Game of Thrones gradually shifts in presentation and genre, which is one of the show's most impressive feats. The first season has many characters and story beats in common with the eighth, but the differences are palpable. The opening episodes are probably the most focused, thanks to the murder mystery structure that brings the cast together. The death of Lord Jon Arryn is the catalyst that kicks off the series.
A lot of important characters in Game of Thrones unfairly slip into the cracks of the narrative. Part of the show's appeal is its brave willingness to kill off beloved figures in unexpected ways. Most heroes are punished for their good deeds. Most villains are killed in revenge. It's hard to imagine a character treated worse than the one who dies off-screen to motivate the rest of the narrative.
Who was Jon Arryn?
Jon Arryn was born sometime around 220 AC. He was the eldest son of Lord Jasper Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Defender of the Vale, and Warden of the East. House Arryn ruled over the Vale of Arryn, a mountainous area known for its fertile soil and plentiful rivers. Jon's family led the region since his ancestor, Artys "The Falcon Knight" Arryn, defeated the First Men in the Battle of the Seven Stars. As a young man, Jon watched over the Gates of the Moon, the first seat of power in the region. When his father died, Jon took on all three of his titles, becoming the most powerful man in the Vale. Jon would become known as a wise, calming, kindly man who was respected by all who knew him.
Jon's personal life was filled with strife and tragedy. He married Jeyne Royce, a woman the books give no further details about. Royce died giving birth to Arryn's tragically stillborn daughter. Jon then married Rowena Arryn, his first cousin. They also failed to conceive a child, and she died of a "winter chill." Jon would find comfort in close friends. He fought in the War of the Ninepenny Kings under Jaehaerys II Targaryen. During the bout, he met and forged alliances with Lords Rickard Stark and Steffon Baratheon. Jon would go on to mentor their sons Eddard "Ned" Stark and Robert Baratheon at his castle years later. Jon was a second father to Ned and Robert. They were the sons he never had. Their connection was a genuinely moving, wholesome relationship that would later spark a tremendous world-changing event.
How did Jon Arryn aid Robert’s Rebellion?
In 282 AC, King Aerys II Targaryen ordered the execution of Jon's nephew and chosen heir, Elbert Arryn. The Mad King ordered Jon to kill his young wards, Ned and Robert. Jon was justifiably outraged, as were many of Aerys's subjects. The Mad King butchered Ned's father and brother and Robert's fiancé in the same paranoid spree that claimed Elbert. Jon Arryn called his banners and declared war on the Iron Throne. Arryn had to fight some of his own bannermen to leave the Vale. After his successful Taking of Gulltown, Ned and Robert took off for their homelands to call their banners. Jon knew they'd need the might of House Tully to win the war, so he and Ned agreed to marry into the family. That's how Ned married Catelyn, and Jon married Lysa. Jon watched Robert kill Aerys's son, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Robert's brutality during the Sack of King's Landing alienated Ned, a wound that not even Jon could heal. Though his sons were split, he stayed with Robert and became his Hand of the King.
Jon's time as Hand of the King was brief and frustrating. He was wise, measured, and kind, but Robert had become boorish and drunken after his victory. Jon arranged a shaky piece with the people of Dorne, who were incensed by the death of two members of House Martell during Robert's Rebellion. He negotiated Robert's marriage to Cersei Lannister, strengthening his hold on the Iron Throne with the family's support. He dissuaded Robert from having Daenerys Targaryen executed. Jon tried his best, but Robert refused to stop blowing piles of gold on bread and circuses. The Hand barely had time to enjoy his loveless marriage. Lysa hated Jon for his age and his terrible breath. Jon had lost most of his teeth by this point. She finally gave him an heir, a sickly boy whom he named Robert. The birth of his son was Jon's final comfort before the end.
How did Jon Arryn die?
Jon Arryn died of an apparent stomach illness at around age 80. His friends and coworkers immediately suspected foul play. Many were accused of poisoning Jon, but no solid case could be made. Sometime later, the truth was revealed. Jon's wife, Lysa, poisoned him. Lysa had a lifelong relationship with Lord Petyr Baelish, whom she convinced Jon to bring to King's Landing. Baelish convinced her to poison her husband, promising it would allow them to finally marry. He also instructed her to send a letter to her sister, Catelyn, blaming the Lannisters for Jon's death. The resulting chaos led to the War of the Five Kings. Baelish, a consummate monster, pushed Lysa off a cliff to her death.
Jon Arryn was one of the very few decent men in Game of Thrones. All he ever wanted was to sire an heir, rule over his family's kingdom, and see his young wards succeed. He helped dethrone the Mad King, kept the Kingdom running under Robert, and was respected by everyone who knew him. His fate is a testament to Game of Thrones's commitment to darkness. Jon Arryn deserved better.