Transcendent: Warg
Sex: Male
Faction: House Stark / Night's Watch
Rating: 6.7
Alignment: Lawful Good
Arena Status: Active (S2)
Jon Snow is one of the most iconic and complex characters in the A Song of Ice and Fire series. Known for his brooding demeanor, unwavering sense of honor, and mysterious parentage, Jon Snow has captured the hearts of fans across the last few decades.
Jon Snow, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch |
Who is Jon Snow?
Jon Snow is introduced as the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. Despite being raised alongside his half-siblings—Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon—Jon's status as a bastard sets him apart. His mother's identity remains a closely guarded secret, a mystery that haunts Jon throughout his life. Jon's Stark features—dark brown hair, grey eyes, and a lean build—make him resemble his father more than any of his trueborn siblings, a fact that deepens the tension between him and his stepmother, Catelyn Tully.
Jon's journey begins at Winterfell, where he is trained in swordsmanship and educated alongside his siblings. However, his bastard status leaves him yearning for a place where he can prove his worth. This longing leads him to join the Night's Watch, an ancient order tasked with defending the realm from the threats beyond the Wall.
Jon Snow's Role in A Song of Ice and Fire
Jon Snow is one of the central point-of-view characters in Martin's series, and his storylines are pivotal to the overarching narrative. His journey from a brooding outsider to a leader of the Night's Watch and beyond is marked by trials, betrayals, and moments of profound growth.
A Game of Thrones
Jon's story begins with his decision to join the Night's Watch, a choice driven by his desire to find honor and purpose. At Castle Black, he faces the harsh realities of life on the Wall, where he befriends Samwell Tarly and earns the respect of his fellow recruits. However, his privileged upbringing initially makes him a target of resentment.
Jon's loyalty to the Night's Watch is tested when he learns of his father's arrest and subsequent execution. Torn between his duty to the Watch and his desire to avenge his family, Jon attempts to desert but is convinced to stay by his friends. This internal conflict sets the stage for Jon's growth as a leader.
A Clash of Kings
As the Night's Watch prepares for a ranging beyond the Wall, Jon's skills as a ranger come to the fore. He is chosen to accompany Qhorin Halfhand on a mission to gather intelligence about the wildlings. This mission leads to Jon's capture by the wildlings and his eventual infiltration of their ranks.
Jon's time among the wildlings introduces him to Ygritte, a fierce and charismatic woman who challenges his beliefs and forces him to confront his feelings about duty and love. Their relationship becomes one of the most poignant aspects of Jon's story, highlighting the complexities of loyalty and identity.
A Storm of Swords
Jon's loyalty is tested once again when he is forced to betray the wildlings to warn the Night's Watch of an impending attack. His return to Castle Black coincides with the wildling assault, and Jon plays a crucial role in defending the Wall.
The death of Ygritte during the battle leaves Jon heartbroken, but it also solidifies his commitment to the Night's Watch. His leadership during the defense of the Wall earns him the respect of his peers and sets the stage for his eventual election as Lord Commander.
A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons
As Lord Commander, Jon faces the daunting task of uniting the Night's Watch and preparing for the threat of the Others. His decisions, such as allowing wildlings to settle south of the Wall, are met with resistance from within the Watch.
Jon's leadership is further complicated by the arrival of Stannis Baratheon, who offers to legitimize him as Jon Stark and name him Lord of Winterfell. Jon's refusal of this offer underscores his commitment to the Night's Watch, but it also foreshadows the growing tensions that will lead to his eventual betrayal.
Jon Snow's Parentage: A Central Mystery
One of the most enduring mysteries in A Song of Ice and Fire is the identity of Jon Snow's mother. While Eddard Stark claims Jon as his bastard son, rumors and theories abound about his true parentage. Some believe Jon's mother to be Ashara Dayne, a noblewoman from Dorne, while others suggest Wylla, a servant at Starfall.
However, the most compelling theory—supported by subtle hints in the books and confirmed in the television series—is that Jon is the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. This revelation would make Jon a legitimate heir to the Iron Throne, a twist that has far-reaching implications for the story.
Jon Snow's Legacy
Jon Snow's journey is one of self-discovery, sacrifice, and resilience. From his early days as a brooding outsider to his rise as a leader, Jon embodies the themes of honor, duty, and identity that are central to A Song of Ice and Fire. His story is a testament to the idea that true strength lies not in one's birthright, but in one's actions and choices.
As the series progresses, Jon's role in the battle against the Others and his potential claim to the Iron Throne make him a key player in the fate of Westeros...unless of course he stays dead. Whether as a Stark, a Targaryen, or simply Jon Snow, his legacy will undoubtedly shape the future of the Seven Kingdoms.
Jon Snow's Raw Power
Jon Snow is a highly competent warrior, trained from childhood in the arts of swordplay, riding, and battlefield tactics. While he does not possess the overwhelming supernatural abilities that define many of the most powerful fantasy characters, his physical conditioning, combat skill, and latent magical potential mark him as a formidable fighter. His raw power stems from a combination of disciplined training, a deep connection to his direwolf Ghost, and hints of a yet-unrealized bloodline-related magical potential resulting in a rating of 5.5 out of 10. However, compared to the most powerful warriors, spellcasters, and divine entities across the fantasy genre, Jon remains limited in scope, keeping him from the highest tiers of power.
Strength
Jon Snow possesses above-average physical strength, conditioned through years of training at Winterfell and honed further by his time at the Wall. He can handle himself in close-quarters combat against seasoned fighters, showcasing exceptional endurance rather than overwhelming brute force. Jon’s greatest physical feats come in the form of sheer resilience—withstanding wounds, exhaustion, and harsh conditions while maintaining his ability to fight. While he is strong for a human and has engaged in battles against larger, stronger foes, he does not possess superhuman strength. Compared to beings of monstrous or magical origins, his strength remains that of a well-trained but mortal man.
Magical Ability
Jon's magical potential remains largely untapped, but he demonstrates subtle indications of supernatural influence. As a warg, he has an instinctual link with his direwolf, Ghost, which grants him enhanced awareness and occasional glimpses into another consciousness. While this ability could theoretically be developed into a more powerful tool, Jon does not exhibit the control or mastery over it that stronger magic users display. His resurrection, facilitated by Melisandre, suggests that he is touched by magic in some way, but he does not wield it actively or shape it to his will. Compared to spellcasters, sorcerers, or entities imbued with divine or arcane power, Jon’s magical aptitude is minimal.
Combat Prowess
Jon is an expert swordsman, displaying skill beyond many of his peers in both one-on-one duels and large-scale battles. His time with the Night’s Watch and Wildlings allowed him to adapt his fighting style, making him effective with both longswords and unconventional combat tactics. He holds his own against elite warriors, successfully dueling experienced foes, and proving lethal in battlefield engagements. His prowess is further enhanced by his Valyrian steel sword, Longclaw, which grants him an advantage against supernatural foes. However, while Jon is an excellent warrior, he lacks the supernatural combat capabilities, divine armaments, or reality-altering techniques that define the most powerful fantasy combatants.
Jon Snow's Tactical Ability
Jon Snow is a skilled battlefield commander with a natural aptitude for leadership, but his tactical ability is more instinctive than meticulously refined. While he has proven capable of adapting to challenges, his strategic mind is often overshadowed by his moral compass, sometimes leading to decisions that are not always in his best interests. His ability to command men and react under pressure is impressive, though his experience is limited compared to history’s greatest military minds, resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. While he is effective at leading smaller forces in desperate situations, his ability to manage large-scale warfare or long-term strategic planning is not at the highest level.
Strategic Mind
Jon possesses a strong grasp of battlefield tactics, particularly in defensive warfare and survival-based engagements. His ability to assess enemy movements and exploit terrain has been demonstrated in multiple engagements, where he has utilized knowledge of fortifications, narrow corridors, and elevation to even the odds against larger or better-equipped enemies. He learns quickly from experience, making him a pragmatic commander who can adjust when circumstances change. However, his strategic thinking sometimes lacks a broader perspective, as he tends to focus on immediate threats rather than long-term consequences. His decision-making is driven by necessity rather than intricate planning, making him an effective but occasionally reckless leader.
Resourcefulness
Jon has consistently demonstrated the ability to survive and adapt in situations where resources are limited. His time in the harsh conditions of the North and beyond the Wall forced him to make do with what was available, whether it be negotiating with enemies, leveraging his small number of troops to their greatest effect, or using unconventional methods to outmaneuver stronger opponents. He excels in situations where improvisation is required, particularly when forced into unfamiliar terrain or when outnumbered. However, while he is good at reacting to difficult situations, he does not always take full advantage of pre-existing strategic assets, as his focus remains on honor and personal convictions rather than ruthless pragmatism.
Resource Arsenal
Unlike some of the most tactically dominant figures in fantasy, Jon does not command vast armies, nor does he wield significant strategic assets in the form of magical artifacts, large-scale logistics, or widespread alliances. However, what he lacks in material resources, he makes up for with the loyalty he inspires in those who follow him. He has a natural ability to rally forces under difficult circumstances, leading by example rather than manipulation. Despite his limited external resources, he understands how to get the most out of what is available. While he is an excellent battlefield leader in the moment, he is not a master strategist in the grand scheme, and his lack of high-level logistical oversight keeps his tactical ability at a solid but not elite level.
Jon Snow's Influence
Jon Snow holds considerable influence over those around him, though his sway is not that of a master manipulator or a figure who dominates through sheer force of personality. His influence is built on the respect he commands through his actions, his leadership under pressure, and his ability to inspire loyalty even among those who initially distrust him. His capacity to lead men in dire situations, coupled with his reputation as an honorable and steadfast figure, grants him a significant level of reverence, though his ability to persuade or command obedience through sheer force of will has its limits. This results in a rating of 7.5 out of 10.
Persuasion
Jon’s ability to persuade others is not rooted in smooth speech or deception but in his unwavering sincerity. He does not manipulate with clever words or play elaborate political games; rather, he convinces others by demonstrating his principles through action. When he speaks, his words carry weight because they are backed by his deeds. However, this form of persuasion has its limits—Jon struggles when dealing with those who are driven by ambition or personal gain, as his straightforward nature makes him a poor manipulator. He is often unable to shift the minds of those firmly set in their beliefs, particularly when his moral stance conflicts with their goals. As such, while he is highly respected and can rally allies, he is not a supreme persuader who can twist minds with ease.
Reverence
Jon’s greatest strength in influence comes from the reverence he commands. Though he starts as an outsider, he earns the admiration of warriors, leaders, and entire factions through his steadfast commitment to duty and honor. His reputation as a warrior and leader grows with each battle he survives, and by proving his worth repeatedly, he earns a place of authority even among those who initially scorn him. His name carries weight, and even those who dislike him acknowledge his deeds. However, his reverence is not absolute—he is not a divine or legendary figure whose mere presence changes the course of events. His influence is strong but does not extend into the realm of the truly mythical.
Willpower
Jon is extraordinarily strong-willed, refusing to bend to external pressures that conflict with his own sense of duty and honor. He endures extreme hardships, both physically and mentally, yet remains committed to his beliefs. His willpower is unshakable in many instances, making him resistant to intimidation, coercion, and manipulation. However, his internal struggles sometimes make him susceptible to doubt, and his deep sense of responsibility can weigh heavily on him. While he resists external control, his conscience and the weight of leadership occasionally cause internal conflicts that weaken his resolve at critical moments.
Jon Snow's Resilience
Jon Snow exhibits a remarkable level of resilience, rated at a 7.5 out of 10, both in his ability to endure physical punishment and in his capacity to withstand immense emotional and psychological burdens. His survival through battles, extreme environmental conditions, and even literal death demonstrates his high degree of endurance. While he lacks supernatural invulnerability or regenerative abilities, his persistence, durability, and ability to return from devastating setbacks firmly place him above average, though not at the pinnacle of resilience compared to truly unkillable beings.
Physical Resistance
Jon’s ability to withstand physical damage is evident in his extensive combat experience. He is a hardened warrior, capable of fighting through pain and fatigue, often continuing to fight despite suffering injuries. His survival through battles against seasoned knights, wildling raiders, and supernatural entities demonstrates his exceptional endurance. He is not impervious to harm, as wounds take a toll on him, but he has an impressive capacity to push through pain and exhaustion in ways that make him an effective frontline combatant. However, lacking any form of supernatural regeneration or magical fortification means that his physical resilience, while formidable, remains within the realm of mortal endurance.
Magical Resistance
Jon possesses no inherent magical resistance beyond the strength of his will and physical toughness. He has no innate immunity to curses, mind-altering magic, or supernatural afflictions, and while he has encountered magical forces, he does not display any particular resistance to them. However, his exposure to extreme supernatural entities has granted him an ability to endure the fear and disorientation that such encounters can bring. While he may not be outright resistant to magical attacks, his ability to continue fighting against beings that inspire terror in most mortals demonstrates his mental fortitude in the face of supernatural threats.
Longevity
Jon’s survival is a testament to his resilience. He endures hardships that would break lesser men, both physically and emotionally. His return from death further cements his ability to persist beyond what should be possible for an ordinary human. However, his longevity is not the result of divine immortality or an inherent ability to return from the grave at will—his resurrection is an anomaly rather than an inherent trait. Without external intervention, he is still capable of dying permanently, making his longevity impressive but not absolute.
Jon Snow's Versatility
Jon Snow exhibits a respectable degree of versatility, rated at a 6.5 out of 10, largely due to his ability to adapt to different combat situations, his experience in leadership, and his ability to function in a variety of roles. However, his versatility is tempered by his relatively narrow skill set, which is primarily martial in nature. He lacks magical proficiency, supernatural enhancements, or a broad range of technical skills beyond those related to combat and survival. While he demonstrates adaptability and an ability to seize opportunities, he does not possess a vast repertoire of abilities that would allow him to excel across multiple disciplines.
Adaptability
Jon’s ability to adjust to new and hostile environments is one of his strongest traits. Having grown up as a noble in Winterfell, he initially struggled with life at Castle Black, but quickly adapted to the harsh conditions of the Night’s Watch and the culture of its members. His willingness to learn from those around him, including those he initially disdained, highlights his adaptability. When he infiltrated the wildlings, he successfully integrated into their ranks, despite coming from a background steeped in rigid northern honor. He was able to navigate their customs, survive their suspicions, and even earn the respect of Mance Rayder. His ability to adapt, however, is limited in that he does not possess the cunning or improvisational ability of more versatile characters who can fluidly switch between roles with ease. While he is flexible in the environments he can operate in, he remains a warrior at heart and does not display an affinity for skills outside of leadership and combat.
Luck
Jon benefits from moments of extraordinary fortune, though not in a way that suggests he is unnaturally lucky. His survival in multiple battles against overwhelming odds suggests a degree of favor from fate, but he often endures these encounters due to sheer will and skill rather than improbable circumstances turning in his favor. His resurrection is perhaps his greatest stroke of luck, but it was an external intervention rather than an inherent advantage. While he occasionally experiences fortuitous moments, he does not possess the kind of unnatural luck that allows him to defy fate or always emerge victorious against the odds.
Shaved Knuckle in the Hole
Jon does not possess a significant hidden skill or trump card that he can use to turn the tide of battle at will. His abilities are well-known, and while his leadership skills and determination allow him to make the most of difficult situations, he does not have a secret advantage that he can rely on as a last resort. His strongest asset in this regard is Ghost, his direwolf, who serves as an extension of his capabilities in certain circumstances. However, Ghost is not always present, nor does he act as an ultimate weapon that can decisively change the course of events in an instant.
Jon Snow's Alignment
Jon Snow is a human of Westerosi descent, specifically of mixed First Men and Valyrian bloodline (if the theory holds true) through House Stark and House Targaryen (see previous note). His Stark ancestry grants him an affinity for the old gods and northern traditions, while his Targaryen lineage—though unknown to him for much of his life—connects him to a bloodline of dragonlords. Raised as a Stark, he identifies culturally with the North and embodies many of its values.
His factional allegiances shift over time. Initially, he is associated with House Stark as the presumed illegitimate son of Eddard Stark. He later joins the Night’s Watch, pledging his life to its cause of guarding the Wall. During his time with the Watch, he infiltrates the Free Folk (wildlings), living among them and earning their respect. After his death and resurrection, he assumes a more independent role, eventually aligning with House Targaryen in opposition to the White Walkers and the Iron Throne’s political struggles.
Jon Snow best fits the Lawful Good alignment, though with shades of neutrality in certain circumstances. He is bound by a strict moral code, valuing duty, honor, and responsibility above personal desires. His actions consistently reflect a commitment to doing what is right, even at great personal cost. However, he also exhibits flexibility, breaking traditional laws when he believes they contradict a higher moral imperative.
Jon is strongly tied to institutions based on duty and structure. His commitment to the Night’s Watch is unwavering, even when it conflicts with personal or political ambitions. Despite questioning its leadership and traditions, he ultimately follows its core principles. Even after his resurrection, he continues to act in a structured and disciplined manner. His brief defection to the wildlings is pragmatic rather than rebellious, done in service of a greater cause.
Jon consistently prioritizes the well-being of others. He advocates for the integration of the wildlings, despite the deep-seated hatred between them and the Night’s Watch, recognizing the humanitarian need for unity against the greater threat of the White Walkers. His decisions are often made at great personal sacrifice, whether it be for his sworn brothers, the Free Folk, or his family. He spares lives when possible, including that of Mance Rayder, and only resorts to violence when necessary.
While Jon adheres to laws and codes of conduct, he is not blindly obedient. He disobeys orders when they conflict with moral reasoning—whether in rejecting Stannis Baratheon’s offer to legitimize him, secretly saving Gilly’s baby, or refusing to execute wildling prisoners. His time among the Free Folk further expands his perspective, demonstrating his willingness to operate outside traditional laws when necessary.
Jon Snow’s moral compass is unwavering, and his leadership reflects a disciplined but compassionate worldview. His strong sense of duty and righteousness make him a quintessential Lawful Good character, though his pragmatism occasionally blurs the line toward neutrality when the situation demands it. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Jon Snow's Trophy Case
Arena Results
Titles & Postseason Results
Halls of Legend Records
Overall Conclusion on Jon Snow and Position Across Planes of Existence
Jon Snow ranks at 6.7, marking him as an above-average character in terms of power across fantasy universes, but not one of the elite figures who dominate reality-shattering conflicts. His strengths lie in his combat prowess, resilience, and leadership, but his limitations in raw power, magical ability, and versatility prevent him from reaching the highest echelons of fantasy characters.
Jon Snow is an exceptional swordsman and warrior, trained from childhood by seasoned masters like Rodrik Cassel and later hardened by real battle experience in engagements ranging from skirmishes against wildlings to full-scale warfare. His skill with Longclaw, a Valyrian steel blade, allows him to fight beyond the limitations of a normal soldier, particularly against supernatural threats like the White Walkers. However, despite his prowess, he is still bound by the constraints of a mortal human—he does not possess overwhelming physical strength, his speed is not superhuman, and while his endurance is high, it is not limitless.
In contrast to many characters who wield elemental, divine, or world-altering magic, Jon’s power set is limited to martial skill, strategy, and willpower. While he has Targaryen blood, he does not demonstrate the ability to control dragons or wield fire magic, further capping his upper limit in raw power. Even in duels, his skill places him at a high level among grounded warriors, but he is still susceptible to wounds, exhaustion, and deception in ways that top-tier characters often are not.
Jon Snow’s ranking benefits greatly from his strategic mind and influence over others. As Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, he navigates the complex politics of the Wall while simultaneously preparing for war against an existential threat. His ability to unite sworn enemies, such as the Night’s Watch and Free Folk, speaks to his charisma and tactical adaptability. However, his decision-making—while often wise—can be rigid or naive, such as underestimating the resentment within his own ranks, leading to his assassination. This marks him as an above-average leader, but not one with the foresight or political mastery seen in history’s greatest warlords and rulers.
Jon’s influence is also circumstantial rather than universal. Unlike truly commanding figures whose mere presence shifts the course of wars or reshapes reality, Jon’s ability to lead stems from earned respect rather than inherent divinity or magical authority. His presence does not command armies to lay down arms through fear alone, nor does it reshape the laws of his world.
Jon Snow’s resilience contributes significantly to his above-average ranking. He has endured extreme physical and emotional hardships, from betrayal to brutal combat, yet continues to rise from each setback. His resurrection by Melisandre elevates him beyond the mortality of ordinary men, but this event does not come with permanent power augmentation, such as heightened strength or magical insight. While being brought back from death is rare and significant, it does not grant him godlike status.
Despite his strong willpower and durability, Jon remains vulnerable to injury and manipulation. His leadership style often puts him at odds with rigid hierarchies, and his insistence on moral action sometimes blinds him to pragmatic dangers. Though he is highly persistent, he lacks the near-invulnerability or reality-altering survivability that would elevate him into higher tiers of fantasy power.
Jon Snow stands as a remarkable but grounded character. His abilities make him one of the strongest warriors within his own setting, but his lack of magical abilities, divine favor, or overwhelming supernatural power limits his place among the truly top-tier fantasy characters. While he is a formidable commander, a skilled fighter, and a deeply compelling protagonist, he does not break the boundaries of human capability in a way that would allow him to contend with the most powerful figures in fantasy.
His 6.7 rating reflects a strong, determined hero with great influence and skill but constrained by mortal limitations. He thrives in battlefield engagements, leadership conflicts, and personal duels, yet lacks the overwhelming force to reshape reality, topple empires single-handedly, or endure cosmic-scale warfare. This places him well above average, but firmly outside the ranks of the most powerful fantasy figures across all universes. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.