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Jon Snow & Daenerys Targaryen Should Rule Together

by Aramide Tinubu

I vowed that I wasn't going to read George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice & Fire saga for fear of Game of Thrones spoilers, but I think I've changed my mind. Not knowing Jon Snow's parentage is literally driving me insane. There are quite a few theories floating around, and though I'm leaning toward the R + L = J theory, there are others that still make a lot of sense. Martin has hinted that he may reveal Jon's parentage in the next part of the series Winds of Winter, which is slated to come out later this year, and, if that's the case, and I do decided to read the books, then I have a ton of catching up to do.

Game of Thrones show-runners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have been dropping subtle hints about Jon Snow parentage this whole time. If the R + L = J theory is correct, that would make Jon Snow the son of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Ned Stark's sister, Lyanna Stark. To sum it up for you, it basically means that Jon Snow is Daenerys Targaryen's nephew, and he would have a more legitimate claim on the throne than she would. He would also literally be the embodiment of both 'fire' and 'ice.'

If Jon somehow figures this out, and decides that he wants to leave his position and break his vows as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, he could would have every reason to take the Iron Throne. Should this day ever come, the first thing he should do is convince Daenerys of his Targaryen heritage. Here are seven reasons why Jon and Dany should rule together.

1. Jon Understands War & Leadership

The men of the Night's Watch made Jon their Lord Commander. Though he successfully outmaneuvers Stannis and Melisandre, he is still forced to make some extremely unpopular decisions for the sake of his men and the realm. He beheads Janos Slynt for insubordination, and he seeks an alliance with The Wildlings, even though his men are adamantly against it. More than anything, Jon has proved his Stark honor time and time again.

2. Jon & Daenerys Are The Only Living Offspring of the Targaryen Dynasty

If Jon truly is the son of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, he and Daenerys are the sole living offspring of the Targaryen family. If Prince Rhaegar and Lyanna were actually married (despite Rhaegar already having a wife), Jon would be the true heir of the Iron Throne over Daenerys. Still, she has more experience ruling then he does.

3. Jon Snow Understands The Importance of Wielding His Weapons

Daenerys is having quite a bit of trouble in Meereen. She's used to her dragons doing her dirty work for her, and she has trouble stomaching violence and beheading. Ned Stark taught Jon that “the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.” Though Jon doesn't necessarily like violence, he knows it's necessary for him to behead Janos Slynt. When the time comes, Jon is always willing to swing his sword, and Dany needs someone like that by her side.

4. Daenerys & Her Dragons

Daenerys is called the Mother of Dragons. However, her dragons, Rhaegal, Viserion and Drogon, are getting more and more out of control. If Dany can't control them, then they are of no use to her. However, if Jon is the true Targaryen prince, he might have some influence over them. He and Dany could parent them together.

5. Jon Might Be Extremely Powerful

It's been suggested that being the son of a Stark and a Targaryen means that Jon is in fact "A Song of Ice and Fire." This also means that Jon could be extremely powerful, since Stark blood is associated with warging (seeing into the minds of animals), and Targaryens are known for their dragons. Also, Jon has encountered death numerous times and never succumbed to it, which is quite rare.

6. They Are Both Willing to Do What's Best For The Greater Good

Jon was willing to put his life on the line and accompany Wildling Tulley to Hardhome in an effort to strike an alliance with the Wildings. He did this even though the brothers of the Night's Watch hated him for it. Likewise, Dany is willing to marry a noblemen in Meereen, though she neither likes nor loves him, in an effort to maintain peace and order.

7. Together They Could Destroy the White Walkers

The White Walkers have revealed themselves, making it quite apparent that they are very REAL. If anyone is going to survive the winter, then they have to be destroyed. Dany's dragons and Jon's Valyrian steel seem like the the only things that could possibly save the realm. Basically, the two would be strongest if they worked together.

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