Jon Snow left Ygritte primarily due to his unwavering loyalty to the Night's Watch, which ultimately outweighed his love for her.
The Conflict of Loyalties
Despite developing a deep romantic connection with Ygritte, Jon Snow's true allegiance remained with his vows to the Night's Watch. His time spent undercover with the wildlings was a necessary deception to gather intelligence, and he knew he eventually had to return to his brothers at Castle Black. This internal conflict between his personal feelings and his sworn duty was the driving force behind his decision.
The Act of Abandonment
When the critical moment arrived, Jon made the definitive choice to fulfill his duty. He:
- Killed some of the wildlings he had been traveling with, signaling his rejection of their cause and his commitment to the Night's Watch.
- Escaped on a horse, making a swift and decisive departure.
This sudden act of leaving was a clear abandonment of Ygritte, causing her to feel deeply betrayed and foolish for having placed her trust and love in him. It was a painful end to their relationship, necessitated by Jon's fundamental commitment to his oath.
