(Spoilers Extended) How would Jon have handled the actions of Lord Rickard Karstark?
Rickard Karstark killed the innocent Lannister boys. Robb cut off his head. It's hard to say that was his ultimate demise but it perhaps was not the right move in this context.
I'm only a few chapters into the 2nd book but I am beginning to take an interest in Robb's character, the deeper part that we don't really see, even in the show (perhaps especially in the show).
He's only 15 in the books and from what I've read he is scared, inexperienced, and a bit irrational with his decisions. The show portrays him older obviously and a bit more manly and strong willed.
Show Jon, especially in the seasons 5 and 6 is much more rational and understanding. Particularly the Jon we see that executes Janos, Olly, and Allister but spares the young Umber and Karstark.
The interesting thing is that I believe Ned would have killed Rickard, even in the same context of war. Though I am unsure if Jon would. Resurrected Jon in show that becomes King in the North is a bit wiser perhaps (atleast until season 7 and 8) but we haven't seen that Jon in the books
Posted Feb 17, 2020, 8:03 AM UTC
Don't forget that Karstark didn't just murder two Lannister hostages but also the Tully men guarding them.
Executing him was the right decision. If Robb shows mercy to the completely unapologetic Rickard, then he will lose the respect of his vassals. After all, the main task of a King is to defend his bannermen. If he lets the murder of his sworn men go unpunished, he violates the core of the feudal contract.
I'd also add that before the execution, the Karstark men desert Robb's army to start pillaging in the Riverlands. Keeping Rickard alive wouldn't make them turn back and thus grant no strategic advantage.
Both Jon and Ned would have done the same.
In that situation Robb should’ve acted so differently. He should’ve captured him and used as hostage against Karstark house
The Karstark men had already deserted knowing that their Lord was captured. They didn't care anymore at that point. It might have been different if Rickard had shown remorse and promised to call back his troops. But he didn't. He openly mocked Robb and rejected his authority. Keeping him captive wouldn't do anything, except further undermining his authority.
In fairness it might have helped keep the Karstark men with Roose Bolton under control (setting aside that Bolton was screwing Robb over, which Robb couldn't have known) but given how much Karstark had disobeyed Robb in multiple ways and kept trying to up the antagonism, Robb basically had to execute him anyway.
Facts