Every artist present lent weight to the story of Game of Thrones, including James Cosmo. He was exactly the man for the part, beginning with the first scene he was in.Fans remember him not only for what he did but also for the magnitude of his decisions and the teachings he imparted, which had an impact on the likes of Jon Snow. In a tumultuous world of chaos, the moral values he embodied made a mark. Jeor Mormont: The Old Bear of the Night's WatchJames Cosmo portrayed Jeor Mormont, the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, who was also endearingly referred to as The Old Bear. Mormont gave up his lordship over Bear Island in favor of his son Jorah Mormont and went on to the Night’s Watch to serve there.As per CBR, James Cosmo reflected on being part of the production and filming experience and said,"And to be part of that and able to go on the sets...I've been on big movie sets a lot [and] this was just as big with as many people there and to realize that not only was our set working, but there were two other units -- one in Croatia and one in Morocco -- doing the same thing and putting it all together; my goodness, what a job!"The era of his character in Game of Thrones was marked by service, integrity, and strong character as a leader. He had the Wall under his command as Lord Commander, trained recruits, and guaranteed the safety of the realm from threats beyond the Wall.Cosmo’s characterization put Mormont’s wisdom and authority in the spotlight, thus earning him respect from the characters as well as from the audience. Game of Thrones depicted his style of leadership as one that was both strict and considerate.He commanded the allegiance of his soldiers while they were all together, going through one of the most perilous places in Westeros. The mood of the Night’s Watch plot was set by him, and the spectators were made aware of the tough conditions and duties that came with being at the gates of the realm.Mentor to Jon SnowThe most striking feature of Jeor Mormont in Game of Thrones was his leading of Jon Snow. Right from the start, Jon had doubts about himself and his position in the Night’s Watch, which he could hardly resolve.On the other hand, Mormont encouraged Jon to accept and even lead his fellow men. He also gave him the ancestral sword Longclaw. This reflected a high sense of trust and recognition. Cosmo, through his mentorship, emphasized the significance of direction and the importance of having moral guidelines.In Game of Thrones, these teachings and pieces of advice played a part in shaping Jon Snow into an effective leader. It was also possible for the audience to understand the impact Mormont had on the story, which would be felt later in the series.Leadership and experienceThe character of Jeor Mormont was the embodiment of a solid physical and mental presence of a seasoned and tough leader in battle. In Game of Thrones, he was in charge of training, led expeditions that risked lives going through and beyond the Wall, and dealt with the day-to-day problems of the Night’s Watch.Cosmo showed a man who was the outcome of decades of servitude, a man who bore the heavy burden of knowledge and responsibility.His character brought realism to the whole Game of Thrones story, teaching that often heavy burdens go together with leadership. Mormont brought such wisdom and gravitas to the Wall that it became a very believable location and made the entire concept of protecting this realm from Northern threats, such as White Walkers very real.Duty, loyalty, and sacrificeJeor Mormont is one of the most important characters of Game of Thrones, as he is known throughout the series by virtue of his loyalty, sense of duty, and sacrifice for the realm. He sacrificed his life to protect the realm and often prioritized the Night's Watch over himself.His death during the mutiny at Craster's Keep in Season 3 ("And Now His Watch is Ended") not only accentuated the dangers that the honorable ones in a morally complicated world had to face but also pointed to the constant need for those who were able to hold on to morality in such a world.Cosmo's portrayal enabled the audience to connect with this sacrifice and feel its impact. His death also exposed the reality of risks that come with standing for your principles and the hardships of life in Westeros.Symbolism and legacyJeor Mormont in Game of Thrones represents the virtues of integrity, mentorship, and leadership's burdens. He was the moral guide of the Night's Watch, indicating that bravery and respect take place at a great personal sacrifice. The actor succeeded in showing this symbolism and making Mormont a character to remember, even though he had little time on screen.The “Old Bear” legacy was a brilliant continuum through his mentoring of Jon Snow and his reign over the Night’s Watch. His death marked the end of his existence in a physical sense, but his principles and choices kept on influencing the Wall, thus making him always present in the plot.For the audience watching Game of Thrones, Mormont was a representation of the human price of loyalty and the silent hegemony that is the very basis of the existence of Westeros.Impact in Game of Thrones The portrayal of Jeor Mormont by James Cosmo was, without question, an important factor in the success that Game of Thrones enjoyed. He was a very experienced actor whose performance set the tone for the show.Through Mormont, Game of Thrones was able to cover the themes of honor, loyalty, and mentorship while hinting that even minor characters are capable of great contributions to the storyline.According to CBR, reflecting on the show’s global success, James Cosmo said,"But we didn't think it was going to be the phenomenon that it became. That was extraordinary! I remember meeting David and Dan when I was doing some ADR in Los Angeles after we had done the first season and said, "What do you think about another season?" and they just weren't sure."Moments that will make a great enduring picture in the audience's minds, like Jon Snow's training, Night Watch's leadership, and ultimately the sacrifice, make him a symbol of loyalty and surrender in a world of turmoil. His acting stunningly makes the point that heroism is most often found in the smallest of actions that are performed through mentoring, offering one's life, and being steadfast.The Old Bear's impact is still alive, and the proof of that is the fact that, even in a setting full of dragons, political intrigue, and war, the values of honor and integrity are always there and never go out of style.Also read: How many seasons of Game of Thrones are there?