Jon Snow delivered some of the biggest and best moments in Game of Thrones as perhaps its most important character. Played by Kit Harington for all eight seasons of the series, Jon Snow grew from the overlooked bastard son of Ned Stark to one of the most pivotal characters in the story, taking part in the show's most spectacular moments.
Jon went through a lot in the series, participating in more battles than any other character, growing as a hero and lord, and making difficult decisions that would haunt him forever. While some of these moments are controversial, they have all come to define this incredible character who meant so much to Game of Thrones.
15. His resurrection
Game of Thrones had established itself as a show that was not afraid to kill off important characters, like Ned Stark and Robb Stark. Yet when Jon Snow was murdered by his fellow brothers of the Night's Watch at the end of season 5, few fans truly felt that would be the end of the character. Sure enough, season 6 managed to bring him back with Melisandre performing a miraculous resurrection.
The moment has been heavily criticized by fans who felt the entire death and resurrection had no real meaning for Jon's story. Regardless, the moment Jon opens his eyes and gasps is one of the most iconic scenes in Game of Thrones, and it was a thrill to watch at the time.
14. Riding a dragon
By the time Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen met each other, fans already knew that Jon was secretly a Targaryen, even if he didn't know it yet himself. So there was an added thrill when Daenerys suggested that he take a turn riding on the back of one of her dragons. It is a moment fans were waiting to see for the entire series.
The scene is a fun cinematic moment that makes great use of the massive budget the show had in its final season. It is also a lot of fun seeing Jon being completely terrified and unsure of himself after playing the stoic hero for so long. It just would have been nice if he had gotten some cooler things to do on Rhaegal.
13. Killing Daenerys
So much has been said about the way Game of Thrones ended, what worked and what didn't, but there is no denying that some of the moments hit very hard. As controversial as it is, Jon Snow's decision to murder Daenerys after she won the Iron Throne through destruction and murder was an unforgettable moment. It was also the powerful climax of Jon's arc.
Daenerys' villainous turn might have felt rushed and Jon's actions in the final season lacked purpose, but this moment on its own holds up. Jon is a man torn between doing the right thing and doing his duty. It has been a struggle for him throughout the series. In the end, he chooses to save the realm and condemn himself in this shocking act.
12. Climbing the Wall
From the very first image of Game of Thrones, The Wall was established as this massive barrier between the land of Westeros and the wild, dangerous, and unknown tundra beyond. So when Jon was tasked with climbing The Wall along with Ygritte and the Wildlings, it was an instantly exciting prospect.
Jon was doing this as part of his mission to pass himself off as a Wildling and stop their plans to attack Castle Black. However, all purpose behind the climb is quickly gone as it simply becomes an impossible feat of survival. The moment Jon and Ygritte look over the top has a feeling of immense triumph.
11. Protecting Sam
One of the greatest friendships in Game of Thrones was between Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly. It is a friendship that formed fast and quickly endeared itself in the hearts of fans. It all started when Sam was brought in as the newest Night's Watch recruit, a role he was poorly suited for. However, Jon saw in Sam a kindred spirit and someone who also didn't feel they belonged.
With Sam unable to fight for himself, Jon took it upon himself to convince his fellow Night's Watch brothers to go easy on Sam. He even used Ghost to threaten one member who was not so willing to play nice. It is an early sign of Jon's heroic nature and cemented this heart-warming friendship.
10. Murdered by the Night’s Watch
Despite not actually being his son, Jon Snow has a lot of similarities to Ned Stark. In fact, he very much goes down the same path that Ned did, and even ends up paying the same price. Though the majority of the Night's Watch disagreed, Jon decided to save the remainder of the Wildlings and bring them past the Wall.
It was Jon's choice to ignore good politics and do what he thought was right and merciful, just like Ned. Also, just like Ned, Jon is killed for it. While the death is not permanent, it is still a shocking moment that remains divisive among fans.
9. Meeting Daenerys
Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen were the two biggest characters in Game of Thrones. The fact that they didn't share the screen together until the seventh season speaks to how expansive this story was. However, the meeting managed to live up to the expectations, with these two powerful yet very different leaders finally coming together.
Emilia Clarke and Kit Harrington also bring their best to the scene, as the two characters navigate their curiosity, distrust, and even anger toward each other. There is even some great humor when Missandei introduces Daenerys with her absurdly long list of titles, only for Davos to take a more grounded approach in introducing Jon.
8. Being named Lord Commander
When Jon Snow came to the Night's Watch, it was clear that he was a born leader. He was a good fighter, he was honorable, and he looked out for his brothers. However, with Allister Thorne having a complete disdain for him, it felt as though Jon was destined to remain a servant and nothing more. That's why seeing him named as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch was such a winning moment.
It was not just that Jon proved Thorne wrong and took the job he wanted so badly, but it was also a moment when Jon chose his path. Stannis Baratheon offered to legitimize him as Jon Stark and name him Warden of the North, but upon being named Lord Commander, Jon found himself finally belonging somewhere.
7. Executing Janos Slynt
As triumphant as it was to see Jon named as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, it was not an easy job for him. In fact, one of his first acts was executing the pompous and cowardly Janos Slynt. After Slynt is given a direct order by Jon and he refuses it, Jon feels he has no choice but to execute the man as a deserter.
It is a brutal scene, as Jon clearly does not relish the deed yet knows he has to swing the sword himself, just as his father would. He even looks tempted to change his mind when Slynt cries and begs for mercy. However, the scene gets a terrific cap when Jon does finally decapitate Slynt, and Stannis looks on with a slight nod of approval.
6. Giving Arya Needle
While Jon was a bit of an outsider in the Stark family, his little sister Arya Stark was always one of the people he was closest to. It is surprising that they share so little screen time in the first two episodes and are then separated until season 8. However, this touching scene really helps to establish that connection that stays strong throughout the show.
As they are going their separate ways, Jon gifts Arya with her first sword, which she names Needle. He even gives her the essential first lesson as a sword fighter, "Stick them with the pointy end." It is a great moment that shows how Jon has always understood Arya and was willing to embrace aspects of her that others tried to squash.
5. Losing Ygritte
The romance between Jon Snow and Ygritte was one of the most touching in the entire series, and was made even better by the fact that actors Kit Harington and Rose Leslie ended up getting married in real life. Of course, romances often don't end well in Game of Thrones, and that led to their heartbreaking farewell.
In the midst of the battle at Castle Black, Jon and Ygritte reunite, only for her to get an arrow in the back. As the battle rages around them, Jon can only hold her in his arms as the two realize that they could have been happy together had they just abandoned their respective duties. Fittingly, Ygritte's final words are her catchphrase, "You know nothing, Jon Snow."
4. His parentage revealed
The truth behind Jon Snow's true parents was a mystery that hung over the entire series, and truthfully, one that fans had figured out long before it was revealed. However, that didn't take away from the impact of the moment, which ended up being a beautifully realized scene that still packs a punch.
As Bran sees a flashback of young Ned Stark with his dying sister, Lyanna, she reveals that she and Rhaegar had a child and asks Ned to raise it as his own so the Targaryens' enemies won't kill him. It is an emotional moment that explains so much about Jon's origins and Ned's motivation. It all comes together with the epic transition from the young infant's face to that of Jon Snow as he is now.
3. Getting Ghost
The first episode of Game of Thrones sets up so much about this world, including the more supernatural elements. Upon returning to Winterfell, Ned Stark and his sons find a dead direwolf and its small pups. While Ned thinks it would be better to kill the animals, Jon points out that there is one for every Stark child, and it must be a sign.
Jon shows his reverance for Ned and his family, while also purposely excluding himself as a legitimate heir. However, the signs become even clearer when Jon discovers the white direwolf, Ghost. It is a way of cementing him as part of the Stark family while also giving him one of the best friends he would ever have.
2. Killing a White Walker
Jon faced a number of formidable foes, but going up against a White Walker was a true test of his skills as a fighter. In fact, the massacre at Hardhome was such a terrifying sequence that it felt at times as though Jon would not make it out alive. This was especially true when he faced off with the White Walker.
It is a one-sided fight for most of it, with the White Walker throwing Jon around like a plaything and shattering any weapon he swings at the undead warrior. However, when Jon parries with his Valyrian steel sword, Longclaw, he manages to stop the Walker's blade. The look of surprise on the White Walker's face is priceless, followed by Jon slicing through him.
1. Facing down the Bolton army
There are so many epic moments in Game of Thrones, but perhaps the most unforgettable image has Jon Snow right at the center. Once again, Jon finds himself in a massive battle, this time against fellow bastard Ramsay Snow. It doesn't start off well for Jon, as he foolishly chooses to charge across the battlefield.
However, the poor decision making at least delivers this iconic moment as Jon stands alone in the field, draws his sword, and faces down the charging cavalry of the Bolton army. It is an incredible cinematic moment that elevated Game of Thrones into a type of blockbuster filmmaking that has never really been seen on television before.
This month marks the 15th anniversary of Game of Thrones, and we're celebrating all month long with deep dives, lists, retrospectives, quizzes and more. Come along for a return journey to Westeros!