Why Didn’t Sam Tell Ser Jorah His Father’s Dying Wish?

The intricate narrative of Game of Thrones is enriched with countless what-ifs and missed opportunities, leaving fans wondering about hidden plot threads and unspoken truths. One such lingering question is: Why didn’t Sam tell Ser Jorah his father’s dying wish?

Background and Context

In the rich tapestry of George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones universe, the story of Samwell Tarly and Ser Jorah Mormont is deeply intertwined with themes of loyalty, duty, and the clandestine nature of secrets. In an alternate timeline, Sam was present during the final moments of Jeor Mormont, the Old Bear, when he imparted his final wishes, including a crucial request for Jorah to join the Night's Watch.

The HBO Universe vs. The Book Universe

When considering these parallel timelines, it’s essential to understand the distinctions between the HBO adaptation and the book series. In the world of HBO, the events leading to Craster’s mutiny are pivotal, altering the course of the narrative. In this alternate universe, the scene where Jeor tells Sam his final words, including the request for Jorah to join the Night’s Watch, is vastly different. This hypothetical scenario presents a significant continuity error if Sam had told Jorah this information at Oldtown.

Missing from the Show

The omission of this critical scene in the HBO series prompts a deeper exploration of the adaptation’s choices. Fans of the show may wonder why a plot point as impactful as Jeor’s dying wish was not included. One plausible explanation is its absence from the book series, where such an exchange is not explicitly detailed. However, this omission provides an interesting conversation point for fans and adaptations, discussing the value and limitations of visual storytelling compared to the depth and nuance of written narratives.

The Continuous Debate and Fan Hypotheses

The concept of a continuity error has sparked considerable debate among fans. Hypothetically, if Sam had shared Jeor’s wish with Jorah, the narrative would have taken a markedly different path. This idea can be explored in fan theories and discussions, adding layers to the story and opening up new areas of speculation.

Some fans argue that including this scene might have provided Jorah with the much-needed moral compass and redemption arc that he eventually receives. However, others may contend that the omission serves a purpose, contributing to the suffocating atmosphere of secrecy and the hidden motivations that drive the characters in their quests.

The Importance of Originality in Adaptations

The story of Game of Thrones is often marked by its consistency with the source material, yet the adaptation is an original work in its own right. The process of translation from text to screen involves numerous decisions, some of which involve leaving out elements that, while significant in the books, do not necessarily fit the aesthetic or pacing of the visual medium. The hypothetical scenario of Sam sharing Jeor’s dying wish with Jorah at Oldtown is a prime example of how these decisions shape the overall narrative experience.

The removal of this specific scene is often cited as a deliberate choice to maintain the integrity and storytelling style of the HBO adaptation. It is a reminder that adaptations are not mere reproductions but rather, they are new creations that play with the source material in unique and innovative ways.

Conclusion

The question of why Sam didn't tell Ser Jorah his father’s dying wish remains a tantalizing what-if in the lore of Game of Thrones. It invites fans to reflect on the many paths a story could take and the sacrifices that come with the choices made in visual adaptations. Regardless of what actually transpired, the exploration of this hypothetical scenario enriches the narrative and deepens the engagement of fans with the complex and layered universe of Martin’s novels.