The pivotal moment revealing Jon Snow’s true parentage arrives in Season 7, Episode 7, “The Dragon and the Wolf.” This episode marks the culmination of years of speculation and subtle hints, confirming the long-theorized R+L=J theory.
A Deep Dive into “The Dragon and the Wolf”
While the seeds of Jon Snow’s heritage were sown throughout the series, “The Dragon and the Wolf” finally delivers the definitive revelation. This occurs through a series of flashbacks visualized by Bran Stark, the Three-Eyed Raven, and his ability to see past, present, and future events.
Bran, utilizing his powers, witnesses the secret wedding of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen in Dorne. The scene is further cemented with the confirmation that Jon is not a bastard named Snow, but rather a legitimate heir named Aegon Targaryen. This makes him the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, a fact that carries significant weight as the show progresses.
The episode skillfully weaves this revelation into the broader narrative. It also serves to heighten the tension between the central characters. Daenerys, Jon, Cersei, and others are caught in a complex web of alliances and betrayals. Discovering Jon’s claim to the throne drastically reshapes the political landscape and dramatically influences the final season.
Beyond the Flashback: Context and Ramifications
The impact of this revelation transcends a simple birth certificate confirmation. It fundamentally alters our understanding of Jon’s character arc. He moves from being perceived as a bastard, burdened by his perceived illegitimacy, to a figure of immense political importance with a legitimate claim to the throne.
This also creates a complex and potentially volatile dynamic between Jon and Daenerys. While they initially forge a powerful alliance based on mutual respect and romantic feelings, the knowledge of Jon’s true identity inevitably introduces conflict and challenges their relationship. Daenerys’s ambition to rule, coupled with her belief in her own destiny, clashes with the reality that Jon is a more legitimate Targaryen heir.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jon Snow’s Parentage
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the intricate details surrounding Jon Snow’s parentage and its implications.
FAQ 1: What exactly is the R+L=J theory?
The R+L=J theory posits that Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark are Jon Snow’s parents. This theory was widely speculated on by fans long before its confirmation in the show. The letters stand for Rhaegar + Lyanna = Jon. It hinges on the mysterious circumstances surrounding Lyanna’s death during Robert’s Rebellion and the hints scattered throughout the books and the show about her relationship with Rhaegar.
FAQ 2: How did Bran Stark discover Jon’s parentage?
Bran Stark, after becoming the Three-Eyed Raven, gained the ability to perceive events from the past. He uses this power to witness the wedding of Rhaegar and Lyanna in Dorne. Bran sees their ceremony and hears Lyanna make Ned Stark promise to protect her son, thereby confirming Jon’s true parentage.
FAQ 3: Why did Ned Stark claim Jon was his bastard?
Ned Stark claimed Jon as his bastard to protect him from Robert Baratheon. Robert hated all Targaryens and would have undoubtedly killed Jon if he knew he was Rhaegar’s son. Ned, honoring his promise to Lyanna, chose to protect Jon’s life by raising him as his own illegitimate son. This act of selflessness solidified Ned’s image as a honorable man.
FAQ 4: Who is Aegon Targaryen?
Aegon Targaryen is Jon Snow’s true name. It was revealed during the flashback sequence showing Rhaegar and Lyanna’s wedding. This naming is significant because Aegon was also the name of Rhaegar’s first son with Elia Martell, who was killed during the Sack of King’s Landing.
FAQ 5: What are the implications of Jon being a Targaryen?
Jon being a Targaryen gives him a legitimate claim to the Iron Throne, arguably stronger than Daenerys’s claim. As a male heir, his claim supersedes hers according to Westerosi succession laws. This revelation also adds another layer of complexity to his relationship with Daenerys, both politically and personally.
FAQ 6: How did Gilly accidentally confirm the annulment of Rhaegar’s first marriage?
While reading through old records with Samwell Tarly in Oldtown, Gilly stumbles across information about an annulment granted to “Prince Rhaegar” which allowed him to remarry. This confirms that Rhaegar’s marriage to Elia Martell was annulled, making his marriage to Lyanna and Jon’s birth legitimate.
FAQ 7: Why is the annulment of Rhaegar’s first marriage so important?
The annulment is crucial because it removes the stigma of bastardy from Jon. Without the annulment, Jon would still be considered a bastard, even if Rhaegar and Lyanna were married. The annulment legitimizes his birthright and strengthens his claim to the Iron Throne.
FAQ 8: Did Rhaegar kidnap Lyanna?
The show strongly implies that Rhaegar and Lyanna were in love and chose to be together. While the exact circumstances remain somewhat ambiguous, the narrative leans towards a consensual relationship rather than a kidnapping. The books provide further nuances to this complicated relationship.
FAQ 9: How does Jon react to learning about his parentage?
Jon initially struggles to accept his Targaryen heritage. He grapples with the implications for his relationship with Daenerys and the weight of responsibility that comes with being a Targaryen heir. He remains committed to Daenerys and struggles with the conflict between loyalty and rightful claim.
FAQ 10: Does Daenerys know about Jon’s true parentage in Season 7?
No, Daenerys does not know about Jon’s true parentage in Season 7. Bran and Sam only confirm this information toward the very end of the season. Daenerys learns about it later in the final season, which adds significant tension to their relationship and affects her decisions.
FAQ 11: What role does Samwell Tarly play in revealing Jon’s lineage?
Samwell Tarly, researching historical records in Oldtown, provides Gilly with access to the information about Rhaegar’s annulment. While Gilly is the one who initially reads the passage, Sam understands the implications and relays this crucial information to Bran, who then uses his powers to confirm the validity of Rhaegar and Lyanna’s marriage and Jon’s true name.
FAQ 12: How did the revelation of Jon’s parentage affect the final season of Game of Thrones?
The revelation significantly impacted the final season. It created a power struggle between Jon and Daenerys. This added tension and ultimately contributed to Daenerys’s descent into madness, as she felt her claim to the throne was threatened by Jon’s existence. This also influenced key decisions made by other characters, leading to the dramatic events of the series finale.