Conjecture: Why was Benjen in the NW?

[Boaz]

That's the best compliment I've had in weeks.

 

[Bayou Boy]

I wouldn't go so far as to call it a mystery. I was just curious, really. But most of you seem to think he was there out of a sense of duty and futility? So Benjen was the youngest...but if he only joined the NW after Brandon died, he would not have that far from Winterfell. But maybe he joined the NW to get out of Aerys' clutches?

I've always assumed Benjen joined after the conclusion of Robert's Rebellion. It doesn't seem that any Royalist forces made it to the North (we learn over the course of the books just how difficult this is). Benjen may have been "the Stark in Winterfell" while Eddard was fighting battles in the south. It seems doubtful that Benjen would have fled to the NW at that point.

If Benjen did join the NW after the fighting was done, then he left with full knowledge that Robb was already of him in the line of succession.

 

[Boaz]

Just to be difficult.... I just read Bran's first chapter in AGOT. Eddard mentioned that one day Bran would have to perform his own justice when he held a keep in Robb's name. So Eddard was not against the idea of a younger brother gaining lands.

 

[Syphon of Oor-Tael]

Yay, Boaz jumps in and helps out.
Assuming that Ned would do things the same way Robb did (he did father the little upstart, after all, and taught him), there must've been something else that pulled Benjen to the Wall. Or pushed. But as long as he is gone, we will not know. Does anybody at least agree with me on that one?

 

[Boaz]

No, I just like to argue both sides.

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

Just because Ned wasnt against Ben being a bannerman, doesnt mean Ben was okay with that kind of life. The NW promised a life of service true, but a life of adventure and service with a higher cause.

 

[Boaz]

Egg, is that spoken from personal experience?

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

Nah....I joined the military under the "join the military or go to jail" program. Great program...wouldnt recommend it though...I guess Im more Janos Slynt than the chap I mockingly accused earlier.....

 

[TK-421]

I have too much respect for your opinion Egg to think of you as Janos Slynt.

 

[the smiling weirwood]

Yeah, that's a fairly serious insult in my book. I'd consider waging war over it.

 

[Aegon the Unworthy]

I have too much respect for your opinion Egg to think of you as Janos Slynt.

Awww schucks, thanks TK. That means more than Im comfortable with admitting....

Yeah, that's a fairly serious insult in my book. I'd consider waging war over it.

Wage war? Yer a tree....you dont wage anything. You kinda stand there. So you would stand war, which really makes no sense.

 

[the smiling weirwood]

Infidel! Watch as my leaves fall upon you with fury and deadly intent!

 

[Boaz]

Somebody get a rake...

 

[thesoothsayer]

I haven't finished all the books yet but I'm just going to throw in something:

Maybe he enjoyed those long camping trips with his partners under the cold, clear northern skies filled with bright stars that they could both lie down and look up at after their heavy exertions and talk about what was in their hearts? Maybe he liked the feeling of brotherliness with his fellow rangers when they had to lay close together to keep away the cold when they went ranging beyond the walls? Maybe he just liked men in black?

Said with tongue firmly in cheek.

 

[the smiling weirwood]

Yes, men in uniform do have a certain appeal.

 

[C Of K]

Maybe he hated women and freedom.

*Raises pint. Here's to women and freedom.

 

[The Imp]

Maybe he hated women and freedom.

*Raises pint. Here's to women and freedom.

best toast in a while

cheers

 

[Judderman]

Old thread but...perhaps The One Eyed Raven had appeared to Benjen in a vision and made him realise he had to join the night's watch to save Bran (and therefore the realm).

 

[Needle]

It's not hard to understand, it's just hard to admit that there's an easy answer. I need plots and intrigue... and more intrigue!!!
I might make this my new signature...

I thought it was Boaz!

 

[Narkalui]

Old thread but...perhaps The One Eyed Raven had appeared to Benjen in a vision and made him realise he had to join the night's watch to save Bran (and therefore the realm).

Sorry Judderman, I'm afraid you've once again fallen into the trap of mixing up books and tv: In the books there has been confirmation that Coldhands is not Benjen.