Game of Thrones: 10 Things That Make No Sense About Ned Stark

Everyone that got invested in this popular series had their eyes set on Ned, and definitely thought he would be the man sitting on the throne. To everyone’s surprise, Ned really didn’t make it that far. Yet still, there are a lot of things about his character that have people scratching their heads.

While he certainly had so much honor and loyalty, there were quite a few things that Ned did that, quite frankly, don’t make a lot of sense. So it’s time to throw it back to season one of this hit show and look at 10 things that make no sense about Ned Stark.

10 He Took His Daughters To King’s Landing

After the King’s Hand mysteriously dies, Ned’s friend – the King – offers him the position and to betroth his son to Sansa.

That may seem like a great idea, but right before Ned leaves, Catelyn receives a letter from her sister, claiming that her husband was murdered by the Lannisters. That big red flag definitely should’ve stopped Ned from taking his young daughters to King’s Landing, no?

9 He Let Sansa’s Direwolf Be Killed

All of the Stark children are given a direwolf pup, and this is a huge part of the series. However, right in episode two, fans are already screaming at the television while Cersei orders Sansa’s pup to be executed – even though it was Arya’s that acted out.

This literally makes no sense, and is just the start of Cersei’s cruelty. However, Ned seriously could have spoken up a bit more, or even just waited and seen if Robert changed his mind later.

8 He Didn’t Care About Mycah & Lady – But Quit Over Daenerys

Ned is an honorable man, and believes whole-heartedly in justice. Yet, when Arya’s friend Mycah is brutally rode down and killed by the Hound – Ned does nothing. When Lady is killed for actions that were actually done by Arya’s direwolf – he says nothing.

Yet, when Robert wants to slay Daenerys before she can birth a new possible king, Ned goes crazy. He steps down from being the hand because it would be unjust. Where’s the line, Ned?

7 He Dug Too Deep Into Secrets

Ned is told point-blank by his wife that there was a conspiracy by the Lannisters to murder Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King before Ned (and Ned and Robert’s surrogate father). Yet while he’s in King Landing, Ned does so much digging – and actually discovers some secrets.

Obviously, those secrets are not just his, and Ned seemed to be completely naive the entire time about where he was and just who he was dealing with.

6 He Resigned From His Role – And Was Defenseless

Ned’s only saving grace might have been the fact that he was Robert’s friend, and then Hand to the King. When he gives up that role, the Lannisters see literally no reason to stay away from him.

So, Cersei directs her anger over Tyrion at Ned, and fans will remember – Jaime kills Ned’s men and then stabs him in the leg. This seemed preventable, if he was still in an important position Hand.

5 He Challenged Tywin Lannister

One of the things that doesn’t make sense about Ned is clearly that he thinks that everyone else is as honorable as he is. Honestly, he never had a chance at surviving.

When Ned discovers that Gregor Clegane was raiding the Riverlands, he demands his death through Tywin. Sure, he knew no better, but he certainly knew enough by then to stop poking the Lannisters.

4 He Was Incredibly Hypocritical

Ned seems to have very confusing opinions about others, and is honestly pretty close-minded when it comes to judgement. He thinks Jaime is a betraying king slayer, but seems to forget that Robert led the rebellion against the Targaryens.

This is also true with Varys, who he immediately doesn’t trust – even though that could have been his only saving grace. Clearly, he isn’t the best at reading people, but his judgment is also just super inconsistent.

3 He Confronted Cersei Before He Had Power

Ned is appointed “Protector of the Realm” after Robert dies, but that little piece of paper was certainly not solid enough for Ned to be confronting Cersei about her bastard children.

He trusted Baelish, which also makes no sense. The entire episode where Ned confronts Joffrey and Cersei, and then is apprehended by Baelish and the City Watch, is nothing more than a complete face palm moment.

2 His Wife Thought He Was Unfaithful

This obviously all makes sense by the end of the series, but it still begs the question: how come he never told Catelyn the truth about Jon? Did he not trust even his wife with a secret?

Both Catelyn and Ned meet their demise before they can learn or tell the truth about Jon’s real parents, and that’s totally sad – but it’s also just super unnecessary.

1 He Gave Up All His Honor At His Trial

Ned’s entire being is premised on honorableness and honesty. After Sansa ‘convinces’ Joffrey to be merciful, Ned admits that he committed treason, which, he didn’t.

If he is so honorable, why would he ever lie, especially in his final moments? This is arguably the biggest inconsistency with Ned, and probably confuses fans to this day.

About The Author

Meah Peers
(631 Articles Published)

See also  13 Best Quotes From Sixteen Candles

I just graduated university with Criminology & Psychology, but have a burning side passion for film! I am an avid reader, writer, and film-goer, and I love learning about movies, actors, directors, and sharing my passion and knowledge with others.
I am a List Writer for ScreenRant, and love being a part of a film community where we all share the same passions.

More From Meah Peers