Is Jon Snow Truly the Rightful Heir to the Iron Throne?

Ask anyone casual viewers of Game of Thrones about the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, and you're likely to hear several responses. However, a popular theory among fans suggests that Jon Snow, the beloved protagonist of the series, could be the true heir. This theory hinges on a series of assumptions and historical contexts within the storyline. Let's explore the scenario and consider the validity of this idea.

Assumptions and Hypotheses

To answer whether Jon Snow is the true heir, we need to start by considering several assumptions:

The show is accurate in its portrayal of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen's relationship and the consequent birth of Jon. Even though the show elides the entire Young Griff storyline, we'll assume that Jon is Rhaegar's true son and therefore Direct Heir.

We must adhere to the viewpoint of Rhaegar Targaryen's supporters, who believed him to be a good king. This contrasts with the flawed Robert Baratheon, whose rule they deemed corrupt.

Lord Eddard Stark is a perfect and infallible man. His actions are motivated solely by his loyalty and the complexities of his loyalties, not by any human frailties or temptations.

Historical Context and Legal Precedents

One crucial aspect of this discussion is understanding the legal and political context. In the world of Westeros, the laws of succession are quite intricate. Notably, one council ruled that any king suffering from madness would invalidate their entire lineage. Thus, all descendants of Aerys Targaryen, including Daenerys, are illegitimate.

Following this logic, if Rhaegar's lineage remains, then the closest Targaryen bloodline descendant is from House Baratheon. If this lineage is extinct, the Arreyns, descendants of Daella Targaryen, would then inherit.

Jaqen H'ghar and the Targaryen Heir

Bringing in another important character, Jaqen H'ghar, we see another potential line of succession. He is identified as the firstborn son of Elia and Rhaegar, making Aegon Targaryen the most legitimate heir. However, Aegon was apparently robbed of his throne and his heritage by Illyrio Mopati, who took the place of the "Young Griff" as his alleged son.

If Aegon is the true heir and the lineage of House Baratheon is extinct, then this places Jon Snow among the heirs. The next in line would be Jon, son of Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark. Given the show's narrative, it is highly likely that Jon's legitimacy is confirmed at the Citadel, not unlike the reveal in the books.

The Case for Daenerys

Daenerys Targaryen, as Rhaegar's younger sister, also holds a claim to the throne. However, her claim is somewhat weakened by the fact that her brother was chosen by King Aerys to succeed him instead of her. The Baratheons took the throne from the Lannisters after Rhaegar's disappearance, and Aerys blamed Dorne for Rhaegar's death, making Daenerys's claim slightly more complicated. Nonetheless, there is a possibility that some supporters might use Aerys's decision to override Dorne's interest in the succession as a justification to support Daenerys's claim over Aegon's.

Conclusion

When considering all these aspects, the idea that Jon Snow could be the true heir to the Iron Throne isn't as far-fetched as it initially seems. However, part of this theoretical argument relies heavily on several assumptions and the interpretation of past events in Westeros. The show has laid groundwork for this narrative, and the books continue to explore and expand on the legitimacy of Jon's claim.

In the grand tapestry of Westerosi politics and power, Jon Snow's claim to the throne remains a subject of debate and speculation. Whether he inherits the Iron Throne remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this theory adds an exciting layer to the ongoing story of Westeros.