R+L=J is such a widely documented and discussed theory, with so much supporting evidence, that I think if it turns out that he is not actually that... well, then GRRM is actually retconning his own original intentions.
There's too much to support it.
There's too much to support it.
*Ned would not have a bastard child. Period. It's not his personality. If you've only seen the show, then you need to read the books to get this.
*Bran's story about Rhaegar and Lyanna falling in love.
*Lyanna was found at the Tower of Joy in her "bed of blood," a common reference to birth.
*Rhaegar was on the Trident, dying. Aerys was in King's Landing, but three of the Kingsguard, including the Lord Commander were busy guarding Lyanna Stark('s brand newborn heir to Rhaegar). There is absolutely no reason their oath keeps them away from Rhaegar and Aerys otherwise. Both Gerald Hightower and Arthur Dayne are too honorable to act like thugs, keeping Lyanna just "locked up for Rhaegar."
*Dany has a vision in the Houses of the Undying where she sees Rhaegar and Princess Elia, where Rhaegar is musing on the dragon's third head and where that was. This is likely a reference to not just the three headed dragon, but Aegon and his two sisters (both of whom he married), suggesting Rhaegar sees himself as emulating Aegon.
*Everyone woman in Westeros was in love with Rhaegar, including Cersei. By all accounts, he was completely irresistable.
*Rhaegar's depiction as a poet-warrior in love with the idea of what a knight and king should be is completely at odds with the idea of him abducting and raping a noblewoman, especially since he was already married with children.
There are quite a few others things, but those are the most compelling. Everything suggests it, so I would be shocked if Martin goes another direction with it (and a bit annoyed, because I think he'd be doing it to spite the fans.)
Anyway, I question whether the Night's Watch will survive books 6 or 7. I have a feeling the wall is coming down. Despite that, Jon's Oath is fulfilled. He's dead.
Now for Mellisandre to bring him back and he's free to do whatever he wants. Considering the Night's Watch stabbed him in the back, I can't see him going back to them.
*Bran's story about Rhaegar and Lyanna falling in love.
*Lyanna was found at the Tower of Joy in her "bed of blood," a common reference to birth.
*Rhaegar was on the Trident, dying. Aerys was in King's Landing, but three of the Kingsguard, including the Lord Commander were busy guarding Lyanna Stark('s brand newborn heir to Rhaegar). There is absolutely no reason their oath keeps them away from Rhaegar and Aerys otherwise. Both Gerald Hightower and Arthur Dayne are too honorable to act like thugs, keeping Lyanna just "locked up for Rhaegar."
*Dany has a vision in the Houses of the Undying where she sees Rhaegar and Princess Elia, where Rhaegar is musing on the dragon's third head and where that was. This is likely a reference to not just the three headed dragon, but Aegon and his two sisters (both of whom he married), suggesting Rhaegar sees himself as emulating Aegon.
*Everyone woman in Westeros was in love with Rhaegar, including Cersei. By all accounts, he was completely irresistable.
*Rhaegar's depiction as a poet-warrior in love with the idea of what a knight and king should be is completely at odds with the idea of him abducting and raping a noblewoman, especially since he was already married with children.
There are quite a few others things, but those are the most compelling. Everything suggests it, so I would be shocked if Martin goes another direction with it (and a bit annoyed, because I think he'd be doing it to spite the fans.)
Anyway, I question whether the Night's Watch will survive books 6 or 7. I have a feeling the wall is coming down. Despite that, Jon's Oath is fulfilled. He's dead.
Now for Mellisandre to bring him back and he's free to do whatever he wants. Considering the Night's Watch stabbed him in the back, I can't see him going back to them.