Who is Jon Snow’s father on Game of Thrones? Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark are The Dragon and The Wolf
Here's everything you need to know about the long-standing fan theory that came true
AFTER years of speculation and debate, it was confirmed that the heroic Jon Snow is a Targaryen.
Here's everything to know about Jon's mysterious dad Rhaegar Targaryen and what the revelation means for the future of Game of Thrones characters...
Who is Rhaegar Targaryen?
Rhaegar was a much-sought after man in the seven kingdoms thanks to his violet eyes and his blonde hair.
He is the eldest Targaryen child, with a younger brother and sister - Viserys, who was killed in season one, and Daenerys, the now praised 'mother of dragons' and supposed Queen of the seven kingdoms.
His father was King Aerys II, and Rhae was named 'Prince of Dragonstone' and was first in line to the throne.
The warrior eventually married Elia Martell, the sister of the ill-fated Oberyn Martell, and together they had two children together.
However, on the orders of the ruthless Tywin Lannister, both children were killed in order to secure the Lannister claim to the throne.
The character was killed in battle by Robert Baratheon before the story of Game of Thrones started.
What is R+L = J?
It was a long-running fan theory, R+L = J that Rhaegar was in a loving, romantic relationship with Lyanna Stark.
Through this secret union that Lyanna falls pregnant with and gave birth to Jon - who was raised a bastard with the other Stark children after she died during childbirth.
The fan theory was confirmed in Season Seven as viewers were finally told about the connection between the houses when Three-Eyed raven Bran Stark announced that Jon was in fact Rhaegar's son.
What does this mean for Jon Snow?
Jon was raised as the bastard child of Eddard Stark alongside his children Arya, Sansa, Robb, Bran and Rickon.
Eddard was Lyanna's brother, and promised on her deathbed to look after the infant.
Keeping his history secret meant that Jon was protected from those who wanted to kill off the Targaryen bloodline.
The revelation about his parentage means that Daenerys Targaryen is in fact, his aunt.
Rhaegar and Lyanna were married meaning that Jon is no longer a bastard, and has the most legitimate claim to the Iron Throne.
His claim is so strong that he actually surpasses Daenerys in priority, something his girlfriend is not too pleased about.
MORE ON GAME OF THRONES
When is the Game of Thrones Season 8 finale?
The Game of Thrones finale will air on Sunday May 19, 2019 at 9pm in the US.
It will be simulcast in the UK on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV on Monday, May 20 from 2am.
Fans can catch up on previous episodes by subscribing to Sky.