Why was Ned Stark a man of honor?

Image source Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ned_Stark. I claim no ownership.

Ned Stark is one of the key characters in Game of Thrones. Much of his love from the fans is because of his concept of honor. But why was Ned Stark a man of honor?

Perhaps it can be broken down to its constituent elements of honor in the context of Ned Stark:

• Mercy
• Defending those who needed it most — specifically think about Sansa

Perhaps watch this video to get more perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvXPYhK_LiI

© Charles Edward Andrew Lincoln IV