The Season 7 finale of “Game of Thrones” finally confirmed the long-speculated theory that Jon Snow is a Targaryen. He is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark and the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. With this revelation comes the possibility he will take over the throne from Cersei Lannister in Season 8. However, a crucial scene in Season 7 hinted otherwise.
Season 7 finale recap
If not for Samwell Tarly, Bran Stark would not have known the truth about Jon Snow’s birth. Although he knew that Jon is not the bastard son of his father Ned Stark, he believed that he is the illegitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen.
However, Sam revealed that Rhaegar remarried after his first marriage was annulled and he wed Lyanna in secret. Together they had a son, whom Lyanna named Aegon and entrusted to Ned on her deathbed. This makes Jon or Aegon as the rightful ruler of The Seven Kingdoms and not Cersei Lannister or Daenerys Targaryen. Season 7 ended with this cliffhanger with the knowledge only shared between Sam and Bran. Eventually, Jon Snow will learn about his parentage and make the crucial decision of becoming ruler of The Seven Kingdoms.
Will Jon take the Iron Throne?
Jon Snow already pledged his loyalty and service to Daenerys Targaryen in Season 7. Together they made a deal—she helps him win the battle against the White Walkers and him on her quest to claim the Iron Throne from Cersei Lannister.
However, once Jon learns that he is the rightful heir, will he compete with Daenerys over the throne?
Important scenes
Two scenes from the Season 7 finale hint that he will not take the throne. One was at the Dragonpit, where he swore loyalty to Daenerys Targaryen. When Cersei asked him not to take sides in the Targaryen/Lannister war, he said that he cannot make that promise since he already swore fealty to Daenerys.
He told Cersei that he “cannot serve two queens.” He made an oath that he cannot break. As a form of honor, Jon Snow cannot lie. If he turns against Daenerys then he would be breaking this sacred principle ingrained in him by Ned Stark.
The second scene was back in Dragonstone when Theon talked to Jon. During their conversation, Jon told Theon that he does not have to choose between being a Greyjoy and a Stark since he is both.
This line hinted that when told of his true lineage, Jon Snow would still choose to be both a Stark and a Targaryen. He might let Daenerys take over the Iron Throne and remain as King of the North. It is also worth mentioning that Jon Snow never really wished to be King of the North or become Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch.
