It can only be a matter of time before the mystery of Benjen Stark returns in a big way on the pages of Game Of Thrones - and indeed in the show. So compelling was the mystery that fan theories have sprung up almost as prolifically as those dedicated to Jon Snow's parentage, and it would be foolish not to acknowledge that in some way. In Martin's initial plan though, Benjen was never going to disappear; instead he would have commanded the Night's Watch and handed over power to Jon eventually. Was It A Good Change? On the positive side, it have Jon Snow more friction at The Wall thanks to the way he is treated by his overlords (it's all very Harry Potter vs the Dursleys/Snape), which in turn gives him more opportunities for hero moments. But then Benjen was a compelling - albeit briefly - character, and while there's every chance that he will reappear (whether alive or undead), seeing him looking after Jon at The Wall might have been good tonic to Snow's mostly miserable existence. Even if that is a big part of his charm.