Unveiling Jon’s Hidden Heritage: Targaryen Traits and Their Impact

Would it be tougher to hide Jon's parentage if he was born with silver hair like Rhaegar? This question is a compelling one that dives into the complexities of Targaryen heritage in the fictional world of A Song of Ice and Fire.

The Claim of Targaryen Ancestry

Silver-gold hair and violet eyes are the classical hallmarks of Valyrian ancestry, often associated with the powerful Targaryen dynasty in Westeros. In the story, if Jon Snow was born with these traits, it couldn't be more obvious to his suspected father, Rhaegar, and his stepfather, Lord arrangements with Viserys Targaryen. However, his identity as a Targaryen is not a mystery to his father, Eddard Stark, who acknowledged Jon as his son in the days before Lyanna's tragic death.

The Ashara Dayne Theory

The story of Jon's parentage in Dorne posits that he could be the illegitimate child of Eddard and Ashara Dayne, given the resemblance to the Targaryen features of both parents. Ashara Dayne was known for her violet eyes, lending credence to the claim that Jon inherited these traits from her rather than Rhaegar. This theory was likely encouraged by Ned Stark to protect Jon from the harsh reality of being a Targaryen.

The Double-Edged Sword of Targaryen Feature Inheritance

While having Targaryen looks like silver hair would have been more challenging to hide, it was not impossible. The Dayne family, known for their pale blond hair, has a striking resemblance to the Targaryens.

Eddard's Strategic Actions

Eddard Stark's strategic actions further support the claim that he was prepared for this. His visit to Starfall, to return Dawn to House Dayne, and his interaction with Lady Ashara before her suicide, sends a clear message that he had plans to protect Jon. This is evident in the way he honored Lady Ashara by naming her nephew after himself and ensuring that the family honored him.

The Harrenhal Revelations

The flashbacks to the tourney at Harrenhal reveal that Ned Stark had a romantic interest in Ashara Dayne. This compels us to wonder if Ned's preference for Ashara played a role in the rumors and theories surrounding Jon's parentage. The naming of Arthur Dayne's nephew in Jon's honor is a clear sign of the family's respect and honor towards Jon.

The public belief that Ashara Dayne is Jon's mother further reinforces the theory, as her violet eyes would explain the Valyrian features in Jon. Even the silver hair, while more challenging to hide, is not impossible, given the existence of the current Lord of Starfall, Edric Dayne, who shares similar traits with the Targaryens.

Conclusion

Jon Snow’s hidden heritage was indeed a double-edged sword. While the typical Stark look helped him pass off as Ned's son, the challenge of concealed Targaryen features like silver hair would have been tougher but not impossible. Eddard Stark’s strategic actions and the Ashara Dayne theory ensured that Jon’s true heritage was kept hidden from Robert Baratheon and others who would have sought to wage war against him.