Bran Stark, utilizing his powers as the Three-Eyed Raven, finally uncovers the truth about Jon Snow’s parentage in Season 7, Episode 7, “The Dragon and the Wolf.” This revelation is pivotal in altering the political landscape of Westeros and shaping the events leading to the ultimate confrontation with the Night King.
The Moment of Truth: Bran Sees the Past
Bran’s ability to witness past events allows him to piece together the fragmented memories of his earlier visions. He finally sees Lyanna Stark in the Tower of Joy, giving birth to a baby boy.
Connecting the Dots: How Bran Assembled the Pieces
Bran needed to connect several key pieces of information to arrive at the truth. These included:
- Lyanna Stark’s Death: He knew Lyanna had died in the Tower of Joy, but the circumstances were unclear.
- Ned Stark’s Promise: He saw Ned promising Lyanna something as she lay dying.
- Littlefinger’s Deception: He was aware of Littlefinger’s manipulation and lies, leading him to distrust narratives surrounding Jon Snow’s birth.
By accessing these memories and using his Three-Eyed Raven abilities, Bran could finally piece together the truth that Ned Stark had protected Jon, not as his bastard, but as his nephew.
The Vital Role of Samwell Tarly
While Bran could see the past, Samwell Tarly plays a crucial role in solidifying the truth. Sam, through his readings at the Citadel, discovers that Rhaegar Targaryen had annulled his marriage to Elia Martell and remarried Lyanna Stark. This crucial piece of information, combined with Bran’s visions, proves definitively that Jon Snow is not a bastard, but a legitimate Targaryen heir.
Why This Revelation Matters
The reveal of Jon Snow’s true parentage has significant implications for the Iron Throne and the future of Westeros.
Challenging the Line of Succession
Jon Snow is not merely a Targaryen; he is the legitimate heir, his birth name being Aegon Targaryen. This places him ahead of Daenerys Targaryen in the line of succession, potentially challenging her claim to the Iron Throne.
The Political Fallout
The knowledge of Jon’s true identity becomes a dangerous weapon in the game of thrones. Cersei Lannister could exploit this to sow discord between Jon and Daenerys, and various factions could rally behind Jon, seeing him as the rightful king.
Impact on the Great War
Even beyond political maneuvering, Jon’s Targaryen heritage has implications for the Great War against the Night King. His bloodline ties him to dragons, making him a more formidable figure in the fight against the White Walkers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Was Ned Stark Jon Snow’s Father?
No, Ned Stark was not Jon Snow’s biological father. He claimed to be Jon’s father to protect him from Robert Baratheon, who would have likely ordered Jon’s death due to his Targaryen lineage.
Q2: Who is Jon Snow’s Mother?
Jon Snow’s mother is Lyanna Stark, Ned Stark’s sister.
Q3: Who is Jon Snow’s Father?
Jon Snow’s father is Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenerys Targaryen’s older brother.
Q4: What is Jon Snow’s Real Name?
Jon Snow’s real name is Aegon Targaryen, which Rhaegar bestowed upon him.
Q5: How did Bran Stark become the Three-Eyed Raven?
Bran became the Three-Eyed Raven after the previous one died, inheriting his power and memories during his training north of the Wall. This power allows him to see past, present, and potential future events.
Q6: What episode does Sam discover Rhaegar’s annulment?
Sam discovers Rhaegar’s annulment in Season 7, Episode 5, “Eastwatch.”
Q7: How did Ned Stark keep Jon Snow’s parentage a secret for so long?
Ned Stark upheld his sister’s dying wish to protect Jon. He took the secret to his grave, risking his own reputation by claiming Jon as his bastard. Robert Baratheon’s hatred for the Targaryens made it imperative to conceal Jon’s true identity.
Q8: Why did Lyanna Stark make Ned promise to protect Jon?
Lyanna knew that Robert Baratheon, her betrothed, would kill Jon if he knew the baby was a Targaryen. She extracted a promise from Ned to raise Jon as his own and conceal his true parentage to save his life.
Q9: How does Daenerys react to the news of Jon’s true identity?
Daenerys’ reaction is complex. While she is initially resistant to the idea of Jon being a legitimate Targaryen and having a stronger claim to the throne, she eventually accepts it. However, the revelation adds tension and complications to their relationship.
Q10: Does Jon Snow know that Daenerys is his aunt?
Eventually, Jon Snow learns that Daenerys is his aunt. This revelation comes after Bran and Sam confirm his true parentage and lineage.
Q11: What are the long-term consequences of Jon Snow’s lineage reveal?
The consequences are far-reaching. It creates a power struggle between Jon and Daenerys, influences alliances, and ultimately plays a crucial role in the events leading up to the final battle for the Iron Throne. Furthermore, it provides a crucial element for Bran to influence Jon to take action against Daenerys’ descent into tyranny.
Q12: Was Jon Snow aware of his Targaryen heritage before Bran and Sam revealed it?
No, Jon Snow was completely unaware of his Targaryen heritage. He believed himself to be Ned Stark’s bastard son his entire life. The revelation came as a complete surprise to him.