It wasn't all a simple tale though. Shireen knew Jon Stark was decisive and ruthless, and the execution of two hundred Bolton men-at-arms by his hand proved that. Her father Stannis had long taught her the importance of duty and justice, and Shireen had read about the First Men's ancient tradition of meting out justice by one's hand. She was impressed. All the heads were then arranged on the spikes around the entrances of Winterfell, reminiscent of how Theon Stark dealt with the Andals who dared raid the North.