In Game of Thrones, Kit Harington's Jon Snow had many epic moments journeying from the Night's Watch to being the Targaryen heir that deserved to sit on the Iron Throne of Westeros. However, it wasn't easy to endure as he lost loved ones and killed many, breaking his heart, spirit and soul on a few occasions. However, Jon dug deep and persevered to the very end, so let's break down his best moments.
5. Jon Snow Swings the Sword at the Wall
Jon's hero was Ned Stark, believing the Lord of Winterfell was his father. One key piece of info Ned left him was, "the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword," which Jon took to heart at the coup at the Wall. Jon faced mutiny as the Lord Commander when Alliser Thorne and Olly fought back for how the Wildlings killed their people in Season 6.
Jon lost Ygritte in this war already, so he had to ensure a message was sent. As such, Jon swung the sword that cut the rope, hanging the men in Season 6's third episode, "Oathbreaker." It pained him, especially as Olly was like a brother to him, but this was his duty and proved Jon was now a stone-cold military strategist focused on an alliance with the Wildlings. He did this before, but this time, it was more personal.
4. Jon Snow Beats Ramsay Bolton in the Battle of the Bastards
In Season 6's ninth episode, "Battle of the Bastards," Jon took back Winterfell from Ramsay. However, the villain put a final arrow in Wun Wun, killing the giant and taunting Jon along the way that they should settle their feud with one-on-one combat. Jon grabbed a shield and walked down the ensuing arrows, before punching Ramsay out and battering him with over a dozen punches.
Jon was covered in mud and blood, desperate for revenge over how Ramsay killed Rickon and abused Sansa. However, he showed great restraint and responsibility by not killing Ramsay. He left him for Sansa, knowing Ramsay sexually assaulted and enslaved her. Plus, to him, it'd make sense that she finish off Ramsay seeing as they couldn't get to the dead Roose or Walder Frey for killing off the other Starks. It showed how Jon could temper his emotions, while still being scary at the same time.
3. Jon Snow Becomes Lord Commander of the Night's Watch
Season 5's "The House of Black and White" had Maester Aemon running the vote to elect the next Lord Commander. Sam Tarly nominated Jon, detailing everything he did to broker peace, while protecting the Night's Watch. From saving Crows to risking his life with Mance Rayder, Jon sat nervously as his peers approved.
Even Thorne and other naysayers couldn't help but respect him. While Jon didn't say much, it was a testament to his character and showed Ned really did rub off. It was his first step to being a true leader and this rousing win pushed him towards building an alliance that eventually fights off the Night King.
2. Jon Snow Kills His First White Walker
In Season 5's "Hardhome," Jon and Tormund recruited 5,000 Wildlings there, only for an army of whitewalkers to attack. It led to a brutal fight against the ice zombies in a brilliant, high-octane and intense brawl. It ended with Jon slicing and shattering a White Walker with Longclaw, his Valyrian steel sword.
This was the first hint that the metal could help stop the army, giving Jon hope as to his purpose. However, when he, Tormund and the other survivors escaped by sea, they witnessed the Night King reanimating the dead Wildlings. On the boat, Jon looked petrified as his biggest victory turned into quite a heartbreaking moment, beginning the rivalry with the frigid overlord.
1. Jon Snow Murders His Beloved Daenerys Targaryen
When Daenerys razed King's Landing and the Lannisters in the controversial Season 8 finale, "The Iron Throne," Jon couldn't believe the monster he created. He didn't want the throne but he realized he couldn't let his Mad Queen have it either. When she kissed him, Jon stabbed her, killing her to protect the kingdoms. It broke him but proved how loyal he was to the people.
It caused Drogon to melt the throne and flee, leaving Jon despaired over losing his lover/aunt. It was the final act in the war, making Jon hate how politics, greed and power corrupted. It was hard to soak in because he seemed to be her cure after losing Khal Drogo, while she healed him after losing Ygritte. This carved out a tale of consequence with Jon ready to get burned by the dragon too. Luckily, it left him alive but Jon knew he'd suffer the rest of his days.