Game of Thrones: Rhaegar Targaryen Revelation Confirms Jon Snow’s Lineage

This article contains spoilers from season 7, episode 5 “Eastwatch.” For a refresher, read our latest “Game of Thrones” Season 7, Episode 5 Review here.

“Game of Thrones” fans have been speculating for years on the love story of Rheagar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Finally, there is an answer as revealed by Gilly in last night’s episode.

Gilly was reading recordings of High Septon Maynard, the highest official in the Faith of the Seven. As the disinterested Sam was mulling over the White Walkers. She was telling him about the many steps in the Citadel and the High Septon’s bowel movements.

Maynard, the highest official in the Faith of the Seven. As the disinterested Sam was mulling over the White Walkers. She was telling him about the many steps in the Citadel and the High Septon’s bowel movements.

She also found out something interesting about the High Septon’s marriage ceremonies.

‘Game of Thrones’ Reveal Rheagar Targaryen Had An Annulment

Gilly turned a page and asked Sam what an annulment was, he answered telling her when a man sets aside his lawful wife. Only a Septon has the authority to perform an annulment. Gilly went on and read aloud one of the High Septon’s recordings.

John Bradley and Hannah Murray in Game of Thrones (2011). Photo by Helen Sloan/HBO

“Maynard says here that he issued an annulment for a Prince Rhaegar and remarried him to someone else at the same time in a secret ceremony in Dorne,” she told Sam. Gilly may have mispronounced Rheagar’s name, but it’s no doubt about the Targaryen prince and Lyanna Stark.

Fans were delighted last season when one of the series biggest fan theory was confirmed, Jon Snow was Rheagar and Lyanna’s child.

Now with the revelation of an annulment and a secret marriage. This means Jon Snow is not of bastard status and is the rightful heir to the throne.

A Song Of Ice And Fire, The Love Story of Rheagar and Lyanna

Now that a longstanding fan theory has been confirmed, how did Rheagar and Lyanna fall in love? Was it truly love? Or did Rheagar kidnap Lyanna and force himself onto her as many of the stories said?

In season 6, we saw Lyanna give birth to her son in the Tower of Joy. But it never really explained if it was out of love or force. The events that lead to Lyanna’s pregnancy goes as follows: after winning the jousting competition at the Tourney of Harrenhall, Rhaegar stunned the Seven Kingdoms when he was asked to name the Queen of Love and Beauty. During this time, he was married to Elia Martell and gave the title to Lyanna Stark. Many fans believe this was the start of their love affair.

Aisling Franciosi and Robert Aramayo in Game of Thrones Season 6. Photo via HBO

With Gilly’s discovery, the events match up with the annulment because shortly after the tournament Rhaegar “kidnapped” Lyanna. It is mentioned in both the show and the books that Rheagar kidnapped Lyanna and raped her. A story that started Robert Baratheon’s rebellion against the Targaryens.

As the rebellion died down, Rheagar, his then wife Ellia and their only child brutally killed by Robert Baratheon and his army. Ned Stark found his sister and her baby in the Tower of Joy guarded by three of the best of Rheagar’s Kingsgaurd.

Jon Snow The One True Heir To The Iron Throne

Photo via Helen Sloan/HBO

So Jon Snow is not a bastard after all. He is the legal son of Rheagar Targaryen and the last remaining son in the Targaryen bloodline.

Jon’s claim to the throne is greater than Daenerys’s claim. Throughout the Targaryen Dynasty men were always crowned over daughters.  Sometimes the daughters were married off to their brothers and cousins for pure lineage. Last season’s revelation of Jon being a Targaryen meant he was still a bastard but “Eastwatch” changed his fate and his name.

With this revelation in mind, the fans know it but when will Jon find out? Being the one true heir of the Iron Throne, will Jon take the seat or will he give it to Daenerys?

Because this reveal changes the game and who will sit on the Iron Throne.