The Hidden Truth: Jon Snow's True Identity in A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones

In the fantastically intricate world of A Song of Ice and Fire and the Game of Thrones TV series, the secret of Jon Snow's true parentage — that he is Aegon Targaryen, the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen — remains shrouded in mystery for much of the story. This article delves into the intricate web of deceit and the few who genuinely know the truth.

Jon Snow's Discovery

At the Wall, Jon Snow initially believes he is the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark. Ned Stark, Jon's adoptive father, knows the truth but keeps it a secret to protect Jon from potential dangers. After gaining his powers as a greenseer, Bran Stark discovers Jon's true identity in Season 6 of the show and in the later books. However, as of August 2023, this knowledge has not yet been revealed in the published material.

Samwell Tarly's Revelation

Samwell Tarly learns about Jon's parentage when Bran shares this information. This revelation is pivotal as it reshapes Sam's perspective on Jon's true heritage, but it has not been confirmed in the books. At the Wall, most members of the Night's Watch still believe Jon to be Ned Stark's bastard, as evidenced by their continued skepticism towards his noble lineage.

Benjen Stark's Displeasure

Benjen Stark, Jon's uncle, certainly knows the truth and is not pleased that Eddard has told Jon to join the Night's Watch. Benjen sees Eddard's decision as a betrayal of Lyanna's memory, as it forces Jon to spend his early life as someone known to be of illegitimate birth and the rest of his life fighting to protect the North from the Free Folk.

Aemon's Early Suspicions

Aemon, a member of the Night's Watch and a maester, likely suspects Jon's true identity from the beginning. This is why he takes the time to inform Jon of his full name and identity as a trueborn son of House Targaryen. Aemon wisely never makes any allusions to Jon's parentage, particularly as new recruits join Castle Black who supported Robert and Eddard in the war against the Mad King.

Lord Jeor Mormont's Unveiling

While Lord Jeor Mormont does not openly know or suspect Jon's true identity, it is evident that he recognizes that Jon is not the person he says he is. Despite this, Mormont quickly decides to spend the last years of his life and tenure as Lord Commander grooming Jon for command and grooming him to be his successor.

Broader Speculations

While the primary story limits the knowledge of Jon's true parentage to a handful of characters, outside the walls of the Night's Watch, some characters might suspect Jon's true nature or question his parentage. However, this is not widely known or confirmed among the main characters until later developments in the story.

Conclusion

The secret of Jon Snow's true identity remains a well-guarded mystery throughout A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones. Only a select few know the truth, and even then, they typically maintain the secret to protect Jon and maintain political stability. The journey of uncovering this truth is a testament to the complexity and depth of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its television adaptation.