‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8: This is Why Jon Snow is the Rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms

This article contains spoilers for Game of Thrones Season 8 premiere, “Winterfell.” read our review of the episode here.

Dany, Cersei, and all other contenders are moving heaven and earth to be seated on the Iron Throne. But, it seems that the person who has the strongest claim to it is actually the one person who has the least interest in claiming it—Jon Snow.

Jon’s true parentage was revealed in season 6, courtesy of Bran’s three-eyed raven visions. He discovered that Jon’s true parents were Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Then in season 7, Sam and Gilly found records detailing that Rhaegar annulled his first marriage to Elia Martell before he married Lyanna and had Jon. This makes Jon a trueborn son and a legitimate Targaryen.

In the Westerosi rule of succession, the crown passes to the first trueborn son. The Mad King’s eldest and heir is Rhaegar. And since Rhaegar’s first two children with Elia Martell died, Jon is now in the direct line of succession. This is why Jon is the rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms. Only if he dies with no children can Daenerys claim the title for herself.

The Game of Thrones Season 8 premiere finally has Jon facing the truth through his best friend Sam. However, he doesn’t take kindly to it. He finds out that he’s been lied to his whole life and that he’s basically in love with his aunt. And though this does complicate things and increases the tension in their camp if word gets out, especially to Dany, it isn’t the end for the throne.

As seen with Cersei’s rule, the rule of succession can easily bow down to power. Assuming that the living prevails, Jon could easily abdicate as well if he chooses to. But with Game of Thrones Season 8’s unpredictable streak, we don’t even know if all this brimming political turmoil would even matter the least bit in the end.