So Jon Snow's parents

[Sean Hollyman]

What do you think of the whole issue with Jon Snow's mysterious parentage? I'd like to hear people's thoughts.

 

[Catfood220]

I'm not sure why you are so concerned about the parentage of an aging news reporter. But I hope this helps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Snow

 

[Hoplon]

I'm not sure why you are so concerned about the parentage of an aging news reporter. But I hope this helps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Snow

He's a good news man though... No good can't keep a straight face, this is brilliant. All the internet points to you good sir.

 

[Colour Scientist]

I reckon Liana and Rhaegar.

That's my current theory, based on little or no evidence.

Spoiler

To expand on this a bit, I don't think Jon is Ned's because Ned wouldn't cheat due to him being a super-duper wet blanket. However, Jon's a warg so he's likely still a Stark, I think. Lyanna never loved Robert but loved Rhaegar instead, she wasn't abducted but rather fled with him. They had a child in secret and that she died in child birth rather than from a random illness.

I think Ned kept it secret from Robert for fear of what he might do and that's why he feels guilty, not because he cheated on Cat. Obviously, he kept it from Cat as well because, I don't know, she might grass him out or something.

That is my sophisticated belief.

 

[Colour Scientist]

I'm calling this now. He's not Neds Son but Robet Barathean who Ned brought home to help shelter him due to fear over actions by the Lannisters to make sure only a Lannister child took over the throne.

If he was just a random Robert bastard, isn't it a bit coincidental that he would also be a warg?

 

[Nosirrah]

Calling it now,
Father: Ned Stark
Mother: Lyanna Stark
I thought about this after noticing in the first book it's mentioned that all of Ned's legitimate children look more like tullys, but jon doesn't.

 

[Quickman]

My personal guesses...

Ned and Melisandra
Ned and Ashara Dayne
Ned and Cersei
King Aerys and Lyanna
King Aerys and Rhaella
King Aerya and Elia

Possibility also he might secretly be Arthur Dayne's son...
Possibility as well he might be the Son of Rhllor, given how the words Azor Ahai parallel Ahura Mazda...which means 'Son of Fire' or something to that extent.

Either way, if Jon is the messianic hero, has Targaryen blood, and Melisandra "heals him"... He might be better off for the fire to awaken inside of him or something to that regard.

 

[jademunky]

What do you think of the whole issue with Jon Snow's mysterious parentage? I'd like to hear people's thoughts.

The timeline matches up fairly well for the Lyanna and Rhaegar theory. It would explain why Ned was so adamant about not telling Jon who his mother was. Still, even if it turns out true, oaths about the nights watch would make it pretty meaningless. Jon Snow is not the type to go starting any rebellions for the sake of personal glory. Also book V.

 

[Quickman]

What do you think of the whole issue with Jon Snow's mysterious parentage? I'd like to hear people's thoughts.

The timeline matches up fairly well for the Lyanna and Rhaegar theory. It would explain why Ned was so adamant about not telling Jon who his mother was. Still, even if it turns out true, oaths about the nights watch would make it pretty meaningless. Jon Snow is not the type to go starting any rebellions for the sake of personal glory. Also book V.

Spoiler

But if he dies then he has fulfilled his vows. Remember, Jon did technically kill one of his own brothers, slept with the enemy, brought the wildlings south of the wall, aligned himself with a King. It wouldn't be to Jon's common sense benefit to stay in a place where so many want him dead, the previous Lord Commander wanted him executed. That being said,leaving the Watch is the only plausible answer

 

[Happiness Assassin]

The R+L=J Theory says that he is probably the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhegar Targaryen and that is by far the most popular and best supported theory out there. Unfortunately, knowing GRRM he will throw the theory under the bus to surprise the audience. When the author deliberately goes against expectations, it is probably best to see and wait.

 

[jademunky]

What do you think of the whole issue with Jon Snow's mysterious parentage? I'd like to hear people's thoughts.

Spoiler

But if he dies then he has fulfilled his vows. Remember, Jon did technically kill one of his own brothers, slept with the enemy, brought the wildlings south of the wall, aligned himself with a King. It wouldn't be to Jon's common sense benefit to stay in a place where so many want him dead, the previous Lord Commander wanted him executed. That being said,leaving the Watch is the only plausible answer

Spoiler

Yeah, but where would he go? He cannot go south of the wall what with him being enemies of the Boltons and having no supporters in the north. Aegon, the Lannisters and the Tyrells would probably see him as a rival and try to kill him on sight. there is also the little matter of him probably being a wolf full-time in book VI. I suppose he could just head north and join up with Bran.

 

[RedDeadFred]

What do you think of the whole issue with Jon Snow's mysterious parentage? I'd like to hear people's thoughts.

Spoiler

But if he dies then he has fulfilled his vows. Remember, Jon did technically kill one of his own brothers, slept with the enemy, brought the wildlings south of the wall, aligned himself with a King. It wouldn't be to Jon's common sense benefit to stay in a place where so many want him dead, the previous Lord Commander wanted him executed. That being said,leaving the Watch is the only plausible answer

Spoiler

Yeah, but where would he go? He cannot go south of the wall what with him being enemies of the Boltons and having no supporters in the north. Aegon, the Lannisters and the Tyrells would probably see him as a rival and try to kill him on sight. there is also the little matter of him probably being a wolf full-time in book VI. I suppose he could just head north and join up with Bran.

It would take me far too long to explain all of the stuff with the theory I believe (or, at least partially believe) so I'll just tell you to search "the Grand Northern Conspiracy." Basically, the North would unite under Jon Snow. Just a theory though so who knows.

 

[Treeinthewoods]

I reckon Liana and Rhaegar.

That's my current theory, based on little or no evidence.

Spoiler

To expand on this a bit, I don't think Jon is Ned's because Ned wouldn't cheat due to him being a super-duper wet blanket. However, Jon's a warg so he's likely still a Stark, I think. Lyanna never loved Robert but loved Rhaegar instead, she wasn't abducted but rather fled with him. They had a child in secret and that she died in child birth rather than from a random illness.

I think Ned kept it secret from Robert for fear of what he might do and that's why he feels guilty, not because he cheated on Cat. Obviously, he kept it from Cat as well because, I don't know, she might grass him out or something.

That is my sophisticated belief.

I agree with you, Ned found his sister in a "bed of blood" which indicates a birthing place, she made him promise to keep a secret forever and be swore to do so.

There are other small hints that Rhaegar and Lilyana were truly in love and Rhaegar is not portrayed as the kind of monster Robert believed him to be in the small glimpses we are offered. Basically I believe she died in child birth and Ned had to do the honorable thing and keep his promise to her by besmirching his own honor and calling Jon his bastard to protect him from Robert.