Why Was Jorah Mormont Not Offered the Night's Watch and Other Complexities

Jorah Mormont, a character deeply entangled in the politics and fates of the Seven Kingdoms, was not offered a position in the Night's Watch primarily due to his complicated past and the dishonor he brought upon himself. This decision is a pivotal moment in his character development, highlighting the challenges he faces in seeking redemption and reclaiming his honor in Westeros.

Consequences of His Past Actions

After being exiled from Westeros for selling poachers into slavery, Jorah sought a path to redemption and a way to regain his honor. Due to his tarnished reputation, his association with Daenerys Targaryen, and his past betrayal of the Stark family, he returned to the North and faced distrust and skepticism. The Night's Watch, composed of men seeking a fresh start or redemption, viewed Jorah as a potential liability rather than an asset. This complex situation largely contributed to his exclusion from the Night's Watch, a stance that significantly impacted his character arc in both the books and the television show.

Love and Honor in Conflict

A personal detail that further explained Jorah's situation was his marriage to Lynesse Hightower. His desire to stay with his wife, despite the overwhelming expectations and her subsequent betrayal, symbolizes his struggle between personal love and the quest for honor. Lynesse's luxurious lifestyle and financial expectations made it impossible for Jorah to meet her, leading to a life of debt and ultimately her departure for Tregar Ormollen, a merchant prince in Lys. This marked a turning point in Jorah's life, prompting him to seek a new path.

It was during this time that Jorah left Lys for Volantis. Later, he was approached by Varys and accepted a position as a spy, specifically tasked to monitor Daenerys and Viserys. Despite his love for Lynesse and his desire to stay with her, the path of redemption and honor ultimately led him away from her and back into the world of espionage and intrigue, where his past would continue to haunt him.

Morality and Redemption

Mormont's flaws are exacerbated by his inability to discard personal attachment for moral convictions. His actions often stemmed from a misguided sense of love and devotion. For instance, his initial involvement in slavetrading was an attempt to please his wife and fulfill her luxurious lifestyle, despite the dire consequences. When caught, he sought exile to stay with her, abandoning everything he had, only to find her unfaithful and ultimately leaving him for another man. This episode solidified his perception of himself as a constant liability rather than an asset.

Ultimately, the Night's Watch was not offered to Jorah because he could not reconcile his love with the strict moral code of the organization. Similarly, his moral failings and personal weaknesses made it impossible for him to enter the Night's Watch on equal footing, as he was viewed as a complex individual more burdened by his past than capable of fitting into the simple, black-and-white world of the Night's Watch.