Jior Mormont is a noble and strong gray-haired old man, Lord commander of the Night Watch, patronizing John Snow. The hero of the novels of George Martin from the series "Song of Ice and Fire" and the series "Game of Thrones", a film adaptation of the work. The character is secondary, but by no means passable. He belongs not only to a wise utterance over which one can not only reflect, but also take note in real life. Perfectly embodied on screen by actor James Cosmo, no less noble and interesting than his hero, an ardent patriot of his native Scotland.
Jior Mormont in the novel and film
It is described as a grouchy gray-haired broad-faced old man with good physical shape for his age - at the time of his first appearance in the novel and series, he is in the middle of the way between 69-70 years old (dies at the age of 69). Also known under the nickname Old Bear. As a favorite pet has a talking raven.
Jior Mormont is the oldest living member of the Mormont clan, one of the noble and ancient clans of the North. They own Bear Island, which, according to legend, was granted to them by overlord Rodrick Stark, who won the lands in a duel. True, this does not prevent the family from living quite poorly for the aristocracy - they do not have a family castle; it is replaced by a log cabin, protected by an earthen rampart. At the gate - a carved image of a warrior mother dressed in the skin of a bear. With one hand she presses the baby she feeds to her, with the other holds a battle ax.
On the coat of arms of Mormont is a black bear, behind which a green forest is visible. The motto of the family: "We stand here."
For five centuries, the genus has owned a sword made of Valyrian steel named Long Claw, the handle of which is crowned with a voluminous image of the bear's head.
Gior Mormont himself ruled Bear Island until he was old . Then, giving way to his son Jorach, he took the oath of the Night Watch. Subsequently, he was elected 997th in the history of the Wall as Lord Commander, earning honor and respect among the black brothers.
When joining the ranks of the Night Watch John Snow, Jior Mormont appoints him as his personal steward, having discerned in his young warrior his future successor - a talented commander.
The lord commander dies in the series and in the book during the riot of traitors-subordinates, the only difference is in whose hand the knife is put and from what position the blow is struck.
James Cosmo, who embodied on the screen Jior Mormont
The actor who played the Old Bear was at the age of 62 by the time the filming began. James Cosmo was born in 1948 in a Scottish town on the banks of the Clyde River. He received the specialty of a builder, but went in the footsteps of his father, choosing an acting career.
He is a true patriot of Scotland, as evidenced by his filmography and social activities.
At the beginning of his creative career, James Cosmo played a lot of cool Scottish guys. Later appeared in two cult films for Scotland - "Highlander" and "Braveheart", as well as in the mini-series "Aivengo". He became the author of the project of the film about the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns under the name "Clarinda".
During his acting career, he played in a variety of films and series, including world-famous "On the Needle", "Troy", "Emma", "The Chronicles of Narnia", "Castle", "Merlin".
James Cosmo is married, father of two sons. He is a longtime and active football fan, even officially affiliated with the Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, home to Scotland's most famous Rangers team.
The Wise Words of the Lord Commander
Noteworthy thoughts are expressed by the words of the Old Bear - Jior Mormont. Quotes to consider:
Do you ever want to command? Then learn to obey.
“I know the punishment for desertion, my lord.” I am not afraid to die.
- Do not be afraid and live, I hope.
The cruel truth is the hardest to accept.
Honor steel by a feat, not by words.
The sword is a modest pay for life.
Smart people have ambitious plans.
“Honor made you leave, and honor brought you back.”
“My friends brought me back.”
“I did not say that it was your honor.”