During their chat, Bran tells Sam that Jon needs to know the truth about himself. The Catspaw dagger is, of course, the very same weapon used in the attempted assassination of Bran Stark in Game of Thrones season 1. Jon responds that he gave up his crown. 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. Someone better?. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. 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. If Ned were the actual father of Jon, he surely would have said "but you are my son.". Whats more, Jon is the son of the Mad King Aerys eldest child and thus, some would argue, a more direct heir than Dany. Getting to this point has meant that Jon Snow spent his entire life believing in a big lie. In an interview (via Entertainment Weekly), Jon Snow actor Kit Harington teased that Snow's journey after Game of Thrones will see the character going to battle with many of his past traumas, and that could include his Targaryen lineage. There are hints that Melisandre might at least suspect Jon's parentage when she speaks to Daenerys. With a literal war for the kingdom going down,Rhaegar would have only stationed these two Kingsguard elsewhere for something extremely important; guarding his new wife and son. How will this knowledgeboth of the Tarlys and Jon's parentageimpact the union of fire and ice? In Game of Thrones season 6, the Three-Eyed Raven takes Bran back in time to when Lyanna died after giving birth to a baby, with Lyanna simply saying promise me, Ned before giving him the child. Game of Thrones characters Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) and Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) are the two most likely to have told him. Jon tries to find other occasions to visit Sansa instead, when she isn't already asleep. Lastly, if she cared. Your mom is my aunt. Instead, it looks like Jon Snow was saved so he could do what he does . She runs on coffee and classic movies, taking pride in having watched every film on AFI's 100 Greatest Films list and every Best Picture Oscar winner. All Rights Reserved. RELATED:Game of Thrones: 14 Unanswered Questions After The Season 8 Premiere. WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Game of Thrones, The Last of the Starks. It seems pretty important that someone tells him. Why what Gilly found matters. ", Just one episode later, in episode five of the fifth season, Maester Aemon has some conveniently timed words of "prophecy. It's possible, maybe even probable, that Jon will find out in a more dramatic way than Bran casually revealing his heritage via raven. So where Jon and his Targaryen parentage fit into all of this is kind of hard to tell. In an incredible bit of acting from John Bradley, Sam is stunned, and shocked at the cruelty exhibited by this woman to whom Jon has bent the knee. It would be awkward to add a P.S. Luckily for Daenerys, Jon Snow has never expressed a desire to rule anything or anybody. Daenerys' eldest brother was Rheagar Targaryen. Heres how it works. They had been quietly married shortly before Rhaegar was killed by Robert and Lyanna died during childbirth. Jon and Daenerys might have even had an inkling of Jons true heritage too: Earlier in the episode, Jon rode Rhaegal, Daenerys dragon who is named for his own father Rheagar, despite the fact that only Targaryens have been able to ride dragons in the past. Rhaegar was initially married to Elia Martell. However, Bran had earlier urged Jon Snow to tell the truth about his bloodline and appeared adamant the secret should come to light. But along with that, this will hurt Dany's claim for the Iron Throne, even if Jon is uninterested in becoming the King of the Seven Kingdoms. Had Robert . Youre Aegon Targaryen, true heir to the Iron Throne, Sam tells Jon in the crypts. Now that the stage is set, this is only the beginning of the end. It's a terrible thing.". Sam had just learned from Daenerys herself that she'd torched his brother and father after they refused to bend the knee to her and her dragons. But it's difficult when he is often required to march across kingdoms or wield his sword in battle. HBO and Sky Atlantic viewers have witnessed Tyrion speak. Bran had already come to understand that Jon was the son of Lyanna and Rhaegar, but believed that he was still a bastard until Sam helped fill in the information on their secret marriage. While not confirmed, Ashara Dayne is another rumored mother of Jon Snow in the books, which would clearly indicate that she knows the truth about Jon Snow's parents. - 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. Ever since fans learned last season in one of Bran's . Jon rides a dragon. 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. Both Sam and Bran could reveal the truth to Jon Snow. Write to Eliana Dockterman at eliana.dockterman@time.com. 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. Jon negotiates with Daenerys Targaryen for an alliance against the White Walkers in the imminent Great War. In August in 1996, George R.R. Sam says that he and Bran worked it out. Warning: Spoilers for Season 8 episode 1 ahead. Down in the South, Cersei doesn't seem to care that the White Walker army has torn down that Wall and made their way into Westeros. In the Season 8 premiere, Jon finally returned home to Winterfell. Men looking for daenerys targaryen, bran watches rhaegar and daenerys and emilia clarke and jon snow, saying. Related: Game Of Thrones: Why Jon Snows Targaryen Heritage Didnt Matter. Would Daenerys do the same? Now that Bran knows the truth about Jon, how is he going to tell him? 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 . Will Dany fight alongside Jon if he would get the throne over her? "I never met my mother," Jon says. 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. Perhaps the biggest tip was the fact that the Targaryen Kingsguard were even there, at all. Well, it was a long and arduous journey that spanned 67+ episodes. Responding that it is treason, Sam says it is the truth. Sam then shares Jons actual title. 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. And after he tells Jon his true heritage, he adds, "You gave up your crown to save the people. Jordan Williams is a Movie/TV Features Senior Staff Writer for Screen Rant, having been with the team since 2021. What is likely more of a concern for Jon is this news of her ruthless slayings of prisoners of war. Related: House Of The Dragon Can Answer A Major Jon Snow Warg Question. Game Of Thrones: Everyone Who Knew Jon Snow Was A Targaryen Before Him, House Of The Dragon Can Answer A Major Jon Snow Warg Question, Howland Reed, the father of Jojen and Meera, Game Of Thrones: Why Jon Snows Targaryen Heritage Didnt Matter, Game of Thrones: Jon Snow's Backstory & Real Name Explained, GOT Theory: Benjen Stark Knew Even More About Jon Snows Parents Than Ned, House Of The Dragon's New Aegon Reveal Changes The Night King's Death, Game of Thrones: Why The Show Cut The Books' Biggest Targaryen Twist. "He rode past his wife and lay a crown of winter roses in Lyanna's lap, blue with frost. 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. 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. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. As Samwell and Bran figured out together at the end of last season, Jon Snow is the last living male Targaryen left in Westeros, which means he's the heir to the Iron Throne. Petyr told Sansa of what he witnessed from Rhaegar at the tourney at Harrenhaal. But who can imagine having to wait for even longer for Jon to find out he's a Targaryen on Game of Thrones? 2023 TIME USA, LLC. Game of Thrones season 8, episode 4 recap: Who died? Tyrion and Lord Varys (Conleth Hill) have a discussion in season eight, episode four regarding how many people know about Jon Snow being a Targaryen. It's a good question, the answer to which is very likely, no. Oh, and his name isn't Jon but rather Aegon Targaryen. "My sister loved himand beautiful, noble Rhaegar Targaryen left her for another woman.". GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Jon was conceived in a loving relationship. The last person to find out about Jon Snow's parents before tJon Snow himself was his best friend, Samwell Tarly. Youre the true king. Even if Ned hadnt directly told Howland that Jons father was Rhaegar Targaryen, anyone in the realm could have guessed as much. Thank you for signing up to CinemaBlend. Game of Thrones season 8, episode 4 review: An emotional rollercoaster. Was that Game of Thrones hint that the dragon sensed what Jon had no way of knowing yet? When Game of Thrones starts, Jon believes he is the illegitimate son of Ned Stark and an unidentified woman. He had a High Septons diary, and Bran had what Bran has. Jon is still confused. The action cuts from their conversation to another scene, so Game of Thrones viewers dont know exactly what is said. 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. Even Rhaegal the Dragon knew. We know that the surname "Snow" is a default for bastards conceived in the north, but why did Ned pick the first name Jon? Fans have been waiting for Jon to find out the truth of his . Although making Jon his bastard son put a public stain on Ned Starks honor as he seemingly cheated on Catelyn, Game of Thrones reveals that Ned had kept his honor all along, as he was maintaining a promise he made to his dying sister. 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. Its also possible that Ned told both Ashara and Wylla the truth about Jon being a Targaryen when he went to Starfall, though its unclear whether the books will ever confirm her knowledge. The same thing is happening with Young Griff from the books. Why would anyone take the word of his weirdo little brother or of Sam Tarly, who only read about the union of Rhaegar and Lyanna in an old diary? While Game of Thrones books still hint that Ned could truly be Jons father, the only certainty about Ned is that hes the one person who is confirmed to know Jons parentage. When his body is moved at the beginning of season six, a large puddle of blood-soaked snow is left behind. However, the Targaryens have a long history of incest, having spent over 300 years wedding brothers to sisters to keep their bloodline pure. 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. The young actor, 17, broke down how his charactermust have felt watchingthat vision take place. Fans knew. I dont know if shes a noblewoman, or a fishermans wife, or a whore.". Behind him is a wooden beam, that looks like it has two letters distinctly carved into it: R and L. R+L=J. Making his claim to the Iron Throne a legitimate and rightful one. Or did they not care? Heres How It Will Affect. Warning: This post contains spoilers for the Game of Thrones season 8 premiere. Just in case it matters to them. "[Rhaegar]rode right past his wife, Elia Martell, and all the smiles died," Baelish divulged. To refresh your memory, Rhaegar was the eldest son of the Mad King who had two children with his first wife, Elia. Magazines, Or create a free account to access more articles, Jon Snow Finally Knows Something. Some theorists took aim at the shape the blood seemed to make to explain it: a dragon. My father was the most honorable man Ive ever met, Jon retorts. 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. This would all be very simple if Bran didn't also choose to be a total weirdo and be oddly specific about what he is revealing to others. It's strange how this takes place, in the middle of the episode, with few people really acknowledging that it happened. Instead, he told Jon that the next time they saw each other, they would talk about Jons mother. Tyrion Lannister could have discovered the truth about Jon Snow from a number of sources. HBO. In August in 1996, George R.R. Despite being reunited with Jon, Bran did not say anything about his brother/cousins true lineage. It would be cool if Jon ended up burnt somehow by. He loved her, and she loved him," Bran said. Don't forget there are only seven episodes this year, so we are already more than halfway through the penultimate season. That is when Sam points out that Jon has also shown them mercy. Martin finally published A Game of Thrones, the first entry in a fantasy saga that he'd been writing for five years. However, while HBOs Game of Thrones answered the question of Jons parentage, the A Song of Ice and Fire books have yet to do so. Matt Miller is a Brooklyn-based culture/lifestyle writer and music critic whose work has appeared in Esquire, Forbes, The Denver Post, and documentaries. We may earn a commission from these links. Youve never been a bastard. Jordan is based in Seattle, Washington and enjoys exploring the natural beauty the PNW has to offer. While viewers dont see Jon and Bran tell Arya and Sansa the secret, its heavily implied thats the topic of their chat. Magazines, Arthur Dayne and the Targaryen kingsguard, Or create a free account to access more articles. Like he did with Ned at the Tower of Joy, Bran watches Rhaegar and Lyannas secret ceremony. Martins books describe Wylla as a wet nurse who had served House Dayne for many years, though its unclear how she met Ned. He is not the son of Ned Stark and a mistress, but rather, the child of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. While Wylla isnt the true mother of Jon in Game of Thrones series, its still possible that she is in the books. Photo illustration by James Kim and Martin Gee for TIME; HBO, What America's Richest Ski Town's Handling of COVID-19 Shows. Most people here and around the world had their own theories about the show. Short answer: Sansa told Tyrion, who told Varys. Jon having a romantic connection with his own aunt. Selyse senses that Stannis has grown to feel fond respect for Jon, and attempts to discredit him as merely an illegitimate bastard. Its because the people who hate Bran had a different ending in their heads and because it wasn't the ending they wanted, they blamed it on Bran. When breaking down the sons of Ned Stark, their name choices all appear significant. 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. Shortly afterwards, Sansa is shown thinking to herself on top of the battlements in Winterfell. There could be a Cersei and Jaime thing going on there," he said with a laugh. How did he get to the point where he learned the truth? You will receive a verification email shortly. Warning: This post contains spoilers for season seven of Game of Thrones. 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. I mean, certainly it will make these two at least pump the breaks on their budding romantic relationship (hopefully?). Robb is named after Robert Baratheon, Bran after Brandon Stark, Rickon after Rickard Stark. To discover what happened when Ned Stark arrived at the Tower of Joy. However, it was never explicitly stated. 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. WHAT DID MISSANDEI'S FINAL WORDS MEAN ON GAME OF THRONES? Those early book readers found clues within George RR Martin's series that led them down this path, but show-only fans had plenty of breadcrumbs to pick up on, as well. Show watchers have known, in confirmation, of this secret since the conclusion of Bran's trips to the past to witness the Tower of Joy sequence, back in season 6. ), it honestly isn't the best time for all of that. Here is when, where and from whom Tyrion may have discovered the truth about Aegon Targaryen. 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. Judging by the huge fleet of ships being led by Daenerys and her merry band of Targaryen supporters, Season 7 of Game of Thrones will have a lot to do with Dany trying to take that iron throne out from under Cersei. That is not all. That is when Sam tells him. and also come across the horror that the White Walkers are bringing to Westeros. What is Dracarys? Gilly incidentally reveals Jon is legitimate. Jon is declared King in the North . Though the famed R+L=J theory suggests that Daenerys's deceased older brother Rhaegar Targaryen is Jon's father, Wrightjoked otherwise. Jon Snow was "punished" by being sent to the one place where life has ever made sense to him: the North. Ned did not answer. The season six finale along with a HBO infographic all but confirmed that Jon was not the illegitimate son of Ned but rather the child of Lyanna and Rhaegar. Sam declares that Jon is the heir. Bran is in Westeros and Sam is headed to Eastwatch, both popular travel stops for the King in the North. As the white walkers flood into the cave, Summer and The Children of the Forest protect Meera and Hodor as they help Bran. In the same episode of Littlefinger and Sansa's exchange, Stannis Baratheon has a pivotal one of his own, with his wife Selyse. Season four presented us with a new character in the show, Oberyn Martell, whose sister, Elia, was married to the late Rhaegar Targaryen. Before the ultimate reveal of baby Jon being delivered by Lyanna in the tower later in the season, there were plenty of hints to let us know what was soon to come. 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. Jons parentage was Westeros best-kept secret for over 25 years, but once it spread to Jon himself, quickly became common knowledge among Westeros nobility.