Mormont's raven

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Mormont's raven
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Jeor Mormont by reneaigner.jpg
Jeor Mormont and Mormont's raven by Rene Aigner©

Allegiance Night's Watch
Race Raven
Books

Mormont's raven is a pet raven of Jeor Mormont, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. He can speak, usually repeating a one syllable word twice. Often it is a word just said by one of the people around, however it is sometimes extremely appropriate.

Appearance and traits

Mormont's raven has beady black eyes and [1] and big black wings. [2] Jon Snow describes it as an "old raven", though its exact age remains unknown. [3] [4] At some point it is described as a "huge raven". [5] It seems to be rather large for its species. [6]

This raven is particularly fond of fruit and "corn" (grain). Maester Aemon considers this a rather rare trait, since most ravens prefer meat. [3] The raven is typically scruffy in appearance. Jon Snow considers it bold and fearless. He also considers it clever, too clever. [6]

History

Mormont's raven served as the companion of Jeor Mormont for "long years". [6]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

At Castle Black, Alliser Thorne orders recent recruit Jon Snow to report to Lord Commander Jeor Mormont. Jon first notices Mormont's raven, perched on the arm of Jeor. Mormont gives Jon a letter that has arrived from Winterfell for him. The message was written by Robb Stark, informing Jon that Bran Stark has recovered from a coma. Though the boy is crippled, Jon is happy that his brother is going to live. The raven flies to the shoulder of Jeor, while repeating the last word of Jon: Live! [7]

During a meal, Alliser Thorne and visitor Tyrion Lannister insult each other. Bystanders laugh, while the raven caws loudly from above a window, repeating the last word of Tyrion: Duel! [1] Tyrion finds the bird annoying and privately considers throttling it. He decides against it, not wanting to insult Jeor. [1]

Later, Jon is forced to fight a wight. Jon improvises and uses Jeor's oil lamp to start a fire. The raven starts cawing Burn, seemingly on its own initiative. [8]

After Jon attempts to desert to avenge his late father, Jeor asks whether Jon finds the war of Robb Stark to be more important that their own war. The ongoing wars mentioned are the War of the Five Kings and the Conflict Beyond the Wall. The raven flaps its wings and starts repeating: War. Jon finds the words to be song-like. Jeor suggests that Eddard Stark himself sent Jon to the Wall, though nobody truly knows why. The raven repeats the question: Why?[9]

A Clash of Kings

Jeor Mormont with his raven by Wouter Bruneel.

Lord Commander Mormont brings his raven with him while commanding The Great Ranging. It continues to repeat various words of those having conversations with Mormont.[10]

A Storm of Swords

Jeor Mormont feeding his raven by Amoka

Mormont's raven survives the Battle of the Fist of the First Men, and manages to accompany his master to Craster's Keep. After Mormont is murdered during the mutiny he seems to disappear.

Later, the elections for the position of Lord Commander of the Night's Watch are ongoing. No candidate has enough votes to secure election, and a new vote is about to take place. A large kettle is used as ballot box. Samwell Tarly and Clydas transport the kettle. When Clydas takes off the lidd of the kettle, a raven bursts out from inside. It then flies three times around the room finally it landing on the table, next to the place where Jon Snow is seated. It starts repeating the name: Snow. It then spreads its wings and flies to Jon, perching on his shoulder. [5]

Samwell claims to recognize this bird, proclaiming it to be Mormont's raven. Alliser Thorne laughs, claiming that Samwell is trying to fool them. He is certain that this is one of several ravens which Tarly has trained to say Snow, while Mormont's raven had a richer vocabulary. [5] The raven looks at Jon and asks for corn. It soon changes its tune, repeating a new word: Kettle?. This act helps convince the present men that this is indeed Mormont's raven, and helps decide the election in favor of Jon. [5] Samwell insists that he had nothing to do with the raven's appearance, claiming that it even scared him. [5]

A Feast for Crows

The raven dwells with new Lord Commander Jon Snow in his quarters, and continues to repeat certain words from ongoing conversations.[11]

Jon Snow - by Michael Komarck ©

A Dance with Dragons

When Jeor Mormont died (see above), the reportedly ate the face of his corpse. Acting as a regular Scavenger. Jon Snow contemplates this information on the pet, but does not mention his source on the subject. [6] [12]

Jon Snow sleeps and has a wolf dream, seemingly experiencing things from the perspective of Ghost. Throughout his dream something keeps calling: Snow. He has the impression it is the Moon. Then he hears wings flapping and realizes that a raven flies in the gloom of his quarters. Mormont's raven lands on his chest and uses its claws to scratch him. The raven screams Snow into his face. It was the raven and not the Moon that kept calling impatiently. [6] Jon speaks to the raven. At first simply noting that he is listening to it. Then asks whether the raven to wake up Jeor Mormont in this way. He calls for the raven to get its wings out of his face. He gets one of his arms out of the bed blanket and shoos away the raven. It merely flies to the bed post and keeps calling his name. He throws a pillow at it, but the raven maneuvers itself out of the projectile's way. [6]

Eddison Tollett, personal steward of the Lord Commander, enters the room and suggests breakfast. The raven immediately asks for corn, three times. Jon jokingly suggests roast raven and half a pint of ale for breakfast. Eddison jokes that he is asked to deliver three corns and one roast raven, only Hobb has prepared a different breakfast for Jon. [6] More seriously, Eddison reports that two more wildlings surrendered themselves. A mother with her young girl. They also transported a dead infant. The raven hears one of its favorite words and starts repeating: Dead. [6] While Jon urinates, the raven mutters complaints. The raven observes him with "shrewd eyes" while he dresses himself. Then flies to the window. The meaning of the move is well understood. Jon opens the window and releases his pet. The raven flies away from the confines of the room. [6] Jon wonders whether the raven views him as its thrall. [6] [13]

Jon has a meeting with Gilly in his private quarters. The raven is in the room with them. Jon introduces his baby swapping plan, switching the identities of the Wildling Prince and the abomination Gilly pleas with him: "No. Please, no". The raven picks up the word and screams: No. [14] Jon threatens Gilly. Proclaiming that when Melisandre burns the Prince, Gilly's son will die as well. The raven starts repeating: Die. [14] [15] Jon next has a meeting with Samwell Tarly. The raven pecks at the palm of Samwell and causes him to bleed. It listens to Jon mention "king's blood" and screams Blood. When Jon commands his subordinate to obey, the raven flaps its wings and repeats Obey. [14]

Jon decides to distance himself from his former friends and transfer them away from Castle Black. He is sending Halder and Todder to the Shadow Tower, Grenn and Pypar to Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. As he writes the relevant orders, the raven peers at him from a nearby window. Jon thinks ruefully of Mormont's raven as his last remaining friend. He considers that he will either outlive this pet, or have his own face eaten by it. Having the same fate as Jeor. [16] [17]

The Big Drunkard, a centuries-old ash tree, stands 0,5 miles (804, 7 meters) south of Castle Black. While escorting a column of wagons heading towards Mole's Town, Eddison Tollett notes a face carved on the tree. A face gazing at the north. He notifies Jon, who considers wildlings responsible for the carving. He suspects this has some kind of religious significance, presumably an attempt to emulate the faces of weirwoods. Further south, a second face is discovered carved on an chestnut tree. A face gazing at an an icy stream and the old bridge above it. Jon finds Mormont's raven perching on this second tree. It recognizes him as well, spreading its wings and screaming. Jon raises his fist and whistles at his pet. It flies to him and asks for corn. Jon speaks to it. Informing the greedy raven that there is corn for the Free Folk, but none for the bird. [18] A third face is discovered carved on oak tree, standing just outside Mole's Town. [18]

The Night's Watch delivers rations to the residents of Mole's Town. A riot nearly brakes out over arguments concerning the food. Jon commands Rory to blow his horn, calling the attention of the crowd to him. Most residents grow quiet and prepare to listen to him. The raven starts muttering his name: Snow. Jon wants to recruit volunteers for the defense of the Wall. Promising more food for the fighters. Silence falls as the crowd contemplates this option. The raven mutters two different words: Eat and Corn. [18] Sigorn, Magnar of Thenn refuses to fight for Jon. Threatening to kill Jon and his men. Mormont's raven flaps its wings and starts repeating one of his words: Kill. [18] Jon attracts his first volunteer, a young girl who reminds him of Arya Stark. He warns that volunteers will have to obey commands. Insubordination is punishable by death. He threatens to personally decapitate offenders. He used the expression "I'll have your head off", and the raven starts repeating Off. The girl still volunteers, and others start following her example. [18]

Jon re-assigns Alliser Thorne to the rangers and sends him on his first mission Beyond the Wall. Alliser is certain that Jon is sending him out to die. The raven starts repeating one of its favorite words: Die. Jon does not appreciate the intervention of the bird in this confrontation and swats it away. [19] Jon and "Rattleshirt" (Mance Rayder) have a sparring match. Jon acquires several bruises. By nightfall, these bruises turn purple. Jon speaks to Mormont's raven. Explaining that they will next turn yellow and eventually fade away. In the meantime, he will appear as sallow (yellowish) as the Lord of Bones (Rattleshirt). The raven starts repeating Bones. Jon gets the impression that it is in agreement with him. [19] His thoughts turn to Arya and whether to help her, since he recently heard of the impending wedding of "Arya" (Jeyne Poole) and Ramsay Bolton. Nearby, the raven keeps repeating his name: Snow. [19]

Just before the dawn, Jon parts with Val. She is heading north of the Wall, , tasked with locating and contacting Tormund Giantsbane for him. Jon then returns to his chambers, where Eddison serves him breakfast. Mormont's raven claims the bacon of said breakfast for itself. It then perches on a lintel above the door and feasts on its prize. Jon calls his pet a thief. It repeats the word Thief, as if agreeing with him. [20] Jon receives a morning visit from Bowen Marsh, Othell Yarwyck, and Cellador. Jon offers to have food and drink delivered for them. As they decide on what they want for breakfast, the raven is still on the lintel and demands: Corn. Jon instructs Eddison to bring wine for Cellador, a plate for Othell, and nothing for the bird. Bowen has already refused the offer to eat with the Lord Commander. [20] Eddison returns with the requested items. The raven is still on the lintel and the opening of the door annoys it. It mutters in frustration. Bowen waits for the steward to leave and then lists his concerns over recent decisions of Jon. [20]

In conversation, Bowen uses the term "wildling" and Jon uses the term "free folk". Both in reference to Leathers. The raven starts muttering, using the terms: Free, Corn, and King. [20] Cellador turns the conversation to another matter. Jon has decided to re-assign Eddison and appoint Satin as his personal steward. This position is usually associated with promotion, as stewards eventually rise to command positions. Cellador protests since Satin is a catamite. Bowen and Jon argue intensely over the qualifications of Satin. After a while, Bowen is flashed with anger and stares silently at Jon. The raven mutters two words: Corn, and Kill, though nobody had used the word "kill" during the conversation. [20] Later, the conversation turns to Jon openly inviting Tormund and his forces to cross the Wall. The three subordinate officers clearly disagree with this decision. The raven starts screaming Snow, though Jon decides to ignore it. [20] The conversation turns to Mother Mole and the people who followed her to Hardhome. Jon asks his officers to consider what will happen when all these "enemies" are dead. From the lint, the raven starts repeating Dead. Jon states that the dead will rise as wights and then dismisses his officers. [20]

Jon arranges a private meeting with Tycho Nestoris, a representative of the Iron Bank of Braavos. Both men head towards the private quarters of the Lord Commander. There, Mormont's raven greets them by requesting corn. Tycho explains the nature of his mission. The Iron Throne has ceased all payments of its debt to the Bank. Tycho has been send to personally meet Stannis Baratheon. If the rival king is deemed worthy of their trust, the Bank will lend help to his cause. The raven repeats one of his words: Help. [21] Jon informs Tycho that Stannis is no longer stationed at the Wall. The King leads a host, marching south to Winterfell. Tycho intends to follow him there. Jon offers horses, provisions, and guides to Tycho, sufficient to get him to Deepwood Motte. But this offer comes with a price. The raven starts repeating: Price. [21]

Following a conversation with Axell Florent, Jon returns to his quarters. He finds Mormont's raven perched on an oak-and-leather chair. The bird asks for food. Jon heads to a nearby sack and retrieves some seed. He scatters the seed on the floor and lets the raven eat. He sits on the chair and falls asleep. Sometime later, Mully wakes him up. The raven keeps calling Snow. Mully has come to report that Ty and Dannel have returned with a highborn girl. A girl asking for Jon. The raven starts repeating:Girl. Jon leaves his quarters to meet this girl, Alys Karstark. [21]

Jon and Tormund Giantsbane negotiate terms for allowing the Free Folk to pass south of the Wall. Jon taken Ghost, using the direwolf for protection. But when the meeting ends, Jon has trouble locating Ghost. He whistles, trying to summon Ghost. Instead of the direwolf, Mormont's raven responds to the call. It was perching on an old oak tree. It flies from the tree to Jon's saddle, and asks for corn. Jon is somewhat surprised. He was unaware that his pet was following him. His first instinct is to shoo away the raven. He reaches for it and then changes his mind, stroking its feathers. It mutters Snow, knowingly. Soon, Ghost and Val jointly emerge from the Haunted Forest. [22] Jon and Val cover the distance from Tormund's camp to the gate of Castle Black on horseback. Ghost and Mormont's raven follow their trail. When they reach the gate, the raven flies away. [22]

Jon has a dream where he defends the Wall, facing the Others and their wights. He faces various people from his past. [23] [24] The dream continues with a "gnarled hand" roughly seizing his shoulder. Jon turns to face the owner of the hand and there the dream ends. He finds himself in bed with Mormont's raven pecking at his chest. It calls him Snow. John swats at it. The raven shrieks its displeasure and flies to the bedpost. In the gloom of his quarters, Jon can still see the raven glaring down at him. He finds something baleful in this glare. [23] It is still the time just before the dawn, the "hour of the wolf". [23] As Jon dresses, the raven keeps some distance from him and mutters from the other side of the room. He recognizes some familiar words: Corn, King, Snow. Then the raven twice calls him by full name: Jon Snow. He finds this peculiar. He can not remember any previous instance of the raven using his full name. [23]

Following a meeting with Selyse Florent and Melisandre, Jon returns to his quarters. Both Ghost and Mormont's raven seem agitated. The direwolf paces back and forth. He refuses to obey commands and does not allow Jon to touch him. The raven keeps screaming Snow. Jon shoos the bird. [25]

Jon has a meeting with Tormund. The raven stands nearby. Tormund mentions the girls (daughters) of Gerrick Kingsblood. The raven starts repeating one of his words: Girls, making Tormund laugh. He calls the raven "a bird with sense". He offers to purchase "the bloody bird". Jon jokes that Tormund will probably eat the raven. The raven "darkly" (gloomily) repeats Eat , and flaps its wings. Then asks for corn. [25]

References and Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 21, Tyrion III.
  2. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 6, Jon I.
  3. 3.0 3.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 60, Jon VIII.
  4. The lifespan of the Common Raven depends on its living conditions. In the wild, the average raven lives for 10 to 15 years. Some survive longer, dying between the 20th and 23rd year of their lives. In captivity, a raven can survive longer still. A number of individual ravens of the Tower of London managed to reach or surpass the 40th year of their lives.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 79, Jon XII.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 3, Jon I.
  7. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 19, Jon III.
  8. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 52, Jon VII.
  9. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 70, Jon IX.
  10. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 43, Jon V.
  11. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 5, Samwell I.
  12. Jon Snow was away during the Mutiny at Craster's Keep and has never mentioned seeing the remains of Jeor. Samwell Tarly has seen the corpse, but never mentioned the raven eating the corpse. The activities of the raven between the death of Jeor and the election of Jon remain unknown.
  13. The events of aDwD, Chapter 3 precede those of aFfC, Chapter 5.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 7, Jon II.
  15. The events of aDwD, Chapter 7 are tied to those of aFfC, Chapter 5. The meeting of Jon Snow and Gilly directly precedes that of Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly. The second meeting is described from two different perspectives.
  16. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 10, Jon III.
  17. Jon does not think of Ghost as a friend. Considering the direwolf a part of his self.
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 21, Jon V.
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 28, Jon VI.
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 39, Jon VIII.
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 44, Jon IX.
  22. 22.0 22.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 53, Jon XI.
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 58, Jon XII.
  24. The persons depicted include the eagle of Orell, Ygritte, Donal Noye, Dick Follard, Qhorin Halfhand, and Robb Stark.
  25. 25.0 25.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 69, Jon XIII.