One of the biggest mysteries and fan-theory discussion surrounding Game of Thrones has been that of Jon Snow’s true parentage. “Lord Snow” has always been publicly touted to be Ned Stark’s bastard son, but as the GoT saga has unfolded, we’ve gotten more and more clues that he could really be someone much more crucial to the history and future of Westeros.
In season 6 of the HBO show, we followed young Bran Stark (training to be the new Three-eyed Raven) jumping back in time to witness key events that shaped the destiny of the kingdom – including the secret history of how his father, Ned Stark, battled the Targaryen’s at the Tower of Joy, in order to free his sister Lyanna from captivity. In that pivotal scene, we learn that Lyanna wasn’t a hostage – she was pregnant with a child by Rhaegar Targaryen, and that child was Jon. As Ned Stark took the baby from his dying sister’s breast, he swore an oath to protect it, before Lyanna whispered something in his ear.
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Thanks to some intrepid (rabid?) fans and a second possible confirmation from Empire Magazine, we may now know exactly what Lyanna said to her brother – and it seems to be the reveal of Jon Snow’s real name!
JS = JT
As Uproxx reports, according to some fans proficient in lip-reading, Lyanna whispers the name “Jaehaerys” to Ned in the scene. Jaehaerys is a name that is prevelant in the Game of Thrones mythos, with Jaehaerys I (known as “The Wise”) serving as King of the Seven Kingdoms 200 years prior; Jaehaerys II became king 50 years later, a and fathered Aerys II, The Mad King.
Clearly, Lyanna would give Jon Snow that particular name in reference to the wise loved King; however, it’s a name that could also serve as foreshadow of Jon Snow’s ultimate fate in the series (i.e., he could end up being king!).
We still wonder if this whole “Song of Fire and Ice” saga doesn’t end with Jon (Ice) and Daenerys Targaryen (Fire) sitting on the Iron Throne together as king and queen. Those Targaryen did like to keep it in the family…
Of course, Game of Thrones stars Emilia Clarke recently killed the Jon/Daenerys theory, claiming the Mother of Dragons isn’t looking for another man to share power with.
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Game of Thrones season 7 is set to begin on July 16th, only on HBO.