The Mystery of Jon Snow's Parents: Modern Theory vs. In-Story Evidence

Recently, a theory about Jon Snow's parentage has emerged, proposing that Ned Lord Beric's squire Wylla was his mother. However, the in-story evidence points towards Bran Stark and Samwell Tarly confirming the parentage as Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. This article dives into the myth and reality of Jon Snow's parentage.

Confirmation from Bran Stark and Samwell Tarly

In the popular television series A Song of Ice and Fire, Bran Stark's vision confirms that Jon Snow's true parents are Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. This revelation is made during the final season, specifically through Bran's flashback sequences. Samwell Tarly also learns about Jon's parentage from Bran and shares this information with Jon. These revelations add a critical layer to the mystery of Jon's lineage.

Ned Stark's Secret

While Ned Stark raised Jon as his illegitimate son, he kept the secret of Jon's true parentage to protect him from potential threats. Robert Baratheon, recognizing Jon's Targaryen lineage, would view Jon as a potential contender for the Iron Throne and a threat to Ned's position of power. This kept the true facts hidden from Jon and others, maintaining the cover story.

Ned's Squire's Speculation

Ned Lord Beric's squire, Wylla, speculates about Jon's parentage in some fan theories. However, the explicit confirmation of RLJ (Rhaegar TargaryenJon Snow) comes from Bran and Sam in the series. In the books, this theory remains largely unconfirmed as of the latest published material.

Analysis of Ned Dayne's Theory

Ned Dayne gathered information that he and Jon were milk brothers, meaning they nursed from the same woman. From this, Ned concluded that Jon was the son of the woman who nursed both of them. However, Ned's conclusion is based on assumptions and does not necessarily hold true in the in-story evidence. Wylla, the woman Ned identified, is not definitively proven to be Jon's mother. The milk brotherhood could have other explanations as well.

Myth vs. Fact: The Cover Story

It is a commonly accepted theory among fans that Ned and Arthur Dayne fabricated the story about Wylla being Jon's mother. According to some theories, Arthur brought Wylla from Starfall to the Tower of Joy to be Lyanna's maid or wet nurse. After the fight, Wylla returned to Starfall with Ned, and they crafted the cover story for Jon. Wylla's possible involvement in Jon's birth and nursing could have created a bond with Jon that would have made her want to protect him.

Ned Dayne, who is about 12 years old, likely has no firsthand experience or information about this. He relies on what he has heard or been told. This cover story was likely orchestrated to protect Jon from any potential dangers related to his Targaryen lineage. The theory of Ned Dayne being the source of this story is convincing given the historical context and the relationships between the involved characters.

Conclusion

The mystery of Jon Snow's parents is a multifaceted issue layered with in-story revelations and fan theories. The explicit confirmation of Jon's parentage as Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark comes from Bran Stark and Samwell Tarly in the final seasons of the show. Meanwhile, Ned Dayne's story, while it may seem plausible, is ultimately a cover story crafted to protect Jon. The in-story evidence is clear, yet the intrigue of fan theories continues to captivate audiences.