Jon Snow: Bastard, Heir, or Noble Bastard?
Is Jon Snow Really a Bastard?
In the complex world of Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire, the identity of Jon Snow has long been a source of speculation and debate. Initially, Jon was presumed to be the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark, a ploy employed by Cersei Lannister to keep him out of the political arena. However, the narrative of Jon's parentage has shifted, revealing a more intricate truth.
Theories and Controversies
The commonly accepted theory is that Jon Snow was conceived before his mother, Lyanna Stark, married his father, Eddard Stark. In this scenario, he would be the product of an affair between Lyanna and Rhaegar Targaryen, making Jon a legitimate Targaryen with the birth name Aegon Targaryen. According to this theory, his status changes significantly, as he becomes a legitimate heir to the Iron Throne rather than Eddard Stark's supposed illegitimate child.
Rhaegar and Lyanna's Secret Marriage
According to the narrative presented in the TV show, Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark were secretly married prior to the birth of Jon. This revelation would imply that Jon is not a bastard in the traditional sense but a legitimate member of the Targaryen lineage. This dramatic turn of events profoundly alters the power dynamics and potential outcomes of the story.
However, there are alternative theories that cast Jon as the child of Lady Donella Hornwood and Ser Rodrick Cassel, adding another layer of intrigue to his mysterious origins.
The Legal and Political Implications
To delve deeper into Jon's status, we must consider the legal aspects of his birth. The key factor is the marital status of Rhaegar and Lyanna. According to the books, this detail is not explicitly stated, creating ambiguity around the legitimacy of Jon's birth.
Targaryen Exceptionalism
The Targaryens are known for their doctrine of "exceptionalism," which allows them to bend the laws that apply to the rest of Westeros. Historically, this has included the marriage of siblings and polygamy. If Rhaegar had sought to marry Lyanna after annulment from his wife Elia Martell, it might provide a legal basis for Jon's legitimacy. However, without a formal marriage, Jon would indeed be considered a bastard according to Targaryen standards.
Being born of noble or royal blood does not reverse bastardy. As Robert Baratheon's children dispersed across Westeros, many were forgotten, and none were recognized. Similarly, the Targaryens' children often faced similar fates if they were not perceived as trueborn heirs.
Noble Bastards
Despite his bastard status, Jon still came from a noble lineage. Therefore, his mother, Lady Lyanna Stark, was of noble birth. In situations where a bastard's mother is noble, the child is often acknowledged, supported, and offered a position within the family. For example, Edric Storm, Robert Baratheon's only acknowledged bastard, was given a position as a maester. However, this doesn't guarantee a place in the lines of succession.
Legitimacy through Royal Decree
There are precedents for bastards being legitimized through royal decree, though this is not as legally binding as being trueborn. Such decrees acknowledge the child's status but do not negate the original illegitimacy. Recognized bastards are often given positions of authority or importance within the family, but they cannot inherit the title or position of their trueborn brethren.
Therefore, in the absence of proof of a wedding in the books, Jon remains a bastard but not an ordinary one. His noble birth provides some protection, and his Targaryen heritage offers potential political leverage, even if it doesn't guarantee succession rights.
Conclusion
While Jon Snow's status as a bastard is a significant part of his character development, it is not the only aspect of his identity. His noble blood, specifically his Targaryen heritage, provides a powerful but uncertain foundation for his future. Whether he is a bastard or a legitimate heir, Jon's journey continues to unfold in the complex and ever-evolving world of Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire.