Who are Jon Snow’s ancestors? Exploring Jon Snow’s lineage in Game of Thrones

Jon Snow is a character whose identity was wrapped in mystery for much of Game of Thrones. As the presumed illegitimate son of Ned Stark, Jon’s heritage was a key element of his journey. His family tree is central not only to his character development but also to the fate of Westeros.

Towards the end of the series, we learned that Jon was actually the son of Ned’s sister Lyanna. Jon’s father was Rhaegar Targaryen, the heir to the Iron Throne. In this article, we’ll explore Jon Snow’s true parentage as a prince of the Targaryen dynasty.

Read More: House Targaryen family tree: Exploring the key House of the Dragon & Game of Thrones characters

Jon Snow’s Family Tree on Game of Thrones explained

Jon Snow, born Aegon Targaryen, is the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, the late Prince of Dragonstone. From infancy, he was presented as the illegitimate son of Lord Eddard Stark, Lyanna’s brother. Eddard raised Jon at Winterfell alongside his lawful children to protect his true identity.

Jon’s parentage was kept secret to shield him from enemies of House Targaryen. Samwell Tarly later revealed Jon’s lineage to him. This revelation also established Daenerys Targaryen as Jon’s aunt. Jon rode Rhaegal, one of Daenerys’s dragons, further connecting him to his Targaryen heritage.

Sam and Bran Stark discovered Jon’s true origin. Sam recalled an entry from High Septon Maynard’s journal about Rhaegar’s annulment and remarriage. Bran confirmed this using Greensight, seeing Lyanna and Rhaegar’s wedding. The ceremony showed Lyanna was a willing bride, not a victim of abduction or rape.

Bran’s visions revealed Lyanna’s dying words at the Tower of Joy. She named her son Aegon Targaryen, proving Jon’s legitimacy. As Rhaegar’s son, Jon became the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. This truth dramatically altered Jon’s understanding of his identity and his place in the realm.

Important characters from Game of Thrones who are related to Jon Snow

Maester Aemon

Credits: HBO

Actor: Peter Vaughan

Maester Aemon of the Night’s Watch is the oldest Targaryen in Game of Thrones. He does not bring his heritage and his ancestry to the limelight often. Rather, he protects Jon Snow in the Night’s Watch and votes for him to be the Commander. He mentors young Snow and encourages him to pave a path for himself. Aemon does not sit on the throne out of his own volition and lets his brother Aegon V rule Westeros.

Aerys II Targaryen

Credits: HBO

Actor: David Rintoul

Aerys II ruled for many years before succumbing to madness and paranoia that gave him the name the Mad King. He brought an end to the mighty Targaryen dynasty’s rule over Westeros. Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark joined forces to rebel and overthrow him as the ruler. He is seen in Game of Thrones in a brief flashback episode. His fascination with Dragonfire can be understood better after we get to know that Aegon the Conqueror foresaw the end of the world of men. Since there were no dragons by the time Aerys sat on the throne, he had to use fire to defeat the White Walkers had they attacked Westeros. The Mad King becomes a cautionary tale for the Lannisters to rally people against Daenerys.

Also Read: 10 most shocking Game of Thrones moments that broke the internet

Rhaegar Targaryen

Credits: HBO

Actor: Wilf Scolding

Son of the Mad King, Rhaegar Targaryen is the brother of Daenerys and Viserys III. He is initially portrayed as similar to the Mad King in his lust and ambition. However, we later realize he is in fact a mild-mannered man who falls in love with Lyanna Stark. The two elope to be married in secret and give birth to their son Aegon Targaryen who lives under Eddard Stark’s protection as Jon Snow.

Viserys III Targaryen

Credits: HBO

Actor: Harry Lloyd

As seen in the first few episodes of Game of Thrones, Viserys III is a petty and vindictive man who cannot stand to see anyone favoring his sister over him. He belittles Daenerys and pawns her off to marry the Dothraki in an effort to gain their favor and their army to sack Westeros. His ambitions become the end of him as Daenerys manages to harmonize with the Dothraki and Drogo kills Viserys III.

Daenerys Targaryen

Credits: HBO

Actor: Emilia Clarke
Dragons: Drogon, Viserion, Rhaegal

Known as the Mother of Dragons, and Breaker of Chains among others, Daenerys Stormborn Targaryen suffers various losses only to realize the throne is her destiny. She journeys through suffering lands and brings them freedom, thus ensuring public support for when she claims the throne. However, her ambitions darken over time and she becomes single-minded toward getting her revenge and sitting on the Iron Throne. She is eventually killed by her lover and nephew Aegon Targaryen.

Lyanna Stark

Credits: HBO

Actor: Aisling Franciosi

Lyanna Stark was the daughter of Lord Rickard Stark and sister to Brandon, Eddard, and Benjen. She was betrothed to Robert Baratheon but later eloped with Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. Their secret marriage occurred after Rhaegar annulled his marriage to Elia Martell. This union sparked Robert’s Rebellion and a war across Westeros.

During the rebellion, Lyanna was hidden in the Tower of Joy in Dorne. She gave birth to Rhaegar’s son, Aegon Targaryen, who was later known as Jon Snow. Lyanna died from childbirth complications. Before her death, she begged her brother Ned to protect her son from Robert Baratheon, who would kill him if he discovered his Targaryen bloodline.

Ned honored Lyanna’s dying wish. He claimed Jon as his illegitimate son and raised him at Winterfell alongside his trueborn children. This protected Jon’s true identity from Robert and others who sought the Targaryen line’s destruction.

Few people knew the truth about Jon’s parentage. Ned, Howland Reed, and two handmaidens were the only witnesses to Lyanna’s revelation. Jon grew up believing he was Ned’s son, unaware of his Targaryen heritage and his rightful claim to the Iron Throne.

Also Read: Who is Sara Snow? Future House of the Dragon character explained

Eddard Stark

Credits: HBO

Actor: Sean Bean

Eddard Stark, head of House Stark, was the Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell. He was known for his honor and loyalty. Eddard was the second son of Lord Rickard Stark and had three siblings: Brandon, Lyanna, and Benjen. His younger brother Benjen joined the Night’s Watch.

Eddard became a father figure to Jon Snow, whom he raised as his illegitimate son. In truth, Jon was the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. Eddard kept Jon’s true parentage a secret, even from his wife Catelyn, to protect Jon from Robert Baratheon’s wrath. This decision strained his marriage.

Eddard raised Jon alongside his own five children: Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon. He treated Jon with care and ensured he grew up as part of the Stark family. Despite this, Jon often felt out of place at Winterfell.

Eddard’s sister Lyanna died in his arms during Robert’s Rebellion. Her death deeply affected him, and he honored her memory by keeping her son safe. Eddard’s steadfast loyalty to his family defined his actions, even as he managed the North and served as King Robert’s close advisor.

Throughout his life, Eddard upheld Stark traditions and values. He wielded the Valyrian steel sword, Ice, an heirloom of House Stark. He was a protector of his family and the North, dedicating himself to their safety and legacy.

Benjen Stark

Credits: HBO

Actor: Joseph Mawle

Benjen Stark, the youngest son of Lord Rickard Stark, was the brother of Brandon, Eddard, and Lyanna. After his family suffered heavy losses during Robert’s Rebellion, Benjen chose to join the Night’s Watch. He dedicated his life to guarding the Wall and protecting the northern border of the Seven Kingdoms.

Benjen earned the rank of First Ranger in the Night’s Watch. His commitment and bravery inspired his nephew Jon Snow. Jon admired Benjen’s sense of duty and saw him as a hero. During his visits to Winterfell, Benjen spoke highly of the Night’s Watch, sparking Jon’s interest in joining.

When Jon decided to join the Night’s Watch, Benjen supported his choice. He helped Jon understand the responsibilities and sacrifices involved. Benjen also guided Jon during his early days at Castle Black, helping him adjust to his new life among the sworn brothers.

Benjen shared the values of honor and duty with Jon, reinforcing his nephew’s determination to serve. Their bond strengthened Jon’s commitment to the Night’s Watch. Benjen’s influence shaped Jon’s path and played a key role in his decision to dedicate his life to the Wall. Through his actions and mentorship, Benjen left a lasting impression on Jon.

How are Jon Snow and Daenerys related?

Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen are related as aunt and nephew. Jon, born Aegon Targaryen, is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenerys’s older brother. This familial connection makes Jon a direct member of House Targaryen, tied closely to Daenerys’s lineage.

Who are Jon Snow’s parents?

Jon Snow’s parents are Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. Lyanna gave birth to Jon at the Tower of Joy in Dorne. Before her death, she entrusted her brother, Eddard Stark, to raise Jon as his illegitimate son to protect him from enemies of House Targaryen.

Is Jon Snow a Targaryen or is he a Stark?

Jon Snow is both a Targaryen and a Stark. His father, Rhaegar Targaryen, was a Targaryen prince, while his mother, Lyanna Stark, was a Stark of Winterfell. However, he was raised as a Stark by Eddard Stark to conceal his true heritage.

How are Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen related to Jon Snow?

Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen are distant ancestors of Jon Snow. Both were members of House Targaryen during the Targaryen dynasty. Jon descends from their bloodline through Rhaegar Targaryen, making them part of his extended family lineage.

Is Jon Snow the prince that was promised?

The prophecy of “The Prince That Was Promised” is tied to Azor Ahai, a savior figure. While Jon Snow’s lineage and actions align with parts of the prophecy, the series never explicitly confirms him as the prince. His connection to dragons and the battle against the Night King suggests he fulfills some aspects of the prophecy.