Night's Watch: The Rigged Election of Jon Snow Part 1

[@brahimdiop5506]

Honestly, can't even blame any of the brothers. Most of them had to have survived an ice zombie hoard, mutiny from allies, and an army of 100,000 wildings supplemented by giants, wolf chariots, and wargs. If I had been through any of that, I'd honestly be like them and say "Fuck it, the apocalypse is coming, might as well vote for whoever the magic raven endorses."

[@made-line7627]

Haha YES. This is beyond true

[@ArchLars]

They didn't, though. It was obviously influenced.

[@juwebles4352]

@@ArchLars They still voted even if they were convinced by one of the people or animals supporting him.

[@jjvoity7797]

Dolorous Edd will build a wall and make the Others pay for it.

[@KingSlayer_.]

Make Westeros great again😂

[@willbeard4835]

Long live the 999th lord commander

[@dolorusedd2586]

The Others really aren't sending us their best. They're kidnappers, killers, and necromancers

[@ericb7291]

it's hillarious because the show ends up with Edd as Lord Commander

[@Jkc0999]

The real question is there lemon trees at the wall

[@ultimategotea]

There could be at Winterfell, the glass gardens exist(ed) and Sansa loved lemon cakes.

[@josephjanisch6143]

Lol. Well if we reject everything known about the world, then it becomes possible.

[@Seven_Leaf]

@@josephjanisch6143 To be fair, there's people growing oranges in the northern parts of the lower 48 for commercial purposes using greenhouses. I saw a documentary on YT about it years ago. It's certainly not out of the realm of possibility at Winterfell, no freaking chance at The Wall though.

[@theenigma2897]

Best joke in the whole series is the guys who voted for Ed, absolute crackup

[@Fischplays]

I loved the 5 guys consistently voting vor Hobb because they wanted him out of the kitchen xD

[@joelagrue8266]

One of pyps japes

[@duganrocks100]

@@Fischplays That joke makes me chuckle everytime😂. Such a serious situation but 5 dudes just aint give a fuck

[@martinkunev]

Is it possible that electing Jon by a miracle is a result of the removal of the 5 year gap? I suppose George RR Martin originally intended that Jon becomes lord commander when he's a little more experienced, but removing the 5 year gap changed his plans and he had to come up with some extraordinary events.

[@tuantrananh4015]

even then Jon would still too young though, it always George plan to have a miracle for Jon to be lord commander i think

[@aceambling7685]

@@tuantrananh4015 Jon becoming Lord Commander at 21 rather than 16 is much more believable and doesnt really require a miracle. In that time he would have presumably gained more respect and prestige and grown fully into manhood.

[@TriuneWorshipper]

@@aceambling7685yeah it makes more sense that way especially considering Jon would have still been chosen from the start to take after the old bear like in the books now

[@littleweaselboy2865]

​@@tuantrananh4015 This is the dumbest comment I have ever read

[@joe-gq9oo]

He only decided to abandon the 5 year gap after the 3rd book was released.

[@AlexKwiatek]

I have one thing to point out. Some of the Eastwatch and Shadow Tower men went with their commanders to Castle Black and thus they would have their own votes. Mallister and Pyke had only votes for the men they left behind.

[@tucnaci_z_prahy]

The way I was reading Sam's plan, he was shooting to go for Jon from the beginning - but to convince both Mallister and Pyke he had to go through the multiple strages. Yarwick also might not have had a sudden stroke... He might be implying by mentioning Slynt's history as commander of the Gold Cloaks and Lord of Harrenhall from another angle: First referring to his history of corruption and the second as being an empty title as Lord of Harrenhall never was there and his tenure was extremely short lived. I mean even Watch probably knows that the title is now Littlefinger's. Not everything has to be the part of the same conspiracy ;)

[@EdmundSia]

Well said

[@guccigucci5002]

stannis def had some influence as well when it comes to stannis hating janos slynt

[@TheCreepyLantern]

calling it now. Preston blames Bloodraven/bran/children of the forest. and don't say that's three guesses because you tell me where the fucking line between them is at this point.

[@coreymicallef365]

I think it's a time travelling Bran

[@LabTech41]

Well, when analyzing any conspiracy theory, it's important to determine what the conspiracy achieved, and who benefitted from it; as that usually determines who the conspirators are, or at least who directed them. Any of the potential Lord Commanders would've done an adequate job of what a Lord Commander's SUPPOSED to do, but only one of the candidates would've been capable of doing something they're NOT supposed to do: Jon Snow. Only Jon Snow would've been willing and able to bring the Wildlings south of the Wall before the Others got to them. The Wildlings are the key to all of this, and only someone advocating for their survival would've conspired. Without Jon Snow, the Wildlings are just fodder for the Others. That really only leaves two potential groups: The Children and the Wildlings themselves. The Children are just the most likely candidate because of the 'miracles' that swing the election so totally in Jon's favor. Which aspect of the Children (Children/Bran/Bloodraven) is largely a matter of timing; there's really no line between Bloodraven and the Children, the only question is whether or not the election was during the time Bran was training in the Weirwood cave; and timing is a difficult thing to gauge sometimes.

[@SophiaLilithUwU]

That's what I thought, too. Preston keeps on talking about people going OOC and supernatural events or miracles, so I was just waiting for him to play the mind control card. Not that I inherently disagree, it's just a very Preston thing to say. To add to the proposal: It actually seems perfectly logical that Mormont's raven would hang out with Bloodravens ravens if it's chilling (literally) north of the wall anyway. In all honesty, there could have been a child of the forest warging the raven this whole time. It would give their hivemind complete tabs over Castle Black and it makes even more sense since Bloodraven was part of the Night's Watch himself. Why would he not want to check on his old occupation from time to time?

[@LabTech41]

We all know that Preston loves to say magical shit is the Children, but is it cliché to say that if it's true? Like I said, very rarely are the conspirators themselves not benefitted by the conspiracy; the whole point of a conspiracy is to secretly get what you want. While all the candidates could in theory do the duty of Lord Commander, in the sense that they can carry out the job description, the only outlier in the bunch is Jon Snow. Given his relative youth, given his past, given his experiences in his time serving in the NW, and given that fact that he's the only one capable of seeing outside the box, the ONLY reason to favor Jon is if you're looking for an unconventional Lord Commander. Jon's the only option that leaves at least some of the Wildlings alive, as Jon's the only Lord Commander that would allow them through the Wall voluntarily. The Wildlings already tried to force their way through, and they don't have the means to go around the Wall in vast numbers, so the ONLY thing that changes by having the conspiracy is that the Wildlings survive as a people. Having distilled this reality, there's only two possibilities that even theoretically make sense: the Children and/or the Wildlings are the conspirators. The issue is that neither group has the best motive AND the best means to make this happen: the Children have the best means, but no real motive; the Wildlings have the best motive, but not a very good means. So, we can all just go the Preston route and say Children magic'd it up for... reasons. To my knowledge, the Children and the Wildlings have no animosity towards one another, but neither have they had any real interaction with one another that'd build up trust or relations of any real kind; unless you want to argue that because the Giants are the intermediaries between the two groups, that somehow that leads to enough bleed-over in the psychic field to make the Children sympathetic enough to McGuyver some chicanery in Jon's favor. It's entirely possible: 1 - Jon and Sam both took their vows at a Heart tree; this means that the Children were in direct contact with both of them, knew they were friends, and knew that Sam could be used to support Jon as they had a bond already. Given that the Heart Tree is only about a mile from Castle Black proper, we can infer that maybe this means that through long-distance Children influence, subtle manipulation is possible while all the players are voting there. 2 - Thus, manipulating Sam and Yarwyck might just be a simple matter of clouding their judgement and subtly influencing their actions along lines they were already heading in; just enough to put things on the right track. 3 - It's also well within the Children's ability to warg Ghost and the raven into returning at just the proper times as well. The alternative is still possible, however; in that the Wildlings could've conspired to put a Lord Commander in place that could let them do through guile what force couldn't achieve. In the books Mance is still alive, and the Wildlings have been shown to be adept manipulators who have the means of coordinating their operations on either side of the Wall. It's more difficult, but still possible: 1 - Sam wants Jon to win in order to save his life, and because what wingman wouldn't want to see his friend reach the top? We've all done things for personal reasons that in the moment we were so passionate about that we later wondered why we cared so much we went beyond our comfort zone. Sam's deception doesn't necessarily have to be magic or blackmail. 2 - Yarwyck could've just had a brain fart, or decided that he didn't like King's Landing types in charge, or any of a number of things that might've made him drop the idea to support Slynt. Nothing really magical needed there either. 3 - There are many skilled wargs amongst the Wildlings, and Varamir is proof that warg-bonds can be overridden, whether it be temporarily or permanently. Both animal miracles just involve pushing an animal to an appointed place at an appointed time. So, in truth, both are possible, the question is which one's more likely?

[@MANJYOMETHUNDER111]

He was definitely warging the Raven.

[@Spongebrain97]

At 11:17 when I read the book for the first time I liked how heartfelt it was that Jon would name his firstborn son Robb

[@harrybarber3255]

Is using coppers for Slynt a way from Amon to get brothers to not vote for him, they might be inclined to pocket those tokens rather then give them back as a vote

[@porcupinesoda]

Moletown trip boys!

[@Cheesusful]

loving a new theory/close look at events in the books, one small point you mention jon thinking he's not well liked but as you often say; the pov characters are always wrong/unreliable narrator syndrome. Many dont know him directly and his defence of the wall could influence them.

[@doktorcool3740]

Maybe there is no hidden backstory in this election, as there is none is some other pieces of ASOIAF where various people see hidden connections? Maybe GRRM isn't the super-perfect "for every word I publish, I have a full page of unpublished backstory" writer as people seemingly expect from him? GRRM was clever enough to write everything in POV chapters, which provides a great excuse for every single inconsistency in the books. Years of birth don't match age? Well, the POV character misremembers. Deus ex machina arrives? Well, it's just POV so there may be a different explanation. Or not. Keep guessing. Personally, I think that GRRM has quite a bit more backstory in his mind (and hopefully in his notes) than is in his books - that's part of what makes them so great. But to assume that everything we don't understand has a cool explanation in GRRM's mind may be an overly optimistic assumption. :-)

[@manband20]

I'm driving back home from vacation with my family and have a lot of time to think. I thought about what video Preston would upload next. I predicted it would be the Night's Watch series he mentioned a while ago. Preston, I know you have a glass candle. No point denying it.

[@brun0caesar391]

Why would he uses his glass candle on you ?

[@graigdankmeyer9353]

Were you in moonlight when you were thinking this?

[@scummyfish]

@@graigdankmeyer9353 beneath a sea of whispering stars?

[@Altorin]

Love to see you putting out real work again Preston. Can't wait for part 2

[@ognjengaric2687]

Amazing video. Could the raven be warged? If it is, knowing Preston, he will probably blame it on Bloodraven, just like everything else north or on the Wall.

[@akrybion]

Ognjen Garić I blame the Russians. Or Bran. Maybe Jon becoming JC is the most favorable timeline Skynet can come up with, so he wargs through time. I mainly believe it's Bran, because If the amount If fuckery there has to be. It seems Yarwick gehts hacked mid- thought, which probably lies beyond bloodravens capabilities. And maybe Bran is the only one able to fuck the timeline. At least we have no hints on Bloodraven doing it.

[@george7042]

I pictured so much of this differently tbh, I had imagined the tokens being placed somewhat publicly and thought Mallister/Pike dumping a ton of arrowheads was more than enough to qualify as public support.

[@Catachumen]

OMG we have to wait a week for part 2?! lol I am obsessed with these videos. Please keep it up Preston.

[@arbiterskiss6692]

"This time Sam was ready." page 889 Sam did mean to get one of them to drop out, but after things went so poorly with Pyke, he came up with the idea, he was building it on his way to speak to Maelister. When Jon went to speak to Mance moments before Stannis's army shows up, a crow is eating a giant calling, 'Snow. Snow.' I assumed that was Mormont's raven taking it's time to fly home.

[@inthefade]

Actually interesting deep analysis of something I hadn't even bothered considering in ASoIaF... This is why I love this channel.

[@haralampospapadopoulos5120]

Preston, you magnificent madman, I honestly thank you.

[@WhatAKing1]

Rolled a blunt, refreshed youtube, new Preston video, the gods are rewarding me.

[@Burnthefirst]

I am with you my friend.

[@ryanolson2308]

Currently packing a bowl about to watch lol

[@doghat1619]

The intros are getting better and better, good work Preston

[@theheartofthestorywetell1081]

As always I'm impressed by the work you put into there theory videos. I may not always agree with were you end up but I love the journey you take us on. I often wonder if you have a bit of writer in you as well Mr Jacobs. I expect to hear some worging/3 eye crow stuff coming up. I wonder if you will say nudging sam or not. I think it is well in Sams character by that point to take a risk. He was growing into a risk taker for his whole trip back to castle black.Anyway good job on the video, can't wait for the next.

[@boostermac5279]

Even discounting Sam, the numbers are odd. I wonder why GRRM didn't give us a count on that last vote...

[@georgannmacary3018]

The Heart of the Story We Tell I hope you at least know that it's coming for the crow and ghost

[@Trandul]

We need a Preston Jacobs book series. Get hype!

[@Slasha00]

No characters counted it because it was so obviously in Jon's favor maybe?

[@TheresaWheeler]

So here for this.

[@loum153]

Being back the pencil dropping sound u used to have in your videos after u made a point. The sound was so satisfying and solidifying

[@ivanenfinger9331]

Best video in awhile Preston really solid analysis.

[@Tracks777]

I look forward to more videos

[@Stopitpls]

Nice

[@magicma345]

Fantastic video. I have to admit I've never thought to question the legitimacy of the election so this was really interesting stuff. Anyways I wanted to ask could you maybe do something on The Leftovers. I know you're a fan of the show and hearing you talk about the finale or the show in general would be great fun. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@senniekerby]

u r the king of in depth videos. i love them. thank you

[@christophermorris4181]

Hobb 4 prez! Making three finger stew great again!

[@DanZaidan]

Great video as always, Preston! You should make a $1500 goal on Patreon where you start writing short stories!! I totally can see you becoming a great writer if you put your mind to it :)

[@notarussianbot1079]

Another Great Video! Thank you for all your content and time spent making these videos.

[@nikolajl9035]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEES, FINALLY! Been waiting for this for a long time :)

[@ShadeoftheEvening]

Cool topic. Looking forward to Part 2

[@GarrisonHat]

If it's by Preston Jacobs, it's definitely going to be more substantive than "Rigged! Totally Rigged! Sad!"

[@mikesmith8656]

"Nobody knows how to run a paramilitary defense organization like me" Donald Slynt (299 AC, probably)

[@protoeuropeanhistorian7369]

just watch his fucking rallys then, how are you supposed to fucking explain it all in 230 character tweet

[@GarrisonHat]

Sure I will do my own research from your list of approved sources.

[@caiptainawesome807]

Wouldn't Trump be Jon Snow in this scenario? 1.) He won the election 2.) Wasn't considered corrupt, at least not as much as Clinton 3.) Was less experienced in politics The only necessary one in that list is him winning, though.

[@robertmaybeth3434]

Noice. Jacobs you really think the shet outa these events, I like that. Acquired most of my understanding of the murkier events from your videos. I conclude GRR is actually a brilliant author who's created a far more complex world then most people can even grasp.

[@lesliemisaacs]

I'm gonna try to stay awake for this. I always fall asleep. Not because these videos are boring, but because his voice is soothing.

[@nicheatic9189]

Nice, a new video! The intro wasn't even that horrifying this time.

[@avichemay8711]

A new PJ video and a long weekend...you spoil us Preston, you spoil us

[@Jermster_91]

For a second, I thought I was watching Mark Felton Productions because of the intro.

[@juliada8121]

I don't think it's out of character for Sam, both Sams and Jons POV chapters show Sam develop towards fighting for his aims and loved ones, especially after saving Gilly. Apart from that, very convincing:)

[@jakemauger8377]

My god. I've been waiting for this video without knowing it for years.

[@danielbosco8864]

Brilliant as always Preston!

[@darkman80723]

This is why we love you Preston. You can make any old part of the novels a better conspiracy than all the alternative media hacks combined.

[@bmoney70seven69]

Preston doesn’t ever have to make a new video to get to a zillion views I put a playlist on and fall asleep to them all the time lol

[@jloestrin]

Love these types of videos from you! Thanks!

[@wankle1234]

I wish someone was doing these type of videos for the Kingkiller Chronicles

[@eschlos]

epic! Great topic choice, so many gems!

[@alecesne]

That vote analysis is amazing

[@olskoolsm10]

Love you preston, thanks!!

[@DanZaidan]

I knew it! Jon would never have been elected without Russia's influence... :)

[@misterfitzgerald]

Can't wait for part two. I don't remember you really getting into Mormont's raven before.

[@jernejfric4810]

So Bloodraven sent dreams to Sam and Yarwick, while warging Ghost and a BR supporter in the wildlings warging the raven? Brynden Rivers is a russian hacker confirmed

[@BLooDCoMPleX]

Ghost coming back at the end of ASoS was one of the best parts of the book. God I need to reread this series.

[@calaphis3468]

At long last!! thanks Preston!

[@Somethingelseentirelydifferent]

New Preston video! Yessss👍👍👍

[@vondas1480]

thank you for doing this video preston i don't know if you saw my request in the comments or you were planning it before but thanks

[@InvalidniSourozenec]

Cannot wait for the second part :-)

[@Penminfire]

It would be cool to do modern-style election night coverage for this election

[@davidjacobs5200]

I've always liked the cartoon portrayals of the characters :D

[@mustafashaban]

Excellent analysis by Preston! He raises many questions. Can there be a one word answer to all of them? Let me guess: BLOOD RAVEN!!!

[@kaylew108]

Looking forward to part 2 still Preston lol

[@sukipeace6279]

I absolutely adore your channel.

[@alecnava5465]

The ONLY WAY OF SAVING THE WATCH IS *GOING FURTHER RIGHT*!!!!

[@akrybion]

The North to the Northerners!

[@joepsnuiters4384]

A suspicous direwolf and raven? I am getting the feeling the Three Eyed Raven is at it again!

[@DanielCornwall519]

OoOoOoo! A Juicy Conspiracy Mystery! I can't wait for the next episode.

[@wulozhiro1316]

im convinced Mormonts raven is more than one.

[@katherinederoet4114]

This

[@B00MGirl4]

Hey, Preston. is it possible that Jon's election is so important to the plot of ASOIAF that we're seeing possible Bran/Bloodraven or even glass candle level intervention? Love your channel by the way!

[@Piepot9]

your computer animation looks better than dany's dragon flight in s5e9

[@mikesmith8656]

Critical Rhino My drawing of a worm I drew in 3rd grade was better.

[@luciferangelica]

@@mikesmith8656 well, no one can say you never did anything with your life

[@Lachausis]

Very interesting, Preston!

[@kqwentin]

damn it preston, you tease! with all the trailer stuff coming out when will part 2 be released? Great job though, I'd forgotten about this one, I just always assumed sam lied and put the raven in the kettle himself. Btw looking forward to arianne's chat with haldon hm most of all.

[@rhythmicgwendolen]

I can't believe Bloodraven warged everyone at the wall to convince them to vote for Jon!

[@mitchellpecord9587]

This was the video that got me into the theories game.

[@Sage-et6ce]

Oh shit son back at it again with the dank theories 😁

[@ciCCapROSTi]

The intros get better and better.

[@cameroncharles3294]

once again preston great video

[@zachsimon5587]

I'm just sitting here smoking my weed, scouring KZbin, and then out of no where a Preston Jon Snow video. Praise Shiva.

[@Gew219]

Spoiler It was Bloodraven

[@nexishadow]

great intro. I really liked this video

[@carlanmonroe7731]

Would it be possible for you to reveal the names of the songs you use for your intros? Especially for this one and the dornish vids?

[@robbomegavlkafenryka6158]

2:20 reinforcements from Castle black were sent to Eastwatch to fight off the Weeper.

[@QuantumTap]

does anyone know why in the TV show, Maester Aemon gets to vote after the votes are counted? every forum ive found just says "well he hadnt voted yet, so he did it then" BUT WHY WOULD HE GET THAT PRIVILEGE? i know it was dramatic, but since when are there tie breakers?

[@thebaconpig8680]

Long live the amazing intros!

[@TomOostenrijk]

Some of these trheories sound really awesome. And as an interpretation they could work. But I always wonder if it because GRRM writing it that way, or us just writing fanfics.

[@BramAPoe]

Preston, could you do a video about the door that Stannis asks Sam to show him when the former arrives at the wall? Or rather more specfically what does Stannis want to see it for? I have a theory that he gave Melisandre and possibly Seylse instructions to sacrifice Shireen there whilist he was marching on Winterfell, as if I recall correctly sacrifices to the others were carried out at the door - so maybe Stannis (with Melisandre's influfence) comes to believe a counter sacrifice to Rh'llor in the same location might work? Ofc I am assuming Stannis will play a role in Shireen's fate which is really based on Season 5, Ep 9 of the show and the two are different cannons so my theory is not based on much.

[@moistman926]

Ok excellent vid, but why does Mallister's nose look like Frosty the Snowman's?

[@MaryJanesLounge]

/a dog's dick

[@chrisadraheim]

Hey Preston, you mentioned in the recent RTR podcast that careless prop reuse by the GoT props team spawned a lot of premature fan conspiracies. This reminded that, because of the atrocious editing at the end of season 6 episode 10, my boss at my previous company was convinced that there were 2 Varyses (the one in Dorne, meeting with Ellaria, and the one riding from Essos with Dany). He was a really smart guy, and actually had read the ASoIaF books, so I'm guessing almost none of the GoT TV series audience has yet to realize that the show's narrative is just a complete, incoherent mess.

[@rivercitymud]

Please do the Iowa Caucus next.

[@arbiterskiss6692]

I forgot how long this Night's Watch series is. I'm not complaining, I'm just noticing it.

[@Xxonfire1212xX]

I'm a simple man, I see a preston jacobs video and I click it...Instantly

[@TheMadmage]

Stannis did force all the night's watch to make their decision asap. Thus, it could imply that all the regular on duty watchmen were forced to participate in the election.

[@shaybert100]

fuck... i was not expecting nor prepared for all those figures

[@R4Y2k]

Alliser Thorne be like "I won the popular vote by 3 million!"

[@zycane]

better than the actual got episodes.

[@josiahcmiller]

zycane Watch S1-4, read all the books, then watch Preston videos. Reread the books.

[@zycane]

has the ASoIaF series in books and audio books already bruh.

[@maxpainter33]

unserious q+a: Between ghosts arrival and mormonts raven, how likely is it that dany doesn't know what she is doing?

[@moralhazard8652]

Somehow that ghost picture scares the shit out of me.

[@connorbaldwin4260]

slynt for nights watch election 300!

[@peterhowie1212]

Janos Slynt should have campaigned in Wisconsin.