The Mysterious journey of Jon Connington: From Exiled Lord to Undead King Pretender

Jon Connington, the former head of House Connington, is often remembered for his honorable character and above-average swordsmanship. This article delves into the intriguing story of Jon Connington, his exile, and his complex role in the world of Westeros.

Brief Service as Hand of the King and Exile

During the reign of Mad King Aerys, Jon Connington served as a Hand of the King. However, after a significant defeat in a pivotal battle against Robert Baratheon, he was exiled to Essos. This act of exile was a form of punishment rather than a death sentence, as his close friend Prince Rhaegar intervened to prevent a more severe punishment.

Life in Essos and Involvement with the Golden Company

Though a fierce warrior, Jon’s skills could not help him in Westeros, leading him to Essos. There, he joined the Golden Company, a group of sellswords known for their mercenaries. Venturing back to Westeros required more than just his skills, and it was at this time that a crucial plot developed around him.

Rhaegar’s Son and the Blackfyre Pretender

Jon received word that Rhaegar’s son, Aegon, had survived. Varys, a member of the Faceless Men, revealed to Jon that Aegon was alive but disguised as a young boy with silver hair. To aid in the boy’s recovery, Aegon’s hair was dyed purple, and he was renamed Griff. Jon Connington, now calling himself ‘Griff,’ served to raise Aegon as his son, with the intent of eventually returning to Westeros and claiming the Iron Throne.

The Controversial Identity of Griff

It is a matter of debate whether Griff is truly Aegon Targaryen or merely a Blackfyre pretender, a relative of the Targaryen lineage who attempted to claim the throne. The Targaryens' history is rife with failed attempts at usurping the Iron Throne through pretenders. Varys has suggested that the true identity of Griff matters less than maintaining the certainty of his legitimacy, a strategy that could fool most people.

Jon Connington’s Allegiance and Ambition

Despite the drama surrounding his role, Jon Connington remained loyal to his conviction. He was a Lord in the Stormlands, and his betrayal came after he was forced into exile. This loyalty to his true calling led him to protect and raise young Griff, hoping for a future where he could return to rule Westeros as king.

Legacy of Jon Connington

Jon Connington’s story is a tale of honor, betrayal, and all-consuming ambition. His complex narrative continues to fascinate fans of A Song of Ice and Fire. Whether he was genuinely seeking to return the throne to Aegon or another Blackfyre pretender, his actions have a lasting impact on the story of Westeros.

Keywords: Jon Connington, Aegon, Westeros