Summary
There are a lot of big moments throughoutGame Of Thrones, but quite possibly the biggest, and the one that sends the whole plot into a massive spiral is the execution ofthe always-quotable Lord Eddard (Ned) Stark. It was a shocking moment for those who got in the show with no prior knowledge of it, as the man who seemed poised to be a main character for much of the show’s run was immediately set to death at the end of the very first season. In a way, the death was as important to setting the tone of the show as it was to the in-universe characters.
The execution of Ned Stark fractured what remained of the Stark family, setting each and every member on their own unique paths. While a few members of the family would end up joining Ned in the long run, he’d likely be smiling upon his family for the bravery and fortitude they demonstrated as they dealt with the Lannisters, White Walkers, and all the other threats of the realm. Ned Stark’s death is so significant, that without it,Game Of Thronesmight not have been nearly as big a deal as it became.
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Why Was Ned Stark Executed?
The reason why Ned Stark was executed is tied up in a twisting web of lies. Acting as the Hand of the King toKing Robert Baratheon, Ned was spending time in King’s Landing, though he learned something he wished he hadn’t. Filled with honor that leads him to make the worst decisions possible, Ned goes to speak with Queen Cersei after he learns that her brother Jaime Lannister is actually the father of her children. Those who know how conniving Cersei can be will know that this event did not go as Ned had planned, learning that Cersei is ready and willing to do everything in her power to protect her twisted family, including plotting the death of her husband.
The reason why Ned Stark was executed is tied up in a twisting web of lies.
Unfortunately, Robert would end up being injured by a boar while out hunting, an injury that the king would not recover from. With Robert gone, Cersei’s son Joffrey was set to be named the new king, though Robert wished for Ned to rule in his place until the boy came of age. Ned is able to set the conflict of the series in motion by informing Stannis Baratheon ofthe lies in Kings’ Landing, though Ned is soon betrayed by those within the city and taken as a prisoner of the Lannisters. As expected from the North, Robb Stark prepares his army to march to Kings Landing in order to free his father, though the purpose of the impending invasion would soon change.
Ned is presented with a deal that would see him confessing to treason and asking the North not to invade in return for a life of shameamong the Night’s Watch. Faced with a tough decision, Ned decides to do what he believes is best despite sullying his own honor, and confess to a crime he never committed. He does so publicly, but unfortunately, the young and arrogant Joffrey would still see Ned put to death. Even with Cersei and Sansa asking Joffrey to change his mind, he would follow through and see Ned Stark executed for what he believed to be treason, thus fully triggering the beginning of the massive War of the Five Kings.
Why Did Ned Stark Give A False Confession?
Most people who watch Ned Stark’s actions will know that he is bound by and values honor above all else, so his false confession may be confusing to some. Realistically, the only reason Ned decides to give a false confession is because he values one kind of honor above another. Rather than worrying about his honor as viewed bythe public of the Seven Kingdoms, Ned worried about his personal honor and duty to protect his family. With his capture, his daughter Sansa was held captive by the Lannisters, putting her in great danger. Ned Stark would never have been willing to make a false confession if he were the only one in danger, even if it meant losing his life, but he was willing to do it if it meant his innocent daughter would be punished or harmed in any way.
It is also true that Ned was at leastgenerally misled by Varys, although Cersei does seem to not want Ned killed after all. He is presented with a deal from Cersei that ensures the safety of his daughter and even his own survival if he were to admit to treason. While not caring for his own safety, Ned was concerned with both Sansa in Lannister hands and Robb leading an army to take on one of the most powerful cities in all of Westeros. He was willing to trade his happy life if it meant that his children could live on in some way. It is also likely that Ned believed Cersei would hold to her end of the bargain, believing she had control of her foolish son, though that would prove to be Ned’s final mistake.
What Happened After Ned Stark’s Execution?
The fallout from Ned Stark’s execution is absolutely massive, as it is this event that sets into motion the long War of the Five Kings that runs throughout much of the show. Aside from triggering the rest of the conflict of Westeros moving forward, the event also puts Joffrey in the crosshairs of many figures as he becomes known as a foolish and brutal king across the lands.The North never forgets, and as a result, becomes independent from the rest of the realm and joins under Robb Stark on a campaign to avenge their fallen lord through the defeat of Joffrey and Cersei.
The Stark family is fractured following the execution of Ned Stark and would remain so for the majority of the series. Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Jon would be the only surviving family members to reunite toward the end of the show after this event. Sansa would remain in the hands of the Lannisters for some time before eventually escaping, while Arya would be pulled away from danger to set off on her own quest for revenge. Robb and Catelyn would begin their crusade against the Lannisters, though that wouldend with the Red Wedding. Bran would eventually become the Three-Eyes Raven, and Jon would arguably go on the grandest journey of all the Stark family, though he would sadly watch his younger brother Rickon die moments before one of the greatest battles of his life. Without the execution of Ned Stark, there is noGame Of Thrones.
