Bran Stark’s Ascendancy to the Throne Over Jon Snow Echoes House Targaryen’s Game of Thrones Legacy

While Jon Snow’s Targaryen heritage might not have held significant weight throughout Game of Thrones, the series finale ultimately echoed themes from his family’s historical narrative. In a shocking turn of events, Jon Snow killed Daenerys Targaryen, while Bran Stark emerged as the new sovereign of Westeros, paving the way for an era filled with potential yet steeped in the shadows of the past—an echo that Bran, as the keeper of stories, should be acutely aware of.

A recurring motif in George R. R.Martin’s storytelling—one that is prominently featured in the eighth season finale of Game of Thrones—is the cyclical nature of history. This could not be more clearly illustrated than in Jon’s act of commandeering Daenerys, which parallels Jaime Lannister’s execution of the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen. Also, the Iron Throne, forged through dragonfire by the very first Targaryen ruler, meets its demise at the hands of the last dragon, further emphasizing this theme of historical repetition.

Connections to the Targaryen Legacy: Bran Stark & Jon Snow

House Targaryen’s Legacy: A Stark Rises to Power

Jon Snow kneeling before Bran, next to Sansa and Arya, in Game of Thrones' series finale

Though the circumstances diverge, Jon Snow’s return to the Wall, spurned by the council’s choice to elect Bran Stark, mirrors a historical event approximately seventy years ago involving Aegon Targaryen, known as Egg, who ascended to the throne as King Aegon V Targaryen. Following the demise of King Maekar I, the realm faced a succession crisis, with both of his eldest sons having perished. Ultimately, the council appointed Aegon, after his older brother Aemon—a Maester from Oldtown—declined the throne.

Soon, viewers will witness Egg’s youthful exploits in HBO’s upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

The aftermath of Egg’s ascendance saw Aemon opting for the Night’s Watch, distancing himself from the throne to eliminate any prospects of rivalry with his younger brother. Similarly, Jon’s return to the Wall, presented as a punishment meted out by Grey Worm for Daenerys’ death, positions him—much like Aemon—as a potential heir who fundamentally desires to eschew the crown.

Bran and Aegon parallel each other as unlikely rulers, both possessing a character that suggests they may govern with wisdom. Egg was the fourth son of King Maekar, while Bran is also the fourth child of Ned Stark; neither was anticipated to inherit power, yet circumstances propelled them into those roles.

The Influence of Maester Aemon on Jon Snow’s Journey

Aeman’s Pivotal Role in Jon’s Life

Maester Aemon and Jon Snow in Game of Thrones

Though Jon Snow never had the opportunity to know his true father, Rhaegar Targaryen, he was significantly influenced by three pivotal father figures: Ned Stark, Mance Rayder, and Maester Aemon. Each figure embodies elements of Jon’s multifaceted identity:

Ned Stark: Represents Jon’s Stark lineage, intertwined with his true parentage through Ned’s sister, Lyanna.
Mance Rayder: Embodies Jon’s connection to the Wildlings, driving his loyalty towards his people while reminding him of his heart’s ties to life beyond the Wall.
Aemon: Reflects Jon’s secret Targaryen roots and his relinquishment of power for the duty he undertook with the Night’s Watch.

This influential backing is evident in Jon’s touching farewell to his Stark siblings, affirming their bonds despite the absence of a shared bloodline, before ultimately venturing beyond the Wall alongside the Wildlings. Moreover, Aemon’s teachings catalyzed Jon’s most critical actions in the series finale; his wisdom prompted Jon to confront Daenerys in a drastic attempt to preserve the realm.

Jon’s recollection of Aemon’s maxim—”Love is the death of duty” —echoes throughout the conclusion of Game of Thrones. Tyrion’s interpretation further emphasizes this notion, reinforcing the concept that sometimes duty outweighs personal affections. Aemon poignantly referred to love as humanity’s “great glory, and our great tragedy, ” an insight that resonates deeply with Jon’s journey, infusing his story with hope as he finds a way forward, guided by the legacy of one of his greatest mentors.

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