Eddard "Ned" Stark

*this is a continuation of my Month of Thrones series. Note that there are no spoilers past season three for my non-book readers*



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"When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives"

 

Eddard (or Ned as he is more commonly known) is probably one of the most popular and tragic characters to fans of both the books and television series. In his life, he was always very trusting and honorable despite all of the circumstances around him. Although he can come off as cold as normal with the population of the North, he is very kind and caring to his family and instills many values in his children, while also raising his bastard child. Known as "the quiet wolf" he is more reserved than more typical Stark traits that Arya and Rickon exhibit.

 

As a child he was fostered at The Eyrie with Robert Baratheon under Jon Arryn due to his father's southern ambitions. This also including betrothing his brother (the heir) Brandon to Catelyn Tully. With the "kidnapping" of Lyanna Stark at the hands of the Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, Brandon took a some men and went to King's Landing to challenge Rhaegar. The Mad King Aerys had them arrested and call their father's in to answer for their crimes but then he just had them all executed (he had Rickard Stark roasted alive in his own armour and had Brandon strangle himself by leaving a sword just out of reach with a cord around his neck), which affected Ned greatly as the second-born (and now oldest son), he became the Lord of Winterfell. Ned also dealt with the loss of his sister, who died in his arms with a promise on her lips.

 

To shore up alliances, he married Catelyn Stark and then headed off to war. After it was over, Ned returned a year later with a young bastard child name Jon Snow. Due to Ned's nature Catelyn never felt comfortable askingNed about the mother and he never brought it up except once (that was promptly squashed by Ned). With his only surviving brother Benjen in the Night's Watch and his other siblings dead, Ned had 5 trueborn children to help the Stark line, Robb (after Robert), Sansa, Arya, Bran (after his brother), and Rickon. Over the years he only left the North once to fight in the Greyjoy Rebellion and spent most of his time dealing out justice (like the death sentence on Jorah Mormont for selling slaves).

 

At the beginning of the season he has to kill a deserter from the Night's Watch despite their claims of seeing the dreaded Others, which troubles him. He then finds a dead mother direwolf with antler from a stag in its throat (foreshadowing) and allows his children to keep the pups, as there is one for each. With the visit from the King, need is offered to be second in command and also to have their children marry (Joffrey and Sansa). Ned becomes involved with the investigation of the death of Jon Arryn (the previous Hand of the King). During his time in the capital he learns of Robert's numerous bastards and the traits they all share (black hair) while also learning of his wife's capture of Tyrion Lannister. After resigning and then beng forced back into the position, he learns of Cersei's incest and that her children are not with the King. Because of his honorable nature, he tells Cersei of his knowledge, which gives her time to make a plan herself. He also trusts Baelish and his connections when he should have taken up with Renly Baratheon when it was offered. As soon as Robert dies, Ned is accused of treason and i suprisingly beheaded by the new King, Joffrey despite a previous agreement.

 

Ned's death was a shock to both the characters in the story and the viewers/readers. The impulsiveness of Joffrey would lead to a devastating war that affects the entire continent and leads to Tywin taking over as he finds Cersei incapable of controlling her son. As of now, all hope seems lost for the remaining Starks but there is still much of the story left to tell.