Jeor Mormont

Jeor Mormont is a character in Game of Thrones. He is played by James Cosmo and will debut in the first season.

Jeor Mormont, nicknamed the Old Bear, is the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, which he commands from his headquarters in the castle of Castle Black. Jeor Mormont was once the head of House Mormont and Lord of Bear Island until he abdicated his seat in favour 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, Jeor's sister Maege in charge of the house.

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.