Lord_Snow About Jon Snow being Targaryen but having his hand burned by the lamp. Not all Targaryens are immune to fire. I'm all about the person who mentioned ice and fire (Jon and Dany). And Jon still fights with himself and not embracing Ghost and his powers. Who knows what GRRM will write about Jon's parents, and if in fact he is the third dragon. I always wondered why Ned wouldn't talk about Jon's mother to Jon when he would ask Him. Ned told him he will tell one day, but why not tell him on the day Jon went with his uncle to the Wall? What was the big secret he couldn't tell Jon? Ned already claimed him as his bastard why not answer Jon and talk about Jon's mom. I believe Jon was what 15-16 years old when he left to the Wall. I'm sure he is old enough to handle the info about his mother. Unless it would be to big of a secret. I can't wait for the 6 book.

ethereal4 Also, as a Nissa Nissa reference, if John is in fact the heir of Rheager and does end up marrying Danny, could he end up having to reforge 'Lightbringer' and temper the sword again as Azor Ahai did by driving it through the heart of his wife (Danny)? This would fulfill the prophecy of the 'Prince who was promised' again wielding Lightbringer (with Danny being referred to as 'the fire': "There will come a day after a long summer when the stars bleed and the cold breath of darkness falls heavy on the world. In this dread hour a warrior shall draw from the fire a burning sword. And that sword shall be Lightbringer, the Red Sword of Heroes, and he who clasps it shall be Azor Ahai come again, and the darkness shall flee before him."

puellagina I'm not sure if this has been mentioned, but Rhaegar has 2 children with Elia, the first birth was difficult and the second almost kills her, and she is unable to bear any more children...but Rhaegar says to her that there has to be three (I assume meaning that he wants the 3-headed dragon to come from his loins). He would need another woman to have the third. Strong motivation to run off with Lyanna. Obviously only one of his children with Elia lives (Aegon), but so does his sister, Dany. The third is Jon.

survivorist It certainly add's further weight to the often said "You know nothing John Snow"

smarterthenyou nice run down, this is pretty much what i got from reading the books the whole 'prince who was promised' prophecy fits and also the dream jon had where he was fighting the others with a sword on fire , it all fits together...

marnyramirez If you'd read the books (and between the lines,) you'd notice that it's unknown whether Lyanna was kidnapped or whether she eloped willingly with Rhaegar. Eddard frequently says that she was strong willed like Arya and her betrothal to Robert was an arranged marriage. How would Arya react to an arranged marriage? And Rhaegar already courted her at a tourney a year prior. Further, why would Lyanna desperately want Ned to take care of the son if she had been an unwilling captive and raped? And why would she have been killed? All of the evidence implies that she may well have been in love with Rhaegar and fleeing the arranged marriage to Robert, a man she hardly knew, and who hardly knew her (and who would likely have cheated on her anyway.) The victors (Robert Baratheon,) wrote the history, so the truth of Lyanna and Rhaegar's relationship is only known to the dead since Ned Stark lost his head.

WesterosiOracle There is one issue with Jon being Rhaeger and Lyanna's child, he would be a bastard which gives him no claim to a throne. I think Lyanna is his mother and Rhaeger could well be his father but he would have to be legitimised, in the same way the Bastard of Bolton has been by his father after killing his brothers. Whilst a true blood heir lives, Danaerys, Jon could never be King. I believe that Jon and Danaerys will meet at the wall/in the north, what will ensue i do not know. Bring on the Winds of Winter.

WesterosiOracle On the lamp thing, Viserys was able to be burnt also. Not all Targaryens are fire proof. Jon Snow has a big part to play. It is known, haha

Lans23 Ok all you that are going on about this Aegon being a true Targaryen. remember what Quaith said to Dany. something about the sun's sun ( quentin martell) and a mummers Targaryen and beware the perfumed senshanel or something along these lines.

Lans23 Also I believe that Gendry is the child that Cersei was speaking of to Catelyn way back in GoT after Bran was pushed out the window, and that atm Gendry is with Lady Stoneheart looking after the children of war at the orphans inn. I really hope Gendry and Arya will end up together as there seemed to be a bit of a connection between them. Lady Stoneheart probably sorted something out with Gendry asking him to watch out for her if she (Arya) is ever found. not forgetting that Gendry also has seen Brienne( "I must speak with Gendry" after she mistake him for Renly) and she knows who his dad was so he now knows that he's a stag. Lyanna and Rhaegar are Jon snows parents and he will eventually be told about this after he's been tended to by Melisandre, also remember that GRRM wrote that his wound was "smoking in the cold night air" as he whispered "Ghost"

squirefw Lot of stuff to cover but here it goes. To anyone who thinks Cersei and Jaime are Targaryen They Both have Lannister Traits Blond Blue eyes yada yada yada. Also ifthey are Targaryen then Joffrey , Mercella, and Tommen are also. seems to put the 3 heads of the dragon to rest. I am sure you will argue that they represent 2 of 3 and the children are the next 3 but lets face it they still look like Lannisters. Jon Snow I believe and have since Book 1 is Lyanna and Rhaegars's son. To many things point to this as many of you have pointed out and I will not recount them. A lot of you have questioned Ned Starks Honor in regards to lies he may told Robert his wife or anyone else to protect Jon Snow. If you read the book he resigns as Hand to protect Dany and her unborn Child and then again he lies again about his treason to protect Sansa and Arya. He warns Cersei of his actions so she may protect her children. So why would he not lie to protect Jon Snow? If his true parents were known to Robert he would of had Jon killed. Ned could not take the chance that Lyanna was his father to save him. The more that Ned Starks Honor was brought up by more and more POV's just made me believe that there was no way he would of ever dishonored Catelyn by siring a bastard. But he would to save a child.GRRM paints Ned Stark as the most honorable of men except for the 1 transgression of siring a bastard. And it just does not fit his character.

CrystaldiAngelo I'm going to try to explain most of the doubts about the R+L=J formula. My theory is Jon is completely Stark at heart when he fought the Other, so the dragon magic can't take effect. Next, all Melisandre saw is Snow when she wanted to see Azor Azhai. Isn't that a perfect hint? You all would do me a favour if you told me what happened in the Winds of Winter. I can't find the publishing date, and even if I did, my parents won't buy it for me. So I just had to contend with various hints...for now.

claygal I was really disappointed when Jon got burned. This obviously creates a problem that the author has to explain. I was sure this was his lineage and he was going to be riding one of Daenerys' three dragons. Daenerys' brother was a true Targaryen, and he was also burned with fire. So there is proof you can be a Targaryen and still be burned with fire. Jon Snow is a fascinating character, and George Martin has placed him carefully in a hotbed of possibilities. The red woman is around to resurrect him after his death. He may be the one the lord of light claims. Cold hands the ranger may be Benjin Stark. He may end up being the King of the White Walkers after he returns from the dead. His legacy will be far stranger then anyone may grasp. I hate the lord of light so I hope that Jon won't become his catspaw. If only we could see the future. Winter is Coming!

atc For all the "Jon is not a true Targaryen since he is effected by fire" keep in mind he would be half Targaryen, half stark. Dany (and those of you with far more knowledge please advise) may be the child of a true Targaryen marriage of brother and sister. Now before some reply "well what about her brother?" I believe this detail goes along with the theory of being tied to dragons. There must be more to this theory though. Before Dany was presented to her dragon eggs, she had shown signs of withstanding hotter things (for those show lovers, refer to episode 1 in the series and her bath). But we do not truly see her being immune to fire until the funeral pyre for khal drogo is completed. In essence this may be a turning point for how the Targaryen's could bare fire. I'm not saying that every Targaryen went and sat in fire until eggs hatched, but more less the act of bravely walking into flames with eggs. This act may have somehow bound her by fire to her dragons. Furthermore, since we have yet to see Jon take a sit in fire with dragon eggs, it's probably safe to assume this is why he was still effected by the burn while killing the white walker. I however do like the theory of lyanna being his mother. I can see Ned fulfilling his sisters last promise to protect the baby. There were not many other ways he could of handled it. His secrecy to Catlyn is what bothers me. She does show plenty of devotion, and surely would not go tell Robert of the baby. Perhaps Ned figured her believing it was his bastard child would help secure the secret (meaning: catlyn new the truth, people around winter fell probably wouldn't have seen her nor knew she hated Jon because of Ned cheating- whereas her not knowing, her emotions act as another confirmation that Ned cheating, no one would consider he was someone else's child. ). Lastly, I don't think it's purely coincidence that Jon ended up at the wall. It would be the furthest away from any trouble, and who happens to be there when he arrives? Another Targaryen. GRRM you cheeky bastard :] Sorry if I sound ridiculous. Typing all of that on a phone is exhausting but thank you for keeping me entertained at work!

luketp if jon snow truly is the son of Rheager Targaryen then he ironically has a more legitimate claim to the throne than Daenerys herself (assuming his bastard status does not in any way taint his right to ascendancy). Rheagar Targaryen was the first born son of the Mad King and so heir to the throne. By having a child, Jon became second-in-line. Rhaeger is dead now of course meaning that Jon should inherit the throne. I can't imagine how this is going to happen given that he is a member of the Night's Watch; however, George.R.R.Martin has clearly set this up as a major twist in the overall plot and I find unlikely that this brilliant author will not fully exploit the great potential behind this new revelation. The only reason Daenerys wants to claim the Seven Kingdoms is because she believes it is her blood right. I believe she will take King's Landing; however, upon discovering the ancestry of Jon, honour will dictate that she gives the throne up to Jon, otherwise she will be betraying her own purpose for taking Westeros. May be wrong but I wouldn't particularly care to be honest, whatever Martin writes i'll most likely love it regardless.

luketp In regard to Jon Snow's bastard status, it may well turn out he wasn't a bastard and this is merely the story the Ned Stark has perpetuated in order to hide his Targaryen heritage. If Rheagar and Lyanna were wed, Jon may well have been conceived during the consummation of this marriage. Just a thought :\

atc Absolutely. I haven't read ADWD yet, but it appears that something happens with Jon that may be setting up his leave of the nights watch

blivasy930 You know I was thinking about something. Though very little is known about Jon's Mother, the above theories do make since. Both the Starks and the Targaryens are very powerful noble families. Each with a long line of descendants. As I recall almost all the powerful families are tied together, and I am sure all the houses have bastard children. BUT I was thinking the possibility of Jon IS indeed a bastard. If he is clearly a Stark, in looks, manor, and sense of honor; it is assumed he does have the Stark blood. With this in mind I must bring up another thought, biologically doesn't a child resemble its mother's family most? I mean the rest of the Stark children resembles Catelyn's family. The auburn hair, the high cheek bones, the fair features even, so couldn't one theorize that Jon took on his mother's looks. IF the theory that Jon is Targaryen, could it not be possible that the Stark defiant features come more in play? The silver hair could be wiped out by the Stark dark hair. I mean in biology you learn that there are recessive and dominant traits in the DNA. What would make Jon a bastard is that Rhaegar was a married man, and Lyanna was betrothed and still a maiden. If those two did have a child the child would not be recognized. On top of that if Jon was indeed Lyanna's it would bring shame to the Stark name. She who was betrothed found love with a married man. However, I can't deny that don't I have a doubt to this, seeing how Catelyn treats Jon so poorly. BUT it is possible that Ned lied to her to protect Jon? I mean if the theories prove right then wouldn't that imply that Jon by birthright is a Prince to the Iron Throne? Ned is a man of honor, and he does strive to protect his family.IF he was protecting HIS sister, I bet he would paint himself the bad guy to protect his sister's image. since she DID die. His compassion and his desire for peace proves that . IF Jon is Targaryen, he would be the son of the crowned prince before the usurper war. Which would mean he would have more of a claim to the throne than Daenarys. I am merely speculating but I do think there is more to Jon Snow than we as readers know now.

MrAJBJr Just a thought... Jon, Daenerys and Tyrion are all siblings and the three heads of the Dragon. 1. TYRION - King Aerys had a thing for Joanna Lannister and could have raped her causing the falling out of he and Tywin. Tywin never accepted Tyrion as his son and has stated that "you are entitled to my name because I cannot prove that you are not mine". Tyrion was conceived by rape and his Mother died during childbirth. 2. JON - Everyone knows that Rhaegar and Lyanna loved each other but what if Rhaegar wasn't hiding her from Robert but from his Insane Father? He was a Prince and Heir to the throne, If he wanted Lyanna he would have just taken her. There was no reason to hide, he was loved by all and he answered to no one. But what if his Father raped Lyanna? That would mean that Jon was conceived by rape and his Mother died during childbirth. 3. DAENERYS - Jamie Lannister has stated that the Mad King regularly raped his own wife while Jamie stood guard. That would mean that Daenerys could have been conceived by rape and her Mother died during childbirth. The entire book series only makes sense if they are siblings. Jon and Dany being Aunt and Nephew doesn't work. Also Jon and Tyrion had an instant connection as did Tyrion and Dany. Three siblings by Aerys and three different Mothers, Mothers that were each from a different part of Westeros and who died while giving birth because they gave birth to a Dragon. The geography of the Three Mothers also helps to unite the Country. It is also clear that the entire book series revolves around Tyrion, Jon and Dany. They are the main characters and we have watched all three of them learn to lead. So in my opinion, the series will end with the three of them uniting Westeros and ruling together. Again, just a thought.

Blackfish Wow Mr AJBJr - I think you've got it right. I never even considered the Tyrion aspect as a brother. I guess we'll have to wait and see, but this theory makes total sense. I had thought that Daenerys and Jon would marry since the Targarions married their own family.

bunners I have this fantasy that I dream up every so often when I get into a song of ice and fire. I imagine that Jon isn't dead, mortally wounded maybe, but not dead and needs significant time to recover. I imagine that those loyal to Jon or Eddard Stark (in that case) choose to act. With the commotion of the giant, the killing stops, Jon slumps to the ground presumably dead by everyone while those keeping an eye on Jon at the watch for Eddard move into action. They scoop him up and out of sight before anyone notices. Meanwhile at kings landing, howland reed is brought before the king and the queen in chains to answer for crimes against the crown. He is brought up on charges on conspiring to take the crown, treason, and supporter of Eddard Stark. When questioned Howland Reed in front of the royal court ( Eddard's bannermen, who was the only one to survive the tower of joy assault to rescue Lyanna) elaborately he retells the story of the night, when they tried to rescue Lyanna thus revealing Jon's true parentage, and claim to the iron throne. Claiming that Lyanna swore Ned to secrecy, and Eddard in turn swore Howland to secrecy, making a vow from that point on to protect the boy from Roberts wrath. When Eddard was beheaded Howland explained that was when he moved into action. The queen regent is outraged and calls Reed a liar, but Reed responds, laughing manically, that if he is a liar or not doesn't matter, the banners of both house Stark and house Targaryen have been called either way. And other many northerners, and underground traitors who have been bidding their time.The Redd Wedding vengeance is coming because the North remembers. The queen regent demands to know where Jon is now. Reed laughs and says "the only place he'd be welcomed, half way across the narrow sea to Daenarys Targaryen. The Targaryen boy will make a good husband for the girl. See my queen i knew you were coming for me long ago, so i made plans plenty of time in advance, sending word of the true heir from the wall all the way to Dorne. The queen regent demands for Reeds head, and a knight moves forward, but Howland Reed simply continues to laugh hysterically. He stares directly at the queen and says " Winter is coming, and it will burn. The North Remembers, and for all it's cold, it's coming with fire and blood. Winter is coming for all of you." He laughs as the commander of the kings guard chops off his head. And then I have a separate fantasy of Jon and Daenarys. I see Jon and Daenarys riding hard, both war faces on, Jon waves the Stark Banner with him while Daenarys, beside him holds high the Targaryen banner. behind them are thousands of Dothraki horse lords and millions of unsullied, mixed in are ALL the North bannermen along with the remain Targaryen. This is my fantasy XD it probably won't happen like that but a girl can dream, can't she?

Linneanneaui Well, it makes perfect sense seeing that Jon Snow was sent to the Knights Watch and that whenever the Knight's Watch says some crap to Jon, Maester Aemon Targaryen is always there.

KokoBelle I LOVE this theory. And for those saying that Jon and Daenerys could never end up together if they are related. The Targaryens where known for inbreeding in the past. And considering that there are limited Targaryens left, it would not be far fetched or outrageous for these two to end up together to preserve therir nearly extinct lineage. What brought me here was my own question. Do you all think that Jon could be the dark haired child that Cersei conceived with Robert ( before she started boning her brother)?

bethanyanne I would like to point out that I have read the books. Some of what you are saying is true ( but its taken out of context). First of all Eddard never actually claims Jon as his kid. He says to his wife " he is my blood and that's all you need to know" So right here its telling you he is not the father. Secondly, Raegar and Lyanna Stark were actually in love. He even called her princess of beauty. Robert Baratheon hates Raeger and (little known to him) knew of this affair. So when Lyanna went missing Robert thought she was kidnapped, but he didnt want to marry Robert. So Robert was mad at Raegar for basically taking his bride to be away. Robert made Raaeger out to be this evil guy be he was gentle. Before the battle it even says in book that Tywin Lannister offered his daughter Cersei as his wife to marry, but Raegar didn't want to. So this is when Tywin stopped being the hand of the king. Lyannas room was guarded by men. Why would someone being kidnapped be guarded by men, especially a woman?? Because they had something to hide. She must have given birth to a child. This child would b the rightful crowed person. It wasn't until Robert and Eddard went to this battle with the mad king ( RAEGARS FATHER) this is the point after he comes back with a baby ( supposed bastard). Keeping this secret ( dying wish of lyanna) would help save his life. Let him gorw withut anyone knowing his true heritage. Reagar was ( as quoted a lot even in show) the last true dragon. He was the oldest brother to Denearys and her other brother who got his ...gold crown. HINT: There is a three headed dragon as there elbem. Could represent Denearys, Raegar, and the other brother... or Raegar and his 2 ( known children, and the 1 with Lyanna Stark.

tomslick It seems this theory is less and less likely.