The Targaryen Revelation: Unveiling the True Predecessors of Jon Snow

Summary

Jon Snow's true parentage as a Targaryen and rightful heir to the Iron Throne created conflicts with his loyalty and romance with Queen Daenerys Targaryen.

Ned Stark and his friend Howland Reed were aware of Jon's true parentage and discreetly safeguarded the information to ensure his safety. It is possible that other individuals like Wylla and Ashara Dayne, who are mentioned in the books, might also possess knowledge regarding Jon's true origins.

Jon Snow's true identity as a Targaryen, the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, was known to some despite remaining a secret for a long time. In Game of Thrones season 7, it was revealed that Jon was actually the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne. However, he was raised as Ned Stark's bastard to protect him from Robert, who would have surely killed him if his true parentage was discovered. While Jon eventually learned the truth in season 8, there were other characters who were aware of his Targaryen lineage before he was. This revelation created conflicts of loyalty and romance, particularly with Queen Daenerys Targaryen, as Jon's claim to the throne challenged her position. Despite Jon trying to keep his heritage hidden, the information quickly spread among his supporters, including Lady Sansa Stark, who saw him as a contender for the throne. What was once Westeros' best-kept secret for over two decades eventually became common knowledge among the nobility. It should be noted that while the show addressed Jon's parentage, the A Song of Ice and Fire books have yet to do so.

Ned Stark

In Game of Thrones and the books, only Ned Stark knew that Jon Snow was a Targaryen. In season 6 of the show, the Three-Eyed Raven takes Bran back in time to when Lyanna died giving birth, where she asks Ned to promise her something before giving him the baby. The true identity of the baby, Jon Snow, is not confirmed until the end of season 7. This revelation proves that Ned was always Jon's uncle and had to keep the secret of Lyanna and Rhaegar's child.

Knowing that Robert would kill Jon if he knew the truth, Ned lied to his best friend for their entire lives. Most of Westeros believes that Jon is Ned's illegitimate son from a woman he met during war. While this tarnished Ned's honor publicly, Game of Thrones reveals that Ned maintained his honor all along by keeping a promise to his dying sister. The books still suggest that Ned could be Jon's father, but it is certain that Ned is the only one who knows the truth about Jon's parentage.

Howland Reed

In Game of Thrones, it was revealed in a Ned flashback that he wasn't the only one who knew about Jon Snow's true parentage as a Targaryen. Howland Reed, the father of Jojen and Meera, was present when Ned's sister Lyanna died. This suggests that Howland knew that Jon wasn't Ned's biological son. Even if Ned didn't explicitly share Jon's father's identity, it would have been easy for others to make the connection.

According to the story, Rhaegar Targaryen had allegedly kidnapped and raped Lyanna, leading to her death. Therefore, finding Lyanna with a baby implied that Jon was Rhaegar's child. In the books, although Howland wasn't physically present in the tower with Ned, he was the one who ultimately persuaded Ned to leave Lyanna's lifeless body. Author George R.R. Martin disclosed that Howland Reed wouldn't have a point of view in the A Song of Ice and Fire books because he possesses extensive knowledge, hinting that he is also aware of Jon's parentage in the novels.

Bran Stark

In the books, Bran Stark did not know that Jon Snow was a Targaryen. However, in Game of Thrones, Bran was the first character to confirm that Jon's parents were Lyanna and Rhaegar. At the end of season 6, Bran had a vision with the Three-Eyed Raven, where he discovered that Jon was Lyanna's son. The details about Jon's father were revealed in season 7.

Initially, Bran believed that Jon was still a bastard, but he later learned about Jon and Lyanna's secret marriage with the help of Sam. In the season 7 finale, Bran witnessed the marriage of Lyanna Stark and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen in a vision. This confirmed that Jon, also known as Aegon Targaryen, was their legitimate son and the rightful heir to the Iron Throne.

Samwell Tarly

Samwell Tarly was the one who found out about Jon Snow's true parentage before Jon himself, thanks to Bran Stark. In their meeting at the end of Game of Thrones season 7, Bran confides in Sam that Jon needs to know the truth about his origins. This knowledge is entrusted to Sam, who is becoming the Grand Maester.

However, unbeknownst to Bran, Sam had already stumbled upon the complete truth about Jon's parentage during his time at the Citadel with Gilly. While reading High Septon Maynard's diary, Gilly discovered that Rhaegar's marriage to Elia Martell had been annulled, and he later secretly married another woman in Dorne. When Sam hears from Bran that Jon's parents are Rhaegar and Lyanna, he realizes that Lyanna Stark was the secret woman Rhaegar married. This revelation not only establishes Jon as their legitimate son but also positions him as a Targaryen heir.

Wylla

In Game of Thrones season 1, Wylla is briefly mentioned when Robert and Ned reminisce about the rebellion. Robert questions Ned about the mother of his illegitimate child, referred to as "Wylla," which Ned confirms. However, Ned never brings up Wylla again and unfortunately, he dies before revealing the truth about Jon's mother. While Wylla is not portrayed as Jon's biological mother in the TV series, it remains a possibility in the books.

According to George R.R. Martin's books, Wylla is described as a long-time wet nurse in service to House Dayne. The details of how she came to know Ned are unclear. However, a character named Edric "Ned" Dayne tells Arya Stark that he and Jon Snow are "milk brothers," as they both shared Wylla's care as infants. Dayne is younger than Jon and Ned and thus does not have firsthand knowledge of their time at Starfall. Nevertheless, he believes that Wylla is Jon's mother.

Ashara Dayne

Although it has not been officially confirmed, speculation suggests that Ashara Dayne might be another contender for the role of Jon Snow's mother in the books. If true, this would imply that she possesses knowledge regarding the truth about Jon's parentage. Prior to Robert’s Rebellion, Ashara was believed to be a romantic interest of Ned's, but her storyline seemingly ended tragically when she threw herself out of a window and into the sea at Starfall, following the rebellion. Catelyn, having caught wind of rumors circulating throughout the realm, held the belief that Ashara was Jon Snow's mother, yet Ned never validated this claim.

The extent of Ashara Dayne’s knowledge regarding Jon’s parentage remains a mystery both in Game of Thrones and the books. If The Winds of Winter were to reveal Ashara as Jon’s mother, she would have been privy to the secret. Additionally, it is likely that she would be aware of the truth if her wet nurse is indeed Jon’s mother. It is also plausible that when Ned visited Starfall, he disclosed the truth about Jon being a Targaryen to both Ashara and Wylla. However, the books may never definitively confirm her knowledge.

Did Jon's Targaryen Lineage Matter In Game Of Thrones?

Regarding the final seasons of Game of Thrones, the question still remains as to whether the revelation of Jon Snow being a Targaryen holds any significant importance to the overall plot. At the time of its disclosure, it seemed like a pivotal moment that heightened the stakes by introducing the concept of a prophesied hero and a showdown between the two remaining Targaryens, Jon and Daenerys, for the Iron Throne. However, the truth of Jon's lineage ultimately played a marginal role in shaping the conclusion of Game of Thrones.

After discovering his true lineage as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, Jon's presence in the series noticeably diminished. Throughout the final season, he primarily observed others taking on crucial roles while firmly asserting his disinterest in ruling. Surprisingly, the show neglected to acknowledge the significance of Jon essentially solidifying himself as the last remaining Targaryen by killing Daenerys. Furthermore, it failed to address the fact that Jon, as the heir to the Iron Throne, chose to spend his life Beyond the Wall. In the novels, it is conceivable that Jon could find himself in a similar predicament, with George R.R. Martin potentially imbuing it with bittersweet poetic justice. While Jon being a Targaryen may not have been destined to result in his ascension to the Iron Throne, it should have carried weight for his character development. Having lived as a nameless bastard his whole life, now newly identified as Aegon Targaryen, the show missed the opportunity to explore the implications of this revelation beyond Jon forming a bond with Daenerys's dragons and briefly flying them.

How House Of The Dragon Is Making Jon Snow's Targaryen Lineage Matter

House of the Dragon delves deeper into Jon's Targaryen ancestry, highlighting the significance of his family history despite its limited impact on GoT's line of succession. In this series, King Viserys presents his heir Rhaenyra Targaryen with the Catspaw dagger, a familiar artifact infamous for its connection to the attempted assassination of Bran Stark in Game of Thrones season 1. The Valyrian steel weapon carries a story from Viserys, revealing Aegon's dream which encompasses the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy and the Prince that was Promised. This suggests that the Targaryens were aware of the impending threat of the White Walkers, motivating Aegon to conquer Westeros and unite the realm in preparation for the invasion. The prophecy concludes with the Targaryens being the saviors of Westeros from the White Walkers, and Aegon's dream ultimately comes true in various ways.

Although Arya emerged as the victor in the battle against the Night King, Jon Snow played a crucial role in ensuring the survival of the people of Westeros. With his ability to ride a dragon and eliminate hordes of White Walkers, along with his time spent beyond the Wall, Jon made a significant contribution to the defeat of the Night King. Ultimately, the competition for the Iron Throne narrowed down to Jon and Dany, both of whom were technically Targaryens.

Despite neither Jon nor Dany ultimately sitting on the Iron Throne, as Dany descended into madness and Jon was sent back to the Wall (with the Throne being destroyed), Game of Thrones confirms that these were the two Targaryens referred to in Aegon's House of the Dragon dream. This further underscores the importance of Jon's Targaryen lineage, even though it was irrelevant in the realm of Westerosi politics. The prophecy was never about seizing power; it was about protecting the people of Westeros from a genuine and imminent threat, a warning that unfortunately became misunderstood.

Jon's Targaryen Heritage Should Be Explored More In His Spin-Off

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The upcoming Jon Snow spinoff has the potential to delve deeper into Jon Snow's lineage, an aspect that is crucial for the series. With House of the Dragon casting the spotlight on the Targaryen family, interest in their history has reached new heights. It is worth noting that Jon Snow is a part of this notable family. Kit Harington, the actor who portrays Jon Snow, hinted in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the character's future journey will involve confronting the traumas he has endured, including his connection to the Targaryens.

Reflecting on the immense challenges faced by Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, Harington stated, "He has to return to the place haunted by all the memories: the anguish of killing Dany, the heartbreak of losing Ygritte, the guilt of hanging Olly. All of these traumatic experiences will shape his future, which is intriguing." While the upcoming spinoff is expected to touch upon Jon Snow's father, the extent of this exploration is yet to be revealed.