The Unforgettable Resurrection of Jon Snow & 19 Mind-Blowing Game of Thrones Revelations Unveiled

Summary

Jon Snow's resurrection in Game of Thrones is explained more thoroughly in George R.R. Martin's books, offering a better understanding of this pivotal moment.

House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, could uncover more answers to long-standing mysteries in the series by exploring the rich history of House Targaryen. Additionally, some significant enigmas in Game of Thrones, including the Valyrian steel dagger's origin and the fate of Howland Reed, may not be as ambiguous as they initially seemed.

Jon Snow's resurrection was a highly significant moment in Game of Thrones, but the explanation for how and why it occurred has been unsatisfactory. Despite the importance of Jon Snow's death in the season 5 finale, "Mother's Mercy," the expected narrative justification for it was never provided in season 8. This lack of explanation is not the only mystery that Game of Thrones has left unresolved. Given the intricate history and lore of the show's world, there are numerous aspects that are difficult to clarify in a television format.

However, viewers can turn to George R.R. Martin's books for additional information and a better understanding of these mysteries, including Jon Snow's resurrection. Furthermore, the upcoming season 2 of House of the Dragon, which promises the introduction of five new dragons, as well as other world-building elements, may delve deeper into the history of House Targaryen, Old Valyria, and Westeros. This could potentially provide more answers to long-standing mysteries in Game of Thrones. Ultimately, through the combined knowledge from Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and Martin's novels, several of the show's biggest mysteries are not as unexplained as they initially appear.

20 Why Did Aegon Invade Westeros?

The reign of the Targaryens in Westeros commenced with Aegon the Conqueror. In season 1 of Game of Thrones, Jorah Mormont points out that despite lacking a rightful claim to the throne, Aegon seized power due to his possession of dragons. This portrayed him as a formidable conqueror with a desire to exert control over as much territory as possible.

However, House of the Dragon reveals that Aegon's motives were more noble than initially believed. King Viserys I Targaryen discloses a closely held secret, passed down through generations, which states that Aegon foresaw an invading army that only the Targaryen dragons could defeat. Consequently, he believed it was imperative for the Targaryens to rule Westeros. While Viserys lacked certainty about the accuracy of this prophecy, it is now evident that it pertained to the White Walkers, even if the Targaryen dragons were not ultimately responsible for their defeat.

19 Where Did The Dagger Come From?

Valyrian steel played a crucial role in Game of Thrones, as it was revealed that these weapons were the only ones capable of slaying White Walkers. Among them, one weapon stood out as exceptionally significant - the Valyrian steel dagger. Initially seen in the hands of a potential assassin sent to kill Bran Stark, it was suggested by Littlefinger that the dagger belonged to Tyrion Lannister.

Years later, Littlefinger returned the dagger to Bran, who subsequently passed it on to Arya. Ultimately, Arya used the dagger to eliminate the Night King. Though the journey to this point was lengthy, it became evident that the dagger's purpose all along was linked to Aegon the Conqueror. The dagger bore an inscription related to the "Prince who Was Promised" and the "Song of Ice and Fire," foretelling the battle against the White Walkers.

18 What Happened To Howland Reed?

Despite his limited presence in the books and the show, Howland Reed continues to arouse curiosity. His appearance is solely witnessed in Bran's vision, as he fights alongside young Ned Stark at the Tower of Joy in an attempt to rescue Lyanna Stark post-Robert Baratheon's victory. Howland's notable action involves saving Ned by defeating Arthur Dayne, however, he does not appear again thereafter.

The fascination surrounding Howland Reed stems from the fact that he becomes the sole living individual aware of what transpired at the Tower of Joy, including Jon Snow's true parentage, following Ned's demise. Furthermore, as the father of Jojen and Meera Reed, it is believed that Howland kept his experiences from the rebellion to himself, leading a secluded existence and taking Ned's secret to the grave.

17 Why Jon Snow Was Resurrected?

The episode titled "Mother's Mercy" in season 5 of Game of Thrones depicts Jon Snow's demise, as his fellow members of The Night's Watch brutally stab him. However, in season 6, episode 2, titled "Home," Jon Snow is miraculously brought back to life through the efforts of Melisandre. The Lord of Light, who remains enigmatic, is believed to have required the sacrifice of Shireen by Melisandre in order to ensure Jon's resurrection, emphasizing the belief that "only death can pay for life."

With the potential appearance of Melisandre in the second season of the House of the Dragon prequel, it is possible that the show could delve further into unraveling the reasons behind the Lord of Light's wish to keep Jon Snow alive, particularly considering that it was Arya who ultimately killed The Night King. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Martin will follow the same path of Jon Snow's resurrection in the books.

16 What Is The Night King's Backstory?

Despite being portrayed as the series' greatest threat, little is known about the Night King. He led the Army of the Dead, was the first White Walker, and had a simple objective of conquering Westeros. The books, on the other hand, do not confirm the existence of a single leader among the White Walkers. Although there is a legend about a Lord Commander of the Night's Watch called the Night's King, he is a completely separate character.

In the books, the Night's King is a human who falls in love with a pale-skinned being, crowning themselves as king and queen, before being defeated by the Night's Watch. Game of Thrones did reveal that the White Walkers were created by the Children of the Forest to combat the First Men. However, the identity and backstory of the Night King, much like Jon Snow's resurrection, remain shrouded in mystery.

15 What Were The White Walker's Symbols?

The symbols and designs left behind by the White Walkers after their massacres have long been a source of mystery. Characters would stumble upon the aftermath of a White Walker attack and find the bodies of their victims arranged in intricate patterns, often using severed limbs.

Although these symbols may appear significant to the White Walkers themselves, they were actually first created by the Children of the Forest and hold great religious or ideological importance for them. Since the White Walkers were brought into existence by the Children of the Forest, their use of these designs, employing dead bodies, serves as a deliberate act of disrespect or blasphemy towards their creators.

14 Who Is The Three-Eyed Raven?

Bran Stark eventually becomes the Three-Eyed Raven, but before him, there was another who taught him the powers. The origin of this previous Three-Eyed Raven is not mentioned or alluded to in the series, where he serves as Bran's mentor. However, the books provide more information about who this enigmatic figure truly was.

Clues suggest that the Three-Eyed Raven was Brynden Rivers, a Targaryen bastard and the great-grandson of Rhaenerys and Daemon Targaryen from House of the Dragon. Although he was once a lord, he chose to join the Night's Watch and eventually went missing while beyond the Wall.

13 How Did Littlefinger And Olenna Tyrell Poison Joffrey At His Wedding?

Joffrey Baratheon, a widely despised character in Game of Thrones, met his demise at his own wedding, much to the delight of the crowd. Although Tyrion Lannister was accused of the murder, it was later revealed that Littlefinger and Olenna Tyrell were the true culprits. However, the manner in which the assassination took place remained a topic of uncertainty among many.

According to the books, Littlefinger had provided Sansa with a necklace containing a concealed poison tablet disguised as a precious gem. During a rewatch of the episode, keen-eyed viewers could observe Olenna expressing admiration for Sansa's necklace, implying that she removed the gem and introduced it into Joffrey's wine. Similar to the heart-wrenching death of Jon Snow, the unsettling weddings depicted in Game of Thrones continue to haunt longtime fans.

12 Where DoesThe Power Of Valyrian Steel Come From?

The White Walkers proved themselves capable of conquering Westeros through sheer force. However, it was later revealed that these fearsome creatures could be vanquished with the rare and sought-after Valyrian steel. This legendary metal was crafted in the ancient kingdom of Valyria, where dragonlords reigned supreme. It is believed that Valyrian steel was forged using dragonfire, granting it unique abilities and making it the ultimate weapon against the White Walkers. Interestingly, not only the Targaryens, but also numerous noble houses in Game of Thrones possess ancestral weapons forged from Valyrian steel. This suggests that the source of the steel's power may extend beyond the ruins of Old Valyria.

11 What Really Happened To Tyrion's First Wife?

In season 1 of Game of Thrones, Tyrion recounts a heart-wrenching tale about his youthful romance and subsequent marriage. However, his joy is short-lived, as Tywin, his father, confronts him with a devastating revelation. According to Tywin, the woman Tyrion fell in love with was actually employed by Jaime to feign affection towards him. This revelation sheds light on Tywin's cruel treatment of his son. Interestingly, the novels offer a deeper understanding of this tale. In a candid conversation with Tyrion, Jaime discloses that it was Tywin who coerced him into fabricating the story, and the woman in question actually did harbor genuine feelings for Tyrion. This shocking revelation ultimately drives Tyrion to commit the unspeakable act of killing his own father, Tywin.

10 What Caused The Doom Of Valyria?

In Game of Thrones season 5, Tyrion and Jorah embark on a treacherous journey through the ruined lands of Valyria, where they mention a catastrophic event from Westeros' past: the Doom of Valyria. Neither the TV show nor the books provide a definitive explanation for this event. However, it is evident that the volcanoes within the Valyrian empire simultaneously erupted, resulting in the complete destruction of an entire civilization and the emergence of a new peninsula.

Whether the Doom was the result of magical forces or natural phenomena, it effectively wiped out the entire Valyrian empire, except for House Targaryen, who had already departed Valyria before the catastrophe, thanks to Daenerys Targaryen's prophetic dreams. The book Fire and Blood notes that Princess Aerea likely returned to Valyria on the mighty dragon Balerion. Sadly, Aerea became desperately ill upon her arrival and ultimately perished. Even Balerion himself barely survived the ordeal, raising questions about the mysteries that lie amidst the ruins of Valyria.

9 Who Sent The Assassin To Kill Bran?

The first mystery in Game of Thrones revolves around Bran Stark's potential killer. In the show, this character is the first to wield the catspaw dagger. Bran, the son of Ned and Catelyn, finds himself on the brink of death after being pushed from a tower by Jaime Lannister. In "The Kingsroad," Catelyn is by her son's side when they are attacked by an unknown assailant armed with a Valyrian steel dagger.

In the books, it is revealed that Joffrey sent the stranger to murder Bran. The young prince, after overhearing Robert express that death would be a mercy, sends the assassin in an unsettling attempt to impress the king. In the show, there are indications that Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish may have been behind the assassination attempt on Bran. This aligns with his strategy of creating chaos and taking advantage of resulting power vacuums.

8 How Did Magister Illyrio Obtain The Dragon Eggs?

Daenerys Targaryen is presented with three dragon eggs by Magister Illyrio during her wedding to Khal Drogo. The eggs are said to originate from the Shadow Lands beyond Asshai, but their true origin remains unknown. However, George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood offers a potential explanation.

According to the Targaryen history book, three dragon eggs were stolen from Dragonstone by Elissa Farman, the lover of Rhaena Targaryen. Elissa then sold the eggs to the Sealord of Braavos, who attempted unsuccessfully to hatch dragons of his own. If the House of the Dragon series explores the aftermath of the Dance of the Dragons, it could potentially unveil the truth behind this mystery.

7 What Are The Origins Of The Faceless Men?

The Faceless Men played a crucial role in Arya's journey to becoming a skilled assassin, yet their mysterious nature is still present in the world of Game of Thrones. Arya first encounters the Faceless Assassins when she meets Jaqen H'ghar. Later, she leaves Westeros and undergoes training at the House of Black and White in Braavos. She eventually returns, carrying out some of the most brutal killings in the Game of Thrones saga.

According to the books, it is revealed that the Faceless Men originated from enslaved individuals who were forced to work in volcanic caves by the Valyrian dragonlords. The speculation within A Song of Ice and Fire suggests that they could potentially be responsible for the catastrophic Doom of Valyria.

6 How Do Bran's Visions Work?

Bran's powers, like Melisandre's abilities and Jon Snow's resurrection, remain unknown throughout the series. As the reigning King of Westeros, Bran learns how to warg into animals and other people, and later enhances his abilities with the help of the Three-Eyed Raven. The source material reveals that Bran's ability to warg is connected to his Stark blood, similar to how the Targaryens have a natural bond with dragons. By looking through the faces carved into weirwood trees, Bran is able to see visions from the past and present. It is suggested that all the Starks possess the ability to warg into animals. Given the many enigmas surrounding Bran, there is ongoing debate about his powers and destiny.

5 What Killed The Dragons?

The death of the dragons inflicted a significant blow upon House Targaryen, indicating the gradual downfall of their dynasty. The Dance of the Dragons, a Targaryen civil war, resulted in the demise of numerous dragons, including Vhagar, Caraxes, Syrax, Vermithor, Sunfyre, Dreamfyre, and Meleys the Red Queen. Although the Dance contributed to the demise of many dragons, Archmaester Marwyn suggests that the maesters, who harbored a disdain for magic, played a part in their extinction.

Additionally, the suffering of the Targaryen dragons commenced when Daenerys' ancestors began confining them in the Dragonpit. It is evident that there would have been a greater number of dragons in the Game of Thrones universe if House Targaryen had not eliminated them during the Dance of the Dragons. Amongst the mysteries of Game of Thrones, this particular one is the most likely to be fully explained as House of the Dragon concludes.

4 How Did The Mad King Lose His Mind?

The presence of the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen, may not be physically depicted in the series, but his influence profoundly affects the storyline. Aerys perpetrated numerous heinous acts, such as ordering the executions of Rickard and Brandon Stark, inflicting harm on Queen Rhaella, and conspiring to annihilate King's Landing using wildfire. Oddly enough, Aerys exhibited little indication of the tyrant he would ultimately become in his younger years.

His sanity began deteriorating due to the tragedy of multiple stillbirths, but it was his six-month captivity during the Defiance of Duskendale that ultimately led to the downfall of this Targaryen ruler. Furthermore, a speculative theory, emerging after the "The Door" episode of Game of Thrones, suggests that Bran intervened in the past and influenced Aerys, whispering to him and causing his descent into madness. Regardless, Aerys will forever be remembered as the most despised monarch in the history of Westeros.

3 Why Did Robert And Ned Rebell Against The Targaryens?

Aerys' son, Rhaegar Targaryen, and Ned's sister, Lyanna Stark, played significant roles in shaping the events of the series. Their relationship was at the core of Robert's Rebellion, as Lyanna, who was promised to Robert, was believed to have been abducted by Rhaegar, which fueled Robert's anger. However, there were other contributing factors that led to the downfall of House Targaryen.

In a brutal act, the Mad King mercilessly executed Ned's father, Rickard, and his older brother, Brandon. He then demanded the heads of Ned and Robert from Jon Arryn. Jon, prioritizing the safety of his wards, assembled his forces and joined the war. It was eventually revealed that Lyanna willingly married Rhaegar out of love and not due to any form of kidnapping.

2 What Do The Three Heads Of The Dragon Signify?

The Targaryen sigil, depicting a three-headed dragon, symbolizes Aegon's Conquest of Westeros and the pivotal roles played by Aegon Targaryen and his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, who were all dragonriders. Throughout the duration of Game of Thrones, several theories emerged suggesting that Daenerys and Jon Snow would become dragonriders, representing two of the three heads, while characters like Tyrion and Bran could potentially be the third head. However, it is important to note that the House Targaryen sigil primarily represents their rich history and significant legacy.

1 What Was Maggy The Frog's Prophecy?

The series introduces an important prophecy involving a young Cersei and a mysterious woods witch named Maggy the Frog. In a flashback from season 5's "The Wars to Come," Cersei seeks out the witch and receives a series of ominous prophecies about her future. Maggy predicts that Cersei will become queen but will eventually be overthrown by a younger, more beautiful woman. The rivalry between Cersei Lannister and Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones suggests that Margaery may fulfill this role in Maggy's prophecy.

Maggy also warns Cersei about the deaths of her children, although the show does not include the prophecy of Cersei's own death at the hands of the "valonqar," which means little brother. Many viewers speculated that this referred to Jaime or Tyrion, as they are both Cersei's younger brothers, or even any other little brother in the series. However, the Game of Thrones finale reveals that Maggy's prophecy actually pertained to Daenerys Targaryen, as Cersei meets her demise under the collapse of the Red Keep.