to why he did, especially when he tried to somewhat deter Jon Snow from doing so.   It seems in that sense his hand was forced.