The upcoming Jon Snow spinoff could reveal more about Jon Snow's parents, which is exactly what the series needs. It might nothave been surprisingthanks to a famous theory, everyone saw this comingbut it was certainly satisfying. Heres how Tyrion found out about Jon Snow and who told him. Game of Thrones Season 8 premieres. Jon says that he was not a king. But who can imagine having to wait for even longer for Jon to find out he's a Targaryen on Game of Thrones? ", But Bran is all about the awkward these days. The Season 6 finale of Game of Thrones finally confirmed the theory that Jon Snow is the child of Lyanna Stark and Raegar Targaryen, albeit without actually saying it but, you know, basically saying it. Jons silence reveals to Sam that Daenerys had not told him. The extent of Ashara Daynes knowledge was never revealed in Game of Thrones, nor has it been explained in the books. His goal? A queen arrives at Westeros instead of a king, there are many reunions, and, in the end, Bran Stark sees Jaime Lannister. The prophecy was never about ruling it was about safeguarding the people of Westeros against a real and imminent danger, a warning that unfortunately became misconstrued. It is fleeting, but this description of Oberyn's sounds much more like an affair than an abduction. Reaction time. However, the Targaryens have a long history of incest, having spent over 300 years wedding brothers to sisters to keep their bloodline pure. Heres how it works. His father, we know, is Ned Stark, who returned from Robert's Rebellion with a child from another woman. Dad was there, but he's not your dad. Most people here and around the world had their own theories about the show. The other is a nice little easter egg for us to spot on re-watches, as we shame ourselves for not picking up on it then. In August in 1996, George R.R. Jon responds that he gave up his crown. But it's difficult when he is often required to march across kingdoms or wield his sword in battle. Ned brought Jon to Winterfell as a baby after fighting in Roberts Rebellion. Season four presented us with a new character in the show, Oberyn Martell, whose sister, Elia, was married to the late Rhaegar Targaryen. Would she do the same?". Season 7, Episode 5, "Eastwatch" may or may not be the time, but it certainly feels like we're getting close to that major revelation. Photo illustration by James Kim and Martin Gee for TIME; HBO, How Black Filmmakers Are Reclaiming Their History Onscreen. Jon asks what Sam is talking about. Will he sit back and let a woman like this take control of the Seven Kingdomsa woman whom his own sisters distrust? Fans are yearning to know when Jon Snow finds out about his parents, but he doesn't seem much closer to finding out than he was when it was revealed. That meant the baby resulting from that union who was named Aegon Targaryen but was raised as Jon Snow is a fully legitimate Targaryen heir . Game of Thrones biggest secret wasnt kept quiet for too long once Jon Snow discovered he was a Targaryen, with several characters having already been aware of Jon Snow's parents. "Next time we see each other, we'll talk about your mother. I also love how the story created to subvert popular fantasy tropes ended up subverting the most popular fantasy trope, while pissing off many fans who kinda forgot what type of story they were watching. The revelation that Rhaegar and Lyanna had a secret marriage proves that Jon Snow is the rightful King of Westeros, but Sam didn't get to hear all of the information before cutting off Gilly and leaving Oldtown. Martins books describe Wylla as a wet nurse who had served House Dayne for many years, though its unclear how she met Ned. However, theres no clues or scenes Tyrion shares with either Arya or Samwell to suggest they were the ones to tell him. Luckily for Daenerys, Jon Snow has never expressed a desire to rule anything or anybody. Warning: Spoilers for Season 8 episode 1 ahead. Besides, who would support Jon's claim to the Iron Throne. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. An inquisitive Tyrion says to Bran: Youve had a strange journey., Bran responds in his typically blunt manner: Stranger than most.. He claimed Jon as his son from an affair. All this Winterfell talk is still a mere possibility for Bran, as he makes his way down from north of The Wall. Game of Thrones: What were Missandeis last words? Later on in season seven, Jon has an intimate moment with Drogon, where the dragon of Daenerys looks into Jon's eyes, and allows him to rub his hand against his head. Robb is named after Robert Baratheon, Bran after Brandon Stark, Rickon after Rickard Stark. My theory is Jon can find Rhaegar Targaryen's harp in Lyanna's tomb in the crypts of Winterfell, along with A Song of Ice and Fire, written by Rhaegar for his son. Daenerys and Rhaegar (along with Viserys, for that matter) children of several generations of since. Your mother was Lyanna Stark and your father, your real father, was Rhaegar Targaryen. He trusted both of them to keep safe and protect themselves. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. This would all be very simple if Bran didn't also choose. Contents 1 Biography 1.1 Background Following Neds defeat of Arthur Dayne and the Targaryen kingsguard at the Tower of Joy, Lyanna made him promise to conceal Jons identity out of fear that Robert would kill Jon if he learned the real story. Jon does not accept it at first. Bran could tell Jon about his parents and inform him of the annulment, thus proving that he is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. That he is a Stark and a Targaryen? Sam makes his case. Oh! Jordan Williams is a Movie/TV Features Senior Staff Writer for Screen Rant, having been with the team since 2021. Someone better?. Jon says that Daenerys is their queen before Sam points out she should not be. Youre the true king. Distraught from learning that Daenerys executed his brother and father by fire, Sam goes to the crypts of Winterfell. While Sam is busy studying in the Citadel, so is Gilly. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. Both a Stark and a Targaryen, the reveal of Jon Snow's parents also meant that he was the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, which got in the way of his loyalty to (and romance with) Queen Daenerys Targaryen. Your mom is my aunt. As a refresher, Ned and Robert served as wards to Jon Arryn during their teenage years, and Jon Arryn treated Ned as if he was his own son, even though he was not. So Jon Snow isn't my half-brother.' ET on HBO. How will this knowledgeboth of the Tarlys and Jon's parentageimpact the union of fire and ice? And while having the audience finally know that R+L=J is all well and good, having it be revealed to Jon Snow himself is the next logical step. Tyrion arrives and tries to reason with Sansa, suggesting she pledges allegiance to Daenerys. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital "My father wouldnt even tell me her name. And your father, your real father, was Rhaegar Targaryen. Ever since fans learned last season in one of Bran's . Martin revealed that Howland Reed wont be a POV character in the A Song of Ice and Fire books because he knows too much, hinting he does also know the identity of Jons parents in the novels. Will he tell Daenerys the truth? That means his sons were named after his best friend, brother, and father. It was then that Bran discovered Jon Snow was truly Lyanna Starks son, with the details of Jon Snow's father coming about in season 7. Related: Game of Thrones: Jon Snow's Backstory & Real Name Explained. Understanding that Robert would kill Jon, a.k.a. But we still are pretty clueless as to the father, I think," he said. But Wright assuredBran isn't interested in that. How does the conquest go when another king and another dragon play their part and what does this mean to the past, present and future. Let us go back to where it all started: long before Jon Snow learned the truth and how he got to the point where he did. Youre Aegon Targaryen, true heir to the Iron Throne, Sam tells Jon in the crypts. The Season 6 finale of Game of Thrones finally confirmed the theory that Jon Snow is the child of Lyanna Stark and Raegar Targaryen, albeit without actually s aying it but, you know,. .css-o05pt{display:block;font-family:Didot,Didot-fallback,Georgia,Times,serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-shadow:0 0 0 #000,0 0 0.01em transparent;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-o05pt:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-o05pt{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.25rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-o05pt{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-o05pt{font-size:1.23488rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-top:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-o05pt{font-size:1.39461rem;line-height:1.2;margin-top:0.9375rem;}}The 30 Best TV Shows on Prime Video, Tan & Gigi Aren't Your Typical Reality Show Judges, Daisy Jones & The Six: Book vs Show Differences, 35 Classic Photos from the Academy Awards, 46 of the Coolest Set Photos in Movie History. Fortunately for Jon, two of his closest allies do know about Jon's true parentage, but will they tell him before he makes a major familial mistake? The truth about Jons parents has been one of the most enduring mysteries of Game of Thrones, with the series previously hinting at much of this information. He saw Jon's birth, with Ned Stark promising Lyanna Stark he would raise Jon as his own son, and not reveal that Jon is the son of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen (Dany's older bro) and Lyanna Stark (Ned's younger sis). Sam, the sensitive counterpoint to a very blunt Bran, explained to Jon that Lyanna swore Ned to secrecy. Now that the stage is set, this is only the beginning of the end. Jon can be KitN, but not a Stark. Robb's will does legitimize Jon as a Stark. How will the Stark children react when they discover that Jon is not really their half brother, but their cousin? One of the firsthints of this is a thread in a discussion forum from back in 2006, five years before Game of Thrones made its HBO debut - some of the first rumblings of R+L=J. There is a 75 percent chance she's listening to Lorde right now. It was right there before our eyes. However, it was never explicitly stated. His good friend Sam recently took up whatever the Game of Thrones version of an internship is, but didn't get much time to learn. After the assassination of Jon Snow by the coward Alliser Thorne, Jon's body is left in the snow for some time. Dayne was born several years after Jon Snow and Ned left, so he doesnt know the true circumstances of their time at Starfall, but believes that Wylla is Jons mother. but if Jon is a trueborn Targaryen than that aspect of the decree is null and void. Eventually, he was crowned as the first elected ruler of the Six Kingdoms, styled as Bran the Broken, the First of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Six Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm . Want more stuff like this? Historically, male heirs have been given preference over female ones in Westeros though Queen Cersei does currently sit on the throne. When Bran and Samwell meet at the end of Game of Thrones season 7, Bran explains that Jon needs to know the truth about himself, with the new Three-Eyed Raven trusting the soon-to-be Grand Maester with such information. Just in case it matters to them. WHAT DID JON SNOW SHOUT AT THE DRAGON AT THE BATTLE OF WINTERFELL? Jon is declared King in the North . While viewers dont see Jon and Bran tell Arya and Sansa the secret, its heavily implied thats the topic of their chat. - In the recently aired first episode of the last season of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow (finally) finds out his true lineage, after living his entire life under the shame and judgment of being a bastard. Ned did not answer. Jon learns the truth. They had been quietly married shortly before Rhaegar was killed by Robert and Lyanna died during childbirth. At the end of Game of Thrones season 7, its officially confirmed that Jon Snow is both a Stark and a Targaryen, the trueborn son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. Related: Game Of Thrones: Why Jon Snows Targaryen Heritage Didnt Matter. Will Dany fight alongside Jon if he would get the throne over her? Why the vague wording here? And although Ned never tells Jon who his mother is, A Game of Thrones is filled with foreshadowing of what's to come: Tales of Rhaegar Targaryen allegedly raping Jon's aunt Lyanna Stark, and, from Daenerys Targaryen's perspective, a love story between Rhaegar and Lyanna. It remains to be seen how the rest of Westeros might feel about that. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. That leaves Sam up to bat. I dont know if shes a noblewoman, or a fishermans wife, or a whore.". To refresh your memory, Rhaegar was the eldest son of the Mad King who had two children with his first wife, Elia. WHAT DID MISSANDEI'S FINAL WORDS MEAN ON GAME OF THRONES? In Season 6, Bran Stark worked on a vision for numerous episodes. And, when Martin's saga was adapted for television, it was the most popular theory among fans of the HBO show. Since Rhaegar is Jon Snow's biological father, Daenerys is therefore his aunt. New episodes of the hit series air Sundays at 9 p.m. George R.R. Heres How It Will Affect. Behind him is a wooden beam, that looks like it has two letters distinctly carved into it: R and L. R+L=J. Up to this point, the only narrative that we had been presented with was that Rhaegar left Elia, andtook Lyanna against her will. At the end of Game of Thrones season 7, it's officially confirmed that Jon Snow is both a Stark and a Targaryen, the trueborn son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. Don't forget there are only seven episodes this year, so we are already more than halfway through the penultimate season. He also knows that his Uncle Benjen was actually alive (kind of) and then watched him get attacked by a horde of wights literally seconds after discovering that he was still alive. Jon Snow swore Sansa and sister Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) to secrecy before he and Bran decided to reveal the truth to the pair. RELATED:Game of Thrones: 16 Things You Need To Know About Rhaegar Targaryen, "Another wedding - my sister Elia and Rhaegar Targaryen, the last dragon," Oberyn said to Tyrion Lannister. Even if Ned hadnt directly told Howland that Jons father was Rhaegar Targaryen, anyone in the realm could have guessed as much. As expected, Ned kept his word to Lyanna, with Jon only finding out his true name is Aegon Targaryen at the beginning of Game of Thrones season 8. Game of Thrones Ned flashback revealed that he wasnt the only character who knew about Jon Snow's mother all along, as his friend Howland Reed, the father of Jojen and Meera, was there with him when Lyanna died. ", If Jon knows that, Bran must've mentioned his vision and sent a warning raven. When will Jon Snow finally learn his Targaryen truth on "Game of Thrones"? Game of Thrones season 1 features a quick mention of Wylla when Robert and Ned eat a meal together, with the two reminiscing about their time during the rebellion. And he did. In season five, Petyr Baelish and Sansa Stark had an interesting conversation with each other in the Crypt of Winterfell, right in front of Lyanna Stark's grave. Now only a few metres away from Drogon she wanted to try to get Drogon out of the control from Bran. She was previously an editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com. Thus, confirming for viewers and himself that what Sam said is true. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital "It's a gutting thing for Bran, whenever he finds out. But before these events were played out on screen, A Song of Ice and Fire readers were already theorizing that Jon could be a "secret" Targaryen. WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Game of Thrones, The Last of the Starks. What is likely more of a concern for Jon is this news of her ruthless slayings of prisoners of war. Petyr told Sansa of what he witnessed from Rhaegar at the tourney at Harrenhaal. And, you know, maybe Jon and Daenerys Targaryen should be told they're nephew and aunt before they get too much closer. Bran used his greenseer abilities to travel through time and watch the secret marriage of the two lovers and Jons birth in the Tower of Joy. New York, How Jon and Daenerys are related. Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. More info. Here are some of the biggest hints that the television show gave us that Jon Snow was a Targaryen. New 'Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3' Trailer, Where To Watch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, 'Party Down' Season 3 Interviews: Jane Lynch and Ken Marino, 'Jesus Revolution' Interview: Kelsey Grammer, Stranger Things Prequel Story to Hit Stage, 'Babylon' Interview: Composer Justin Hurwitz, 'Linoleum' Interview: Rhea Seehorn Talks New Sci-fi Comedy, Jonathan Krisel Directing Pokemon: Detective Pikachu Sequel, 'Creed III' Interview: Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors, Trailer for the The Power TV Adaptation, Where To Watch Blumhouse Thriller M3GAN. In the Season 6 finale, it was revealed that Jon was the secret child of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, Dany's oldest brother. The Valyran steel weapon came with a story from Viserys, one of Aegon's dream, which turns out to be the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy, along with the Prince that was Promised. "You are Aegon Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne, 6th of his name," Tarly tells Jon. What will he do with the information? While Jon initially tried to keep his Targaryen blood a secret, the word quickly got out as his supporters, such as his sister Lady Sansa Stark, wanted him to vie for the throne over Daenerys. Im sorry. Youre saying he lied to me all my life?, Your father, well, Ned Stark. Sam tells Jon that Ned Stark had promised his sister that he would protect Jon. Hence, there was a chance that Jon Snow was Lyannas illegitimate son by Rhaegar Targaryen. Since Game of Thrones began, everyone believed that Rhaegar had kidnapped Lyanna. You will receive a verification email shortly. HBO and Sky Atlantic viewers have witnessed Tyrion speak with both the Stark siblings on two separate occasions in season eight, each time being in private. in Psychology and a minor in Media Studies. But that was in the closing moments of the Season Seven finale, and though the audiencealong with dear sweet Samwell Tarly and awkward teen, Three-Eyed Raven Bran Starklearned the truth, Jon Snow still had no idea as he hooked up with Daenerys Targaryen, a woman who was just revealed to us to be his aunt. "[Rhaegar]rode right past his wife, Elia Martell, and all the smiles died," Baelish divulged. Sam, the sensitive counterpoint to a very blunt Bran, explained to Jon that Lyanna swore Ned to secrecy. NEXT:What HBO Will Do After Game of Thrones Ends, 10 Things That Pointed To Jon Snow Being A Targaryen (That Most Fans Missed), Game of Thrones: 14 Unanswered Questions After The Season 8 Premiere, Game Of Thrones Theory: Jon Snow Isn't The Only Secret Targaryen, Game of Thrones: 16 Things You Need To Know About Rhaegar Targaryen, assassination of Jon Snow by the coward Alliser Thorne, What HBO Will Do After Game of Thrones Ends. Fans have been waiting for Jon to find out the truth of his . In the show, Bran found out that Jon was a Targaryen in the same episode he was crowned King. Since Ned would have to explain why he left the tower with a baby in his arms and his sister deceased, its clear Howland at least knew that Jon was never truly the son of Ned Stark. They had been quietly married shortly before Rhaegar was killed by Robert and Lyanna died during childbirth. Some theorists took aim at the shape the blood seemed to make to explain it: a dragon. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. That is the last name given to the illegitimate children of the North. On the Season 7 finale, Bran told Sam that Jon Snow is a Targaryen and what's more, Jon has a surprising name to match his heritage. Like he did with Ned at the Tower of Joy, Bran watches Rhaegar and Lyannas secret ceremony. This means that the Targaryens would've known about the coming White Walker threat Aegon's very reason for conquering Westeros and uniting the country to prepare for the invasion. You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. Had Robert Baratheon known the identity of Jons real father, he would have tried to kill him, just as he tried to kill Daenerys. The Tower of Joy. 4. When Sunday's Season 6 finale of Game of Thrones finally showed another of Bran's flashback visions, fans everywhere gave a collective cheer of relief when it was all but confirmed that R+L does, in fact, equal J. Gilly had read in High Septon Maynards diary that he had annulled Rhaegars marriage with Elia Martell, and had later secretly married Rhaegar to another woman in Dorne. Fans knew. when Jon Snow finds out about his parents. His partner Gilly, however, stumbled across some important information. As the white walkers flood into the cave, Summer and The Children of the Forest protect Meera and Hodor as they help Bran. A Game of Thrones examines this theme from a varying number of characters. When did Sam find out about Jon Snow? The name that Jon's true parents chose for him was Aegon Targaryen. This prompts Tyrion to ask to hear all about Brans backstory, despite Bran telling him its a long story. He follows his father Ned Stark up the tower to find Lyanna. Jon rides a dragon. Fans have also known that Jon was not Rhaegar's bastard, either, since last season. Bran is in Westeros and Sam is headed to Eastwatch, both popular travel stops for the King in the North. Youve never been a bastard. The Season 6 finale of Game of Thrones showed a whole lot of pretty much everyone we care about in both Westeros and Essos, and did a great job in setting things up for Season 7. Classic Cersei! Sadly, Ned and Jon never saw each other again. While Howland wasnt in the tower with Ned in Game of Thrones series, he was the one who finally pulled Ned away from Lyannas dead body in the books. Game of Thrones characters Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) and Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) are the two most likely to have told him. Magazines, Digital Although Bran Stark hasnt gleaned the truth about Jon Snow's parents in the books, he was the first character to confirm his parents as Lyanna and Rhaegar in Game of Thrones. Author George R.R. Both of this were nice subtleties to show us that Jon was more than Snow and Sand, but a Targaryen. One of the biggest moments ofGame of Thrones' Season 6 finale wasthe revelation of Jon Snow's birth mother,Lyanna Stark. Bran only knows about this lineage due to his warging ways, but Howland Reed was actually there and there's no way Lord Eddard Stark could have talked his way out of that one after going into the tower empty-handed and coming out with a baby. About that crown. It's possible, maybe even probable, that Jon will find out in a more dramatic way than Bran casually revealing his heritage via raven. Martin Is Writing ASOIAF In Isolation, Why Emilia Clarke Is Annoyed With the GoT Ending, Game of Thrones Fans Found Another Big Plot Hole, Bran: Not Totally Useless During Big Fight on GoT. Despite being reunited with Jon, Bran did not say anything about his brother/cousins true lineage. They parents were both spouses and full-blooded siblings, and the latest in a long line of brothers and sisters marrying each other. Magazines, Digital Why the longing stare? What Jon Snow knew at the beginning. The last person to find out about Jon Snow's parents before tJon Snow himself was his best friend, Samwell Tarly. This means that Jon is not the bastard son of Ned Stark, as everyone long believed. It has been a fan theory that has received so much popularity that it would have been a plot twist for it not to be true. It would be awkward to add a P.S. It is not entirely clear why. Martin finally published A Game of Thrones, the first entry in a fantasy saga that he'd been writing for five years. Now, without the previous Three-Eyed Raven there to stop him, Bran follows Ned as he enters the tower to find his sister, Lyanna, lying in bed, covered in blood. So where Jon and his Targaryen parentage fit into all of this is kind of hard to tell. As much as we all want Jon to find out about his true parentage already (has it really been six seasons in the making? He was killed during Roberts Rebellion by Robert Baratheon for allegedly kidnapping and raping Lyanna who had been betrothed to Robert. Sound familiar? Here is when, where and from whom Tyrion may have discovered the truth about Aegon Targaryen. Talk later! Bran would also learn about Rickon's death upon his return. Martin finally published A Game of Thrones, the first entry in a fantasy saga that he'd been writing for five years.