Game of Thrones - L+R=J: Who Is Jon Snow's Mother Reaction! 

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Jon's true parentage also explains Ned's misplaced empathy for Cersei and why he warned her before he was to tell Robert that he knew the truth. She was guilty of hiding the true parentage of her kids to protect them from Robert and Ned was guilty of the exact same crime.

I want to say that in the books part of the reason Robb marries Jeyne/Talisa is because the memories of how Catelyn treated Jon make the thought of fathering a bastard unacceptable to Robb.

In the books Rhaegar is also described as being a gloomy and melancholy guy. Lyanna an extroverted tomboy and fierce fighter with a strong moral compass. All these qualities exemplified in Jon. Really hope we get a Robert’s Rebellion series or mini series to figure out how it really went down. I do think that Lyanna was the mystery knight at the Tourney of Harrenhal and Rhaegar chasing her down is how they first got to know each other

Alt Shift X is the best shortcut to reading the books. His summaries and analysis of theories are phenomenal, and I love the dry humor he uses. You can hear a more lighthearted version of him with his Alt Schwift X channel and his collaborations with Glidus (another amazing YT creator for the TV and books)

Alt Shift X is by far the best youtube channnel for lore and background on GoT stuff Also the livestreams with Glidus are just fucking hilarious

Talisa didn't ruin Robb, Robb ruined Robb. He was the one with power between the two of them.

In the books it's clear Lyanna is skeptical of Robert's capacity at fidelity. He already has Bastards.

Ned giving up his honour to protect his family. First by protecting Jon and being seen as an adulterer and raising a bastard. Then confessing to treason to try and save his daughters. Literally a man to good for the world.

The descriptions of Rheagar are important. He was an intellectual, an artist, very kind and charitable and people loved and respected him. They were hoping to replace the mad king with him. Rheagar was also very much into the ancient stories and prophesies passed down in this family concerning the Long Night. He believed them to be true and he also had dreams himself.

I've always believed that the only other person Ned told about Jon's mother was his own brother Benjen. There is a scene in season 1 where Jon asks Benjen to take him back to Castle Black so he can become a member of the Night's Watch. Benjen tries to dissuade Jon telling him he won't be able to have a family. Jon says he doesn't care and Benjen replies "you might if you knew what it meant". Anyhoo, that's my theory and I swear to Old Gods and the New that's it's true.

Props to George R.R. Martin for writing such an amazing story. Like can you imagine how they made us dive deeply in the story that they gave us some clear hints and we still didn’t catch about John?!! Oh I loved it

All of the Stark Children ARE Wargs in the books. Not so much in the show. They wanted Bran to stand out when it comes to the supernatural aspect of the Show.

It’s time to face facts, Spartan: Pudgey’s dual loyalty to House Targaryen and House Stark and her refusal to choose between them evidences a superior intuition of what is important and meaningful in the Song of Ice and Fire, what it is all about.

Book readers like to interpret that Rhaegar wanted Lyanna because of his mentions of prophecy. Personally, I find the interpretation that Rhaegar and Lyanna fell in love to be the most arresting. Because it is a “failed” romantic story. The romantic fairy tales we tell our children all operate on the supposition that “love triumphs all.” Who has not heard of such a tale? A story of two star-crossed lovers at different levels in society who defy all odds to be together. We root for these stories all the time. But Game of Thrones doesn’t ignore the political realities of such a tale. There are real consequences to a Prince running away with a woman-even if he truly loved her. And thousands if not millions will perish for making such a choice. Their love did not triumph all. Romeo and Juliet’s story had the world be at fault for denying them. But here, Rhaegar and Lyanna’s story? It makes such a decision all seem selfish.

Unbelievable writing. Ned was only in the show for 9 episodes but his impact remains until the very end

Talissa didn´t ruin Robb , she didn´t force him to stay with her, He knew well that breaking his promise to Walder Frey will have consequences. Some people blame her, they forgot what really happened

The thing I love is how Sean Bean knew about R+L=J after being told so he could act that scene on the horses with Jon correctly. Him choking up there is him acting the fact that Ned is talking about his Sister. Likewise, when talking to Robert and he's talking about a rare wench he curtly cuts him off with "nor will I" which is a lot of self control when someone is calling your sister a rare wench xD

12:04 yeah, but in the books, add another generation between Aemon’s brother (Aegon5) and the Mad King (Aerys2). He was Jaehaerys2. The show just simplified the dialogue, for whatever reason or the next. But, it also shows how old Aemon was: 104!

Talissa didn’t ruin Rob. Rob ruined himself…

Robb was a big boy who made his own choices. Blaming Telissa for "ruining" him is ridiculous.

The whole book series on which GOT is based on is called A song of Ice and Fire and Jon is Both Ice and Fire, that is targaryen and Stark.

This video tried really hard to explain that it wasn't a "kidnapped and raped" situation as Sansa says in the crypts, but more of a fell in love and ran away together situation. (Hence Littlefinger's smirk and look to Sansa after she said that). As well as Sir Barriston explaining how good of a guy Rhaegar was. We only heard the one misguided perspective through the shows beginning.

Isn't it funny how Jon Snow "knows nothing " Ygrittes favorite line 😂

ah you sweet summer children. you think you've seen the winter and that there's a bright spring ahead full of possible, beautiful flowers. winter is coming, like none before. all the smallfolk still talk about what a terrible winter it was.

In show canon, Aemon is Jon's great great uncle, brcause they omitted a Targaryen king, whose name was Jaehaerys II, who was the mad king's father. However, in the show the mad king's father was Aegon V (Aemon's brother), who in the book is Aerys II's grandfather. It's all a bit messy😅

Ned knew how Robert felt about Targaryen children, so the lie was primarily to protect Jon and honor his promise to Lyanna and her dying wish.

In the books, most of the Stark kids have some degree of warging ability. Jon has wolf dreams where he goes into Ghost. Arya has them too with Nymeria and even an alley cat.

These theory videos kept us a bit entertained while waiting for new season to come out

Wow Catelyn's speech hit me harder in this video than it did the last time, actually had me crying.

By his reaction to Sansa in the crypt I think that Little Finger knew. Spartan & Pudgey didn’t even notice it.🥲

When you go back and view all of Ned's scenes you realize he doesn't say certain things or speak about certain events. He let's people believe what they want. He never speaks about the tower of joy or fighting Arthur Dane it's always second hand info from people who actually weren't there like fellow bannerman etc. These stories are then told to his children through them and other people not Ned. Ned never talks about these things. Also something to consider is Robert loved Lyanna or rather loves the idea of her, he never talks about her as a person only a thing that was taken from him. It was an arranged marriage like most marriages in Westoros are but we never hear how Lyanna felt about him. Considering what we have heard about her personality, her being like Aria. She was free spirited and had no qualms about taking up a sword. She was likely headstrong and personally I can't imagen them getting along any better then Cersei & Robert did. Frankly, I think they would have fought even more because in the beginning Cersei really did care for Robert and wanted to make things work, it was Robert that couldn't love her because of his loss of Lyanna. And we do hear (it's written in the books) that during the evening before the tournament Rhaeghar sings a song so sad it brings tears to Lyanna's eyes. Her being such a strong person like Aria I can't imagen many things moving her that way. Personally I believe the war was based on a lie that Rhaeghar abducted her when she actually ran away with him. But I think there is a lot more to it that is discussed in the books that never is mentioned in the show. Like Rhaeghar believing the prince that was promised prophecy very deeply and him wanting to have 3 children because of the 3 heads of the dragon but that Elia could not bare a third child (it would have killed her, her health was very fragile. Which makes it even more tragic that Lyanna died because she was presumed very healthy) and the Targaryen's had no issues with polygamy like Aegon with his 2 sister wives.

Arya looks like Lyanna, talks like Lyanna, has such similar personality as her aunt is so endearing to Ned who tells her she reminds him of Lyanna but also Jon and Arya have a very strong bond as sibilings. I love it so much. In the show isn’t mentioned because Arya doesn’t have the coloring of Lyanna as in black hair and brown eyes like Jon but the actresses of Arya and Lyanna look very much alike. Agh my stark heart

@14:19 Spartan : "Jon Targaryan would be his name, then...." No actually, his name would be Jon Sand. He's still a bastard, only one who was born in Dorne (where the castle of Joy is and where Ned found Lyanna after she had given birth to him), and not in the North, making him a "Sand" rather than a "Snow". Technically speaking, Ned should have named him Jon Rivers or Jon Waters or something else, rather than Jon Snow, because the lie he told was that Jon was conceived (and presumably born) in the south where he(Ned) and Robert went to war with the Targaryans. The "Trident" (from 'Battle of the Trident' where Robert kills Rhaegar) is in the Riverlands (hence "Rivers") while King's Landing Bastards are called "Waters" (and Ned heads to King's Landing after the battle to secure the throne for Robert). Assuming he met Jon's mother (according to his story) somewhere between these two places and Jon was consequently born thereabouts, he shouldn't have been named Jon Snow, but like I said, either Rivers, or Waters (or possibly even Rose - but it's doubtful they were ever in the Reach.) I think he names him "Snow" as a shortcut to claiming him without actually coming outright and claiming him, by essentially declaring him a bastard of the North, even though he's not, strictly speaking,.....of the North (by birth, I mean).

Pudgy be like “Robert didn’t even know! “ That was the whole point of it all!!! (Facepalm)

“The winners write the history books” as they say … Robert definitely skewed it so it seemed Rhaegar kidnapped her were my thoughts putting it all together with how both Selmy and Oberyn described it and how Rhaegar was constantly portrayed by those who actually knew him

I hate when people recommend videos that ruin future surprises and don't give reactors the same experience we did watching the first time

11:38 In the book, Maester Aemon’s younger brother (King Aegon V) is Jon’s Great Great Grandfather. In the show when Maester Aemon revealed his identity to Jon, he said Aerys II is Aegon V’s son but Aerys II (in the book) is actually Aegon V’s grandson. So the main show removes one generation of Targaryen bloodline for the sake of simplicity.

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The fact that John's direwolf Ghost has white fur could also be a reference to the Targaryen, who are known to have white hair.

The HUGE revelation that Jon Snow is really Jon Sand lol

I've been waiting for this reaction so long - and you didn't disappoint :) It was great to see how you've developed the theory and now, finally, got the confirmation

There's no doubt in my mind that, for 6 seasons, GRRM laid an absolute Mastercraft foundation to set up what could no doubt be the best series of all time... Surely not even D&D could fumble it

HAVE YOU HEARD OF ROBERTS CURSE? When King Robert comes to Winterfell, he touches NED, CAT, ROB, and RICKON. All dead. Coincidence? I think not. ✌️

Niceeee. Also the show might have shuffled the timeline a bit but Maester Aemon is the brother of Dany’s grandfather/Jon’s great-grandfather. And as for Dany and Jon learning the truth, I think it’s important keep in mind that Dany’s claim to the throne rests on her being the last Targaryen. Another male heir would be a threat to her more than just simple family.

I've been waiting on reactions like these.

Jon is just as likely to be told of his parentage by Howland Reed, the father of Jojen and Meera, who was with Ned at the Tower Of Joy when he tried to rescue his sister. Howland is still alive in the Neck as far as we know at the end of the latest book of the ASOIAF series, A Dance With Dragons.

When Ned and Robert have their hunting lunch during Robert’s visit to Winterfell, Robert presses Ned to name the common girl he was with and Ned says, Wylla but then won’t describe her and becomes defensive. I think this may have been a wet nurse Ned hired to care for infant Jon. It also served to throw us off from the truth. Loved your reactions to the old memorable scenes that lay the clues to Jon’s heritage.❤

All of us book readers had the theory. There were even more clues in the book than on the show so D & D Guessing wasn't so amazing. It had been alive and well as a theory in the book reader community. Alt Shift X is the best theorist out there for sure. Glad you included that. I always loved the way Stannis was with Jon and his line "that wasn't Ned Starks way" is one of my favorite. Honor understands Honor. (And Stannis' path is different in the books) Fun fact about Jon and Arya... I read somewhere that George had initially started writing a trajectory of a love story between Arya and Jon but the process of writing took him elsewhere (thankfully). To me it was a much more touching bond while wholesome. We already have enough incest on the show and first cousins- though I guess that was practiced a lot in European history- is still gross- especially if they spent their early days as siblings. Ok enough with my yapping. I enjoyed your reactions to this and to the whole series. I am going to miss your takes on these!!!!

Spartan about Talisa: she ruined Robb. And that in a nutshell shows why he's so harsh on the female characters while letting the men slide (his pathological hatred of Cersei for example). He has internalized the classic patriarchal and misogynist's ethos. That woman is the source of all sin.

I love your reactions guys and I'm glad you reacted to this one as well

17:21 What I love is that the prophecies can be interpreted many ways. “Promise me, Ned.” He’s literally a Prince that was Promised (by his Uncle to keep safe). “Born neath a bleeding star.” Who dies at the Tower of Joy? Arthur Dayne whose sword spilt the blood of 4 people… a sword that is made from a fallen star hence “bleeding star.” I don’t know about “salt and smoke.” Maybe Renly was right and it’s a ham.

The tourney of Harrenhall has to be the most important moment in the history of ASoIaF. Like, literally everything is connected to it.

Such fantastic writing by George RR Martin. Dan and Dave essentially did a Red Wedding to the story and writing.

Maester Aemon wasn't mad king's brother, he was mad king's uncle

The last scene where the producers were discussing with George Martin what they wanted to reveal, that Jon's mother was Lyana, is a point in the story far beyond where Martin was in his books. The last book, "A Dance with Dragons." ends with Dany walking back to Meereen and before her capture by the Dothraki.

After this season, i really encourage you guys to rewatch the scene in HOTD between Viserys and Rhaenyra with the Valerian dagger

Been waiting for this since s1 ep1!

According to the book Aemon was the older brother of king Aegon 5th (he’s talking about Aeg during his death scene). Aegon is the grandfather of the mad king - Aerys (father of Daenerys and grandfather of Jon snow/Aegon 6th)

All of this potential just thrown down the toilet. Great job D&D!

Most book readers knew from the first book, it is very clear. The producers you heard the quote about didn't guess, they read.

It's the music, man. Hits at all the right moments. 😭😭😭😭😭

I've seen a couple of their reactions and the girl is such a sweetheart, absolute sunshine and he's always rolling his eyes at him 😕 like wtf dude?!

Yaaaaaaay bonus content! 🙌

Wow this STILL after all this time makes me so emotional!!

The times in between seasons where we kept hyping ourselves up with R + L = J theories were so crazy lol you had to be there. Thats why the payoff hit SOOO hard!!

Ehhhh didn't expected u today, i love it ❤

Part of the reason Ned's keeping of the secret was successful: people who thought him judgemental or "too good" wanted it to be true. They could look at it and say that Ned was just like everyone else. Howland Reed knew and sent his children to protect Bran. They were discussing the Tourney at Harrenhal with Bran in the books. As much as Ned loves Robert, he does not trust Robert with Jon. Robert would not have spared Jon; his pride would not allow it.

one of the best things about GoT is how much clues and foreshadowing the Auther puts in his story that make people theorize and discuss about the future of the story. This might not be very clear to a binge watcher but for someone who has to wait years for the next season and especially for book readers, it is very clear and it's one of the reasons people are so hyped about the story. There are hundreds of small hits and clues that make for amazing and shocking fan theories that make total sense. Too shame you won't be able to know them all. My fav one is that Bran is a time traveler who has been manipulating and orchestrating everything that happened in the story :) not gonna tell you if it will happen or not though

I have to say that I really like your reactions to Game of Thrones and dont know what your next series will be or if I will become as excited to see your videos when its over.

Aemon Targaryen is Aery's uncle, so Dany's granduncle, and Dany is then Jon's aunt, so theres alot of generations in between Aemon and Jon.

I wish you went deeper into book territory, it would make the discussions so much richer (they are so good right now, don't get me wrong) Another deep dive into R+L=J is Preston Jacobs video with the same title. This one is super deep on book lore, so brace yourselves!

7:04 I'm so glad S&P never caught that one. I was quite terrified that Pudgey would pick it up but thank God she didn't.

When Jon was off to the Nights Watch and Ned said to him “You may not be a Stark, but you have my blood” I had a stroke during my re-watch

There is a scene in the 1st season where Sam and Jon are scrubbing a table in the big room where all the men dine, and there are wooden columns that go from the ceiling to the floors, and carved into one of them is R+L=J. I guess it was done by D and D for fun!!

It’s subtle, but the Targ theme plays when Jon hangs Olly, Alliser Thorne, and the others.

Love these

So to see ohow truly brilliantly this show was written go back and watch season 1, and pay attention to every interaction between Robert and Ned.

Yay the intro is back!

You’ve watched HotD already and heard King Viserys talk about the prophesy about a prince that was promised coming from his bloodline. In the books there is a vision in the house of undying where Rhaegar tells a woman with dark hair holding a baby that the child is the Song of Ice and Fire.

Everyone always leaves out the scene with Benjen at Winterfell. I believe Benjen knew. He tells Jon that if he knew what it meant (to not be able to father children) he would'nt go to the wall.

Anybody else remembers this feeling! The excitement and all the hope in the word for what’s gunna happen! Haven’t seen an Alt Shift X video since then…i totally remember this happiness and how invested I was :(

Maester Aemon was the older brother of the Mad King's Grandfather (Aegon vth).

Oh I have been so waiting for this I haven't had time to watch s07 reactions yet but this I can definitely watch 🤩🤩

Lyanna never loved Robert, and Rhaegar was the finest man that the honourable Barristan Selmy had ever known. Rhaegar didn't kidnap or rape Lyanna anymore than Ned cheated on Catlyn or committed treason.

Oh yeah this bloke has the best game of thrones/house of the dragon stuff on youtube. You should do his Varys video next since the show and books are different stories at this point so there's no spoilers for the show. And it's good shit.

Song of "John Snow" The Last Dragon

Now you understand why Ned was so adamant against Robert killing Daenerys in the first season. "You'll dishonor yourself forever if you do this". Ned was suffering hearing Robert go on about killing Daenerys because that showed him what would happen if the truth about Jon's parents would come out. It also shows him that hiding Jon's secret was the right way to act all along. He did not even trust Catelyn with this, most likely because Catelyn would not have hated Jon anymore, and that behavior would have roused suspicion of Robert.

Even thought there are no spoilers, i think you should have not watched the second video until you finish the series. I will elaborate why when that happens.

Aemon was the Mad Kings uncle, so the Great Great Uncle of Jon and Great Uncle of Dany

In the books, there are strong indications that Ned was actually in love with Ashara Dane, Arthur Dane's sister. He married Cat out of duty. After Arthur was killed, he went to house Dane to deliver Dawn, get a wet nurse, Wyla, for Jon and to break up with Ashara. Alt shift X also has a video on the knight of the laughing tree. Explains a lot.

R+L=J was around on the forums before the TV show was ever made. The hints were always there.

Technically speaking, at over 100, Maester Aemon was brother to Egg. Who was GRANDFATHER to the mad king. From Jon up 4 generations and over 1. Great-nephew is a good enough description.😂

YESS i wanted to see your reaction to it :DD

Dany is Jon's aunt, as she was the sister of Rhaegar Targaryen, his older brother, followed by Viserys Targaryen (middle brother) and finally she is the youngest of the three Daenerys Targaryen !!!

What else I find interesting is how he got the love of his mother somewhat through Lady Lyanna Mormont, who though just a child, was fiercely protective of and loyal to Jon, and even scolded him for bending the knee.

Oh sweet summer children. My heart goes out to both of you.

I seriously NEED to get caught up on your GoT reactions.

There was an Easter egg for sharp eyes viewers in Seaon 1 already. In a scene where Jon and Sam chats in the dining room, while scrubbing tables, one Pillar has an R and an L scratched in it, then Jon goes and stands right next to it. I downloaded the pic, but can't paste it here.

In the books, Rhaegar targaryen wrote letters to Maester Aemon, they were communicating a lot so its plausible that he knew he was expecting a child from Lyanna. Since that baby disappeard and Lord Stark appeared with a bastard around the same time. I guesd its safe to suppose he knew it was Jon