The Aunt-Nephew Relationship Between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen: A Comprehensive Guide

Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, two of the most prominent characters in the A Song of Ice and Fire series and its adaptation, the television series A Game of Thrones, share a complex familial relationship. Jon is not only a Stark but also a Targaryen, making him a distant relative to Daenerys, who is the daughter of the last Targaryen king, Aerys II Targaryen, and his wife, Rhaella Targaryen. Let's explore the intricate family tree and the true nature of Jon and Daenerys' relationship.

Family Connections and Backstory

Despite the initial belief of most inhabitants of Westeros that Jon Snow was an illegitimate son of Eddard Stark, the truth is far more complex. In reality, Jon is the son of Eddard's sister Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenerys' eldest brother, who was tragically killed in the Battle of the Trident. This revelation establishes Jon Snow as a nephew to Daenerys Targaryen, adding a new layer to the already convoluted family dynamics of Westeros.

House Unification and Targaryen Legacy

In the A Game of Thrones television series, Jon and Daenerys' relationship is explicitly portrayed. Jon, the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna, is seen as the biological son of the Targaryen line and is thus a true Targaryen. However, in the books, the exact nature of their relationship remains speculative. Many fans, including the author, George R.R. Martin, believe that Jon might be the son of Aerys II Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, though this is not confirmed. Regardless of the specifics, Jon's heritage as a Targaryen links him directly to Daenerys as both are related through the Targaryen bloodline.

Family Trees and Connections

The family connections between Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and their respective relatives can be summarized as follows:

Daenerys' brothers: Viserys and Rhaegar Targaryen Jon's parents: Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark Arya, Bran, Sansa, and Robb Stark: These Stark children are Jon's first cousins.

Given these familial ties, Jon can be considered Daenerys' nephew, while Daenerys is his aunt. This relationship is further solidified by their shared heritage as Targaryens.

Conclusion and Reflections

The end of A Game of Thrones leaves fans with many unresolved questions. Daenerys is Jon's maternal aunt, and he is the son of her brother Rhaegar. Following the deposing of their father Aerys II and the death of Rhaegar, Jon becomes the last living member of the Targaryen line. After Jon's decision to rejoin the Night's Watch, he effectively becomes the last Targaryen, carrying their bloodline forward.

While the Night's Watch serves a protective function, it is unclear whether it retains its original purpose. The white walkers are gone, and the wildlings have returned beyond the Wall. Jon’s joining of the Night’s Watch could be seen as a form of punishment, but it also highlights the dramatic and often unpredictable nature of Westeros. Despite the satisfying conclusion to Jon's character arc, many questions remain about the future of Westeros and the Targaryen bloodline.

References

Jon Snow on A Wiki of Ice and Fire (AWoIAF) Daenerys Targaryen on A Wiki of Ice and Fire (AWoIAF) Aerys II Targaryen on A Wiki of Ice and Fire (AWoIAF)