Where in the World is Benjen Stark?
Crusader Chris・22 minutes read
Benjen Stark's mysterious departure from Winterfell to join the Night's Watch, potential knowledge of Jon Snow's true parentage, reappearance as Coldhands beyond the Wall, and strategic significance in maintaining Stark influence in the North are key points of intrigue in A Song of Ice and Fire. Speculation around Benjen's purpose, potential location, and survival are fueled by George R. Martin's strategic storytelling, hinting at a pivotal role for him in future events.
Insights
- Benjen Stark's departure for the Night's Watch after the Rebellion, potentially driven by guilt over not revealing Lyanna's relationship with Rhaegar, raises questions about his motivations and connection to Jon Snow's parentage.
- Benjen Stark's reappearance as Coldhands, guiding Bran and Jon beyond the Wall, hints at his continued existence and involvement in uncovering secrets about the Children of the Forest and the Others, adding layers of mystery and complexity to his character.
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Recent questions
Who is Benjen Stark?
Benjen Stark is a significant character in A Song of Ice and Fire, once the acting Lord of Winterfell and a prominent Ranger of the Night's Watch. He is the younger brother of Lord Eddard Stark and the youngest child of Rickard and Liara Stark.
What is the Tourney of Harrenhal?
The Tourney of Harrenhal was a pivotal event in the A Song of Ice and Fire series where significant political machinations occurred.
What is Coldhands in A Song of Ice and Fire?
Coldhands is a mysterious undead figure beyond the Wall, aiding Bran and Jon, possibly not being Benjen Stark.
What is the Nightfort in A Song of Ice and Fire?
The Nightfort is an ancient castle of the Night's Watch where the Night's King ruled with his corpse Queen during a long night.
What is the significance of Jon Snow finding obsidian weapons?
Jon Snow finding obsidian weapons potentially hidden by Benjen Stark adds to the mystery surrounding his disappearance.
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Summary
00:00
Benjen Stark: Enigmatic Stark of Night's Watch
- Benjen Stark is a significant enigma in A Song of Ice and Fire, once the acting Lord of Winterfell and a prominent Ranger of the Night's Watch.
- Born in 267 AC, Benjen Stark is the younger brother of Lord Eddard Stark and the youngest child of Rickard and Liara Stark, making him around 31 years old at the series' start.
- Benjen joined the Night's Watch at 16 in 283 AC, following the Greyjoy Rebellion in 289 AC, forsaking his Stark name to become a black brother.
- The Tourney of Harrenhal in 281 AC was a pivotal event, where Benjen, along with other Starks, attended, and significant political machinations occurred.
- During the tourney, Lyanna Stark, Benjen's sister, potentially acted as the mysterious Knight of the Laughing Tree, leading to her fateful encounter with Rhaegar Targaryen.
- Benjen's knowledge of Lyanna's relationship with Rhaegar and the guilt he may have felt for not revealing it could have been a driving force behind his decision to join the Night's Watch.
- Benjen's departure for the Night's Watch after the Rebellion, leaving Winterfell with only Ned and two infants, Robb and Jon Snow, raised questions about the Stark succession.
- Benjen's reappearance as Coldhands, a mysterious undead figure beyond the Wall, aiding Bran and Jon, hints at his continued existence and involvement in uncovering secrets about the Children of the Forest and the Others.
- The theory that Benjen may know about Jon Snow's true parentage, potentially as the legitimate son of Rhaegar and Lyanna, adds complexity to his character and possible motivations.
- Benjen's presence as a Stark figure at the Wall could have been a strategic move to monitor Targaryen loyalists joining the Night's Watch after the Rebellion, ensuring Stark influence in the North.
14:14
Mystery of Benjen Stark's disappearance and fate
- The Nightfort, an ancient castle of the Night's Watch, is where the Night's King ruled with his corpse Queen during a long night.
- Coldhands cannot pass through the black gate due to the magic of the wall, guiding Bran, Jojin, Mira, and Hodor North to the three-eyed Crow's cave.
- Coldhands remains a mystery, not being Benjen Stark, possibly a remnant of the Night's Watch of old.
- Jon Snow finds obsidian weapons at the Fist of the First Men, potentially hidden by Benjen Stark, who went missing.
- Benjen Stark's purpose and potential location are speculated to be around the Fist of the First Men, heading towards the Frost Fangs.
- Old Nan's story of The Last Hero and Bran's belief in the Children of the Forest aiding Benjen's survival are discussed.
- Benjen Stark's absence is attributed to George R. Martin's strategic storytelling, keeping him off-page until a crucial moment in the future.
