Why Was Yohn Royce Absent During the Battle of Winterfell?

One of the most exciting and pivotal moments of the Game of Thrones series was the Battle of Winterfell. Yet, despite the many political intrigue and intense action, one character whose absence many fans wondered about was Lord Yohn Royce. Many questions surround his non-appearance during this critical battle. Why was Yohn Royce absent during the Battle of Winterfell, and where was he during such a crucial event?

Supported But Unseen

In the series, Yohn Royce is described as having supported both Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen. However, his involvement during the Battle of Winterfell is notably absent. According to the show's wiki, 10,000 Knights of the Vale fought in the battle. It would be logical to expect him to be leading them. Yet, he did not appear, which raises questions about his role and whereabouts.

In-Depth Analysis

The reasons for Yohn Royce's absence during the Battle of Winterfell are multifaceted:

Politics and Schemes: Yohn Royce is known for his political acumen and strategic thinking. It is possible that he was involved in the politics of the Vale, which was crucial during this period of the series. He might have been orchestrating political moves from behind the scenes, ensuring the Vale's interests were protected. Alternative Leadership: Another plausible explanation is that while Yohn Royce was part of the Knights of the Vale, the show decided to depict Brienne of Tarth and Jaime Lannister as the commanders of that group during the battle. This decision might have been made to focus on the struggles and coming-together of these characters. Character Development and Character arcs: The creators might have chosen to keep Yohn Royce off-screen to deepen his character and his interactions in the series. His absence could symbolize his status as a behind-the-scenes decision-maker rather than a front-line warrior.

Camera Angle and Plotting

Another possible reason for his absence is that the show's creators might have deemed it necessary to keep the focus on the central characters and their immediate surroundings. In episode two of season eight, there is a map showing the array of forces, including the Knights of the Vale. This map likely indicates his presence, but the show likely chose not to depict it visually for a variety of creative reasons.

Community Speculation and Theories

With such a notable absence, the Game of Thrones community has theorized various scenarios. Some believe that Yohn Royce was indeed present but in a more subtle leadership role. Others think he might have been off plotting something crucial with Sansa, ensuring her strategic positioning. Such theories often arise from a desire for more in-depth character development and narrative complexity.

Conclusion

The absence of Yohn Royce during the Battle of Winterfell remains a topic of speculation and discussion. Whether he was involved in alternative strategies, engaging in political maneuvers, or simply remaining off-screen to focus on narrative development, Yohn Royce’s absence adds another layer of intrigue to the series. Fans of Game of Thrones continue to dissect and debate this character's role and interests, enriching the narrative in countless ways.