How Jon Snow and Daenerys Are Related Shocked Fans Worldwide
The revelation about how Jon Snow and Daenerys are related shocked Game of Thrones fans worldwide. Despite being two of the show’s most prominent characters, they didn’t meet until Season 7, unaware of their true connection. In fact, Jon Snow, whose real name is Aegon Targaryen, is actually Daenerys Targaryen’s nephew.
While Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen’s relationship captivated audiences, the truth behind their family ties runs deeper than anyone expected. As the legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen (Daenerys’s older brother) and Lyanna Stark, Jon Snow holds a stronger claim to the Iron Throne than Daenerys herself. This discovery not only complicated their personal relationship but also challenged the very foundation of their political ambitions.
Contents
The Hidden Truth About Jon Snow and Daenerys
The truth about how Jon Snow and Daenerys are related emerged through a series of startling revelations. Sam Tarly and Bran Stark’s combined research and visions unveiled the long-hidden secret that would forever change the dynamics of Westeros.
The Shocking Family Revelation
When Sam revealed Jon’s true identity to him, the implications were staggering. Jon discovered that his real name was Aegon Targaryen, making him the legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Subsequently, this revelation established that Jon Snow and Daenerys are related as aunt and nephew, fundamentally altering their relationship’s nature.
Daenerys Targaryen’s reaction to learning how Jon Snow and Daenerys are related proved particularly telling. Furthermore, rather than being concerned about their blood connection, she primarily focused on his claim to the Iron Throne. “If it were true, it would make you the last male heir of House Targaryen,” she stated tensely, revealing her priorities.
How Fans Reacted to the News
The audience response to discovering how Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen are related sparked intense discussions across social media. Notably, fan reactions fell into distinct categories:
- Some viewers struggled with the revelation, finding the aunt-nephew dynamic problematic
- Others pointed out that Targaryen family history normalized such relationships
- Many focused on the political implications rather than the personal relationship
The actors themselves, Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke, acknowledged feeling unsettled by their characters’ biological connection. Essentially, this discomfort mirrored the complex emotions of many viewers who had invested in Jon and Daenerys ‘ relationship before learning how Daenerys and Jon Snow are related.
The revelation created ripples throughout Westeros, with key advisors like Tyrion, Davos, and Varys viewing the pair as potential ruling partners. Nevertheless, others, including Jon’s sisters Arya and Sansa, along with Northern families, expressed significant reservations about their connection. This divide among characters reflected the broader audience split over Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow’s complicated relationship.
Tracing the Targaryen Family Line
Understanding how Jon Snow and Daenerys are related requires tracing back through the complex Targaryen family tree, beginning with King Aerys II Targaryen’s reign.
The Mad King’s Children
King Aerys II, known as the Mad King, ruled alongside his sister-wife Queen Rhaella. Their marriage produced three children who survived to adulthood:
- Crown Prince Rhaegar, born in 259 AC
- Prince Viserys
- Princess Daenerys, born after her father’s death
Rhaegar’s Secret Marriage
Soon after his marriage to Elia Martell of Dorne, Rhaegar’s life took an unexpected turn. Although they had two children together, Rhaenys and Aegon, Rhaegar’s heart led him elsewhere. Accordingly, he sought an annulment from his marriage to Elia, which High Septon Maynard granted. Thereafter, Rhaegar secretly married Lyanna Stark in Dorne.
Meanwhile, this union sparked widespread misunderstanding. Although many believed Rhaegar had kidnapped Lyanna, documents discovered at the Citadel revealed their marriage was consensual and legal. The couple’s love story, unfortunately, unfolded against the backdrop of Robert’s Rebellion, which ultimately led to Rhaegar’s death at the Battle of the Trident.
Birth of Jon Snow
Following Rhaegar’s death, Lyanna gave birth to their son at the Tower of Joy. With her dying breath, she revealed to her brother Eddard that the child’s true name was Aegon Targaryen. Considering Robert Baratheon’s hatred for Targaryen, Lyanna made Eddard promise to protect her son.
Henceforth, Eddard Stark raised his sister’s son as his own bastard, naming him Jon Snow to conceal his true identity. This secret protected Jon from those who sought to eliminate all Targaryen heirs, explaining how Jon Snow and Daenerys are related through their shared bloodline as aunt and nephew.
Understanding Jon Snow’s True Heritage
For seventeen years, a secret that would shape the destiny of Westeros lay buried beneath layers of honor and duty. The question of how Jon Snow and Daenerys are related remained concealed through one man’s unwavering promise to his dying sister.
Ned Stark’s Big Secret
Ned Stark’s decision to claim Jon Snow as his bastard stands as one of the most significant sacrifices in Westerosi history. Primarily motivated by his sister’s dying wish, Ned chose to protect his nephew by tarnishing his own reputation. His steadfast refusal to reveal Jon’s mother’s identity, even to his wife Catelyn, speaks volumes about his commitment to keeping how Jon Snow and Daenerys are related a closely guarded secret.
The weight of this deception manifested in several crucial ways:
- Ned’s uncharacteristic dishonesty to Robert Baratheon, claiming Jon’s mother was a lowborn woman named Wylla
- His firm stance with Catelyn, stating only that Jon was “his blood”
- The conscious choice to raise Jon alongside his trueborn children, despite the social implications
The Tower of Joy Revelation
The truth about how Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen are related finally emerged through Bran Stark’s greenlight abilities. The Tower of Joy scene unveiled the momentous events that led to Jon’s birth, with Ser Arthur Dayne and other Kingsguard members defending Lyanna Stark under Rhaegar’s direct orders.
Moreover, the battle at the Tower of Joy proved pivotal, as only Ned Stark and Howland Reed survived the fierce combat with the Kingsguard. Consequently, Reed became the sole living witness to the truth about how are Jon Snow and Daenerys related, making him a keeper of one of Westeros’s most dangerous secrets.
The scene’s significance extends beyond the revelation of Jon’s parentage. As Lyanna lay dying, she whispered to Ned, “If Robert finds out, he’ll kill him“. This desperate plea ultimately shaped Ned’s decision to protect his nephew at all costs, understanding that Robert’s hatred for Targaryens would extend to any child of Rhaegar’s.
Ultimately, this revelation explains not only how are Daenerys and Jon Snow related but also illuminates the tremendous personal cost to Ned Stark. His choice to bear the shame of supposedly fathering a bastard, similar to his decision to never tell Jon about his mother, stemmed from an unshakeable commitment to his sister’s final wish.
How Daenerys Targaryen Fits Into Jon’s Story
Blood ties between the Dragon Queen and the King in the North created ripples throughout the Seven Kingdoms, as how Jon Snow and Daenerys are related became increasingly significant to their story.
The Aunt-Nephew Connection
Initially, neither Jon nor Daenerys knew how Jon Snow and Daenerys related when their paths crossed. Their shared Targaryen heritage emerged as a shocking revelation that would alter the course of their lives. As the son of Rhaegar Targaryen, Jon Snow’s true identity made him Daenerys ‘ nephew, adding complexity to their already intricate relationship.
The Targaryen family history offered a unique perspective on their connection. Evidently, the practice of keeping bloodlines pure through familial marriages was deeply rooted in the Targaryen tradition. In fact, Daenerys ‘ own parents were siblings, demonstrating how Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen are related through generations of such practices.
Impact on Their Relationship
The revelation of how are Daenerys and Jon Snow related triggered vastly different responses from each of them. Daenerys, shaped by her Targaryen upbringing, showed little concern about their blood connection. “The related thing, to her, is so normal,” explained actress Emilia Clarke, noting that Daenerys ‘ primary concern centered on the political implications.
Jon Snow’s reaction, obviously, proved more complicated. His Stark upbringing clashed with the revelation, as screenwriter Brian Cogman noted: “What really upsets Jon is that he’s a blood relative to the woman he’s in love with”.
Their relationship faced several critical challenges:
- Political tensions arose as Jon’s claim to the Iron Throne superseded Daenerys ‘ birthright
- The North’s potential rejection of their union added another layer of complexity
- Their advisors, specifically Tyrion Lannister, recognized the potential dangers if their relationship deteriorated
Primarily, the discovery of how Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow are related transformed their dynamic from a romantic alliance into a complex web of personal and political implications. As Clarke explained, “There’s so much she’s seen and witnessed and been through and lost and suffered and hurt to get here… and Jon doesn’t even want it!”
The situation became increasingly fragile as Daenerys grappled with the implications. Jon remained her only safety net in a world where her claim to the throne suddenly faced competition from the man she loved. This delicate balance between love and power would ultimately shape their relationship’s future.
The Implications for the Iron Throne
The question of succession to the Iron Throne became increasingly complex once the truth about how are Jon Snow and Daenerys related surfaced. Their competing claims to the throne created unprecedented political tensions in Westeros.
Jon’s Claim vs Daenerys’ Birthright
The legal basis for Jon’s claim primarily rested on his father’s identity. As Rhaegar Targaryen’s legitimate son, Jon’s claim superseded Daenerys through the established rules of succession. Indeed, this revelation struck at the core of Daenerys ‘ lifelong mission, as her single driving motivation had always been reclaiming what she believed to be her birthright.
The strength of their respective claims varied based on several factors:
- Male primogeniture giving preference to sons
- Direct lineage through the crown prince
- Historical precedent favoring male heirs
- Support from Westerosi nobility
Certainly, Jon’s position as a male heir of the crown prince gave him technical precedence over Daenerys, who was the Mad King’s daughter. However, the situation became more nuanced when considering how Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen related through the complex web of succession laws.
Historical Precedent in Targaryen Succession
Throughout Targaryen’s history, succession rules followed a clear pattern. Therefore, understanding how are Daenerys and Jon Snow related in terms of inheritance requires examining these established precedents. Generally, succession passed to the eldest trueborn male offspring, unless the heir had no living children.
The legitimacy of claims often faced challenges beyond mere bloodlines. Thus, Jon Snow and Daenerys faced additional complications. His claim, though technically stronger, had significant weaknesses. The primary evidence of his legitimacy came from a single diary entry, which many would treat with skepticism.
Additionally, three crucial factors shaped the political landscape regarding how Jon Snow and Daenerys related to the throne:
First, Jon’s status as a warrior and native of Westeros strengthened his position with the nobility. Second, Daenerys possessed unquestionable legitimacy despite being female. Third, the presence of dragons significantly bolstered Daenerys ‘ practical claim to power.
The situation became further complicated when considering historical precedents. Hence, two significant cases affected their claims: the Dance of Dragons, which established male precedence, and a Great Council ruling that disqualified progeny of insane Targaryen s. Otherwise, these precedents might have favored Daenerys ‘ claim.
The political implications extended beyond mere legality. Primarily, Jon’s apparent lack of interest in ruling contrasted sharply with Daenerys ‘ lifelong pursuit of the throne. Their advisors, particularly Varys, recognized that Jon’s temperament and gender made him more appealing to the aristocracy of Westeros.
How Are Jon Snow And Daenerys Related Frequently Asked Questions
Jon Snow is Daenerys Targaryen’s nephew. Jon’s father, Rhaegar Targaryen, was Daenerys ‘ older brother, making her Jon’s aunt despite being slightly younger than him.
What is the age gap between Jon Snow and Daenerys?
Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen have an age difference of about eight years. Daenerys was born during Robert’s Rebellion in 284 AC, while Jon was born a few months earlier in the same year. Though their age gap isn’t emphasized in Game of Thrones, it is an interesting detail given their eventual romantic relationship.
Who is Jon Snow’s half-sister?
Jon Snow was believed to be the half-brother of Arya, Sansa, Bran, and Rickon Stark. However, after the truth of his parentage was revealed, it became clear that he is actually their cousin, not their half-brother. If we consider his real parents, Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, Jon’s only known half-sibling would have been Rhaegar’s daughter, Rhaenys Targaryen, who was killed during Robert’s Rebellion.
What is Jon Snow’s birth secret?
Jon Snow’s true identity was hidden to protect him from Robert Baratheon, who sought to eliminate all Targaryen heirs. His mother, Lyanna Stark, gave birth to him in the Tower of Joy and entrusted her brother Ned Stark with raising him as his own illegitimate child. However, Bran Stark’s visions confirmed that Jon is not a bastard but the legitimate son of Rhaegar and Lyanna, making him the true heir to the Iron Throne.
Did the dragons know Jon was a Targaryen?
The dragons, particularly Drogon and Rhaegal, seemed to recognize Jon Snow’s Targaryen heritage. Rhaegal, named after Jon’s father Rhaegar, allowed Jon to ride him, which is something only Targaryens are known to do. This moment strongly hinted that the dragons instinctively knew Jon was one of their own, even before the truth was revealed to him and Daenerys.
