Why The R+L Theory of Jon Snow is Wrong

Some R+L Theory of Jon Snow Background

For quite a few seasons now Jon Snow has been winning fans with courage, battle skill and looks that could charm a wildling. While we all know who his father is speculation about his mother is rife. All this speculation led to R+L=J theory explaining his parentage and it claims that Snow is actually the child of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. For those who don’t know Rhaegar was the first born son of the mad king, Aerys II Targaryen. He kidnapped Lyanna, Sister of Eddard Stark, while she was betrothed to Robert Baratheon causing Robert to rebel and with the help of Ned they overthrew the Targaryens and that’s where the series kicks off. Supporters of this theory imply Jon Snow is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne and with the proper political ties to the lord of Winterfell he could rule the seven kingdoms like Robert did. Unfortunately, this theory is so full of holes that Jon Snow’s alleged death was the final nail needed in its coffin. While others speculate even more on whether he will return or not here’s why Snow couldn’t be the son of the last dragon.

John Snow is not a Targaryen

In the Game of Thrones’ universe you know a Targaryen when you see one. White hair and pale skin are the very distinct features the house members inherit and Jon’s jet black hair does not fit in. Dark haired Robert Baratheon also had Targaryen descendants but it was his grandmother. Two generations is too long to maintain that silver tint but if Jon was a direct descendent of the last dragon he would definitely have some indication of it. The visions of dragons which many Targaryens have had have caused many of them to go mad including King Aerys himself. The visions Jon Snow has had are of frost not flame and maybe just maybe he has the heritage of a Northern Warg although nothing so far has indicated that it’s even hereditary although Stark’s other children had visions too.

Bastards do not have the same status as children born in marriage in Game of Thrones. This is the reason Ramsay Bolton and Jon Snow live their lives as second class royalty. This is also why Gendry, Rob Baratheon’s Bastard son, lives his life as a blacksmith while the kingdom is turned upside down by Jaime Lannister’s spawn. Rhaeger Targaryen was married to Elia Martell when he kidnapped Lyanna, the couple even had two children, Rhaenys and Aegon Targaryen. Even if Lyanna had eloped the children born would be bastards and so would have no claim to make of the throne. The only reason Ramsay Bolton is legitimately recognized in season five is because his father has not sired a legitimate heir and his biggest worry is if his father’s legal wife gets a son then it’ll be back to the tower for him. Jon Snow could not make any claim to the Targaryen legacy without some Targaryen support so whether he is or isn’t the son of Rhaeger is inconsequential. Finally, why would Ned not tell his wife if no one else that Jon is his sister’s son? Jon is mistreated his whole life by Catelyn Stark because he’s the result of Ned’s infidelity. If Ned went from cheating husband to honorable uncle she would definitely go easier on him. Either Ned is a cruel uncle who cannot trust his wife with a secret or Jon Snow was legitimately his illegitimate child. I’m picking the former and not a believer of R+L Theory of Jon Snow.