One ofGame of Thrones' biggest reveals isJon Snow’s true parentage, as he’s not really the bastard son of Ned Stark. Ned tells this lie to keep him safe from Robert Baratheon, as Jon is actually the legitimate child of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Ned’s sister, Lyanna Stark.Robert’s Rebellion is foundedon the lie that Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna Stark, but the two were actually in love with one another. Jon is the result of their union, thoughRobert Baratheon would kill him if he knew— just as he tried to kill Daenerys and Viserys early inGame of Thrones.
Ned’s willingness to risk his own marriage and upend his honorable reputation to save Jon is admirable. However,he’s lucky that Jon Snow’s appearance made his lie so believable. Jon is one of therare Targaryens to have dark hairand eyes in bothGeorge R.R. Martin’s booksandGame of Thrones.Had Jon been born with more obvious Targaryen traits — like their silver-blonde hair and the purple eyes they have in the source material — Ned would have had a more difficult time passing him off as his own child.
Could Ned Stark Have Claimed Ashara Dayne Was Jon Snow’s Mother?
Ashara Dayne, Princess Elia Martell’s lady-in-waiting, is described as having violet eyes in Martin’s books, soit’s possible Ned Stark could have passed her off as Jon Snow’s motherif he’d looked more like a Targaryen. Ashara Dayne is present at the tourney where Rhaegar and Lyanna first meet, and she and Ned even dance together. Ned also visits her in Dorne, returning her brother’s sword after he dies at the Tower of Joy. Ned could have used these opportunities to be unfaithful to Cat, so claiming Ashara was Jon’s mother would have been believable.
If Robert never questioned the blonde hair of his own children, he might be convinced that Jon’s silver hair came from the Daynes.
Ashara Dayne also dies not long after her brother, soshe wouldn’t be able to contest Ned’s claims about Jon. Ned would still need to contend with Jon having silver-blonde hair, but even this has an answer. Although Ashara herself doesn’t have silver hair, there are a few Daynes that do — including Gerold. The genetics might be questionable, but Jon could have inherited such a trait from his ancestors. If Robert never questioned the blonde hair of his own children, he might be convinced that Jon’s silver hair came from the Daynes.
He Would Have Grown Up Similar To Daenerys & Viserys
If Jon had silver-blonde hair and purple eyes, passing him off as Ashara Dayne’s child would be the most difficult path forward for Ned. More likely,he’d have to hide Jon from Robert.He could do this by sending him to Essos, where he’d have a similar upbringing to Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen. It’s not entirely clear how the logistics of this would work. Ned would need to reach out to someone like Ser Willem Darry or Illyrio in order to find Jon a place to live in Essos.
Jon Snow’s Targaryen Father Reveal Can Be Better In GRRM’s Books Thanks To 1 Huge Missing Game Of Thrones Character
Game of Thrones' present day storyline didn’t include a mysterious, important character who could shed more light on Jon Snow being a Targaryen.
He’d also have to find a way to get him there, utilizing those still loyal to House Targaryen to do so.All of this would be extremely risky for both Ned and Jon, and there’s no telling what would become of Jon after he arrived in Essos. Assuming Ned could get a hold of someone who knew where Daenerys and Viserys were, he might have grown up alongside fellow Targaryens. This would significantly change Jon’s character and the plot of Game of Thrones.
While hiding Jon in Essos might be slightly easier than convincing Robert he’s Ashara Dayne’s son, there’s probably an even better way Ned could have concealed Jon’s existence. However, it would still mean a very different upbringing for him — and it would still come with the risk of betrayal.
Jon Snow Could Have Been Hidden With Howland Reed
He Could Have Been Raised By Meera & Jojen’s Father
Ned also could have hidden Jon away in the North if he’d looked like a Targaryen, but he’d need to be careful with how he went about such a thing. As Meera and Jojen Reed’s father, Howland Reed, is loyal to the Starks throughout the series — and present at the Tower of Joy — it’s possible he could have taken Jon under his wing. It’s unlikely Jon would have been discovered going north with Howland, as the Reeds are pretty isolated, even by the North’s standards. No one would have to know about Jon, so no one would come looking for him.
Hiding Jon in the North would still come with some significant risks, as word could get out about his true identity — especially if his appearance stood out.
Hiding Jon in the North would still come with some significant risks, as word could get out about his true identity — especially if his appearance stood out. The Boltons are proof that not every Northerner is trustworthy, and some of them seized the opportunity to betray Robb and Catelyn Stark inGame of Thrones.It’s possible they’d do the same if they learned the Reeds were harboring a Targaryen, especially since the North has no love of House Targaryen. Still, if Ned and Howland went about their plan carefully,they might be able to keep Jon safe a bit closer to home.
Ned Stark Could’ve Admitted The Truth & Defied Robert Baratheon
This Would Be The Most Risky Approach To The Situation
The riskiest approach to dealing with Jon Snow looking like a Targaryen — and knowing Ned, it might be the one he’d take — would be to confront Robert Baratheon with the truth. Ned could risk telling Robert about Jon’s true parentage, though it would likely enrage his friend. Since he sent assassins after Daenerys and Viserys, it’s clear he has no qualms about killing children. He likely wouldn’t respect Ned’s pleas, especially after losing Lyanna.
It’s probably for the best he didn’t have to defy Robert, as Jon came out looking more Stark than Targaryen inGame of Thrones.
Of course, Ned Stark could also admit the truth on a larger scale and defy Robert Baratheon. If people knew there were still Targaryens, it’s possible they wouldn’t support Robert’s claim to the Iron Throne. It’s also possible they’d stand behindsomeone like Ned as king or regent, especially since he reached King’s Landing first. Of course, Robert earned respect and loyalty on the battlefield during Robert’s Rebellion, so this might not go so well for Ned. It’s probably for the best he didn’t have to defy Robert, as Jon came out looking more Stark than Targaryen inGame of Thrones.
Game Of Thrones
Cast
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
