This is the first chapter from the point of view of Jon Snow and it starts off with Jon getting drunk at the welcoming feast for the royal family. Jon, who is only 14 years old, being a bastard is not seated with the Starks as it might be an offense to the nobles. Instead he is sitting with some squires and feeding his direwolf Ghost under the table.
The nobles and royal family apparently make a big procession entering into the hall and the scene does serve to give a bit of an idea on who is who.
There really isn’t a lot in this chapter in regards to the overall story with the exception of a conversation between Benjen and Jon, where Jon states he wants to join the NIght’s Watch.
Benjen tells Jon he needs to live a little more before joining and Jon, after a brief exchange with his uncle leaves. Outside he bumps into Tyrion Lannister and we get a quick exchange which also helps set up the relationship between Tyrion and his father.
Tyrion:“Never forget who you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it and it can never be used to hurt you.”
Jon: “What do you know about being a bastard”
Tyrion: “All dwarfs are bastards in their father’s eyes.”
Jon: “You are your mother’s trueborn son of Lannister.”
Tyrion: “Am I? Do tell my lord father. My mother died birthing me and he’s never been sure.”
At the end of the chapter we learn that Jon doesn't know who his mother is. So there seems to be a similar theme between Jon and Tyrion of not knowing their mothers, but for different reasons.
The whole chapter really sets up this conversation and brings the parentage and future of Jon Snow into the forefront of a reader's mind. But are we missing subtle clues here?
Lets take a look at his interaction with his uncle.
Benjen Stark smiles warmly at Jon on the way into the hall. When Jon says he want’s to join the Night’s Watch he encourages Jon to live a little. Jon is a virgin and Benjen lets him know he would be giving up women for a life of service on The Wall. Benjen is also aware that Jon is really drunk and this most likely isn’t the best time for him to be making a BIG life decision. Benjen also points out that if Jon joins the Night’s Watch he will also be giving up any hope of having a family of his own. Jon states he doesn't care about that.
But the following exchange is also noteworthy.
Benjen: “You might if you knew what it meant. If you knew what the oath would cost you, you might be less eager to pay the price son.”
Jon: “I’m not your son!”
Benjen: “More’s the pity. Comeback to me after you've fathered a couple of bastards of your own, and we’ll see how you feel.”
“More’s the pity.” seems an odd thing for Benjen to say. Why should he care if Jon is his son or not? Even if it’s a figure of speech as using the word “son” could be used by an elder towards a youth in trying to provide guidance.
Certainly Benjen needs to get men for the Night's Watch. Ned even stated in a prior chapter that they are very short on men, but why would he be trying to dissuade Jon? Yes Jon is his nephew, and sure Jon is young and at the time drunk, but shouldn’t Benjen be recruiting everyone he can for the Wall? Is he just looking out for his nephew and not wanting him to toss his life away at the Wall or is there more to it?
Speaking of which why wasn’t Benjen trying to talk to Robert and getting some support for the watch from the crown? Surely he could easily get more support and men from the King. Perhaps he simply opted not to bring it up noticing the mood both his brother and the Queen were in. Jon certainly noticed they were not in good spirits. So perhaps he simply just wanted to escape the situation.
Regardless I think it’s more than coincidence.
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