Jeor Mormont

Jeor Mormont is a character in Game of Thrones. He is played by James Cosmo and debuts in the third episde of the first season.

Jeor Mormont, nicknamed "The Old Bear", is the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, which he commands from his headquarters at the fortress of Castle Black. Jeor Mormont was once the head of House Mormont and Lord of Bear Island until he abdicated his seat in favor of his son, Ser Jorah Mormont, and joined the Night's Watch. He rapidly rose through the ranks to become Lord Commander. His son Jorah disgraced himself and fled to the Free Cities, leaving Jeor's sister Maege in charge of the house.

Lord Snow
Lord Commander Mormont watches the new trainees practicing and talks to Tyrion Lannister about their lack of resources. He and Maester Aemon later request that Tyrion bring word of their problems to the King and Queen and ask for their help.

You Win or You Die
Some time later, the Lord Commander chooses Jon Snow, a bastard son of Lord Stark, as his personal steward.

The Pointy End
When two dead Night's Watchmen are brought into Castle Black, Sam notices that they haven't rotted, to which Jeor comments that even though Sam is a coward, he is not stupid. Later Jeor receives word via raven that Ned Stark has been declared a traitor and arrested. He calls for Ned's bastard son Jon Snow and informs him of this. Jon does not take the news lightly, but Jeor reminds him of his duty before attempting to comfort him on his sisters' safety. Later Jon attempts to stab another member of the Night's Watch who mocked his family for being traitors. Jeor witnesses this and confines Jon to quarters.

Later Jeor enters his own quarters to find Jon fighting a Wight. Despite them thinking it slain, the Wight rises and pulls Jon's sword out of its abdomen. Jon throws Jeor's lantern on it, lighting it on fire.

In the books
In the Song of Ice and Fire novels Jeor Mormont is old but still hale and capable of wielding a sword in battle. He is a strong, resolute leader, a formidable battle commander and is also fearless in the face of adversity. He is deeply concerned by the declining power of the Watch and the rising threat of the wildling King-beyond-the-Wall, Mance Rayder.