Why Jon Snow Chose to Not Be Called Aegon

Introduction to Jon Snow and His True Heritage

Jon Snow, also known as the “Night’s Watch Bastard,” was born in the stark northeastern reaches of the Seven Kingdoms. Like many children of the Night's Watch, he was found abandoned near the Wall as an infant. Raised by Maester Aemon of House Targaryen as his foster brother, Jon spent his early life at Dragonstone, the ancestral seat of House Targaryen, unknowing of his true heritage. Jon did not discover his Targaryen lineage until he was grown and living in the world beyond the Wall.

Discovery of Origins

Targaryen lineage was a matter of life and death in Westeros, as House Targaryen was the ruling house for over three centuries, and their blood was seen as the ultimate power. The discovery of Jon Snow's heritage from a letter written by his supposed father, Lord Commander Mormont, changed his life irrevocably. Baptized with the blood of the red dragon, Jon learned he was the second son of Lady Alive-Again, named Lyanna Stark, aunts of King Robert Baratheon and the younger sibling of Nedd Stark, and the third son of Rhaegar Targaryen. As such, Jon Snow had the blood of both the Starks and the Targaryens in him.

The Reason Behind Not Using the Name Aegon

So, why, despite his Targaryen heritage, did Jon choose to keep his name, Jon Snow, instead of assuming the name Aegon?

First, it is important to understand that the Targaryen bloodline, while powerful, was fraught with danger in a world still sealed off by the Wall. Aegon Targaryen, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, was the eldest son of Rhaegar Targaryen and thus predefined to claim the throne. Naming Jon as Aegon would have marked him as a potential claimant to the Iron Throne, which could have led to immediate and dangerous consequences. The Starks were the head of the North, and their power extended well beyond their lands. Naming Jon as Aegon might have been seen as a grave threat to their alliance and their position in Westeros.

Second, Jon Snow represents a unique blend of Stark and Targaryen traits, but his upbringing and fosterage have deeply shaped him into a Night’s Watch man first. He learned the code of honor and the tactics of the war against the domination of the Night King and the White Walkers. His allegiance and primary mission have always been to defend Westeros from the menacing threat beyond the Wall. By not taking the name Aegon, Jon remains committed to his duties and the cause he believed in, a cause that aligns more with the spirit of the Night’s Watch.

Lastly, the decision may also reflect a personal disdain for the politics that come with the Targaryen name. The Targaryen name is tied to power struggles and the darkness of the Past, which Jon chose to distance himself from. His journey was about finding a place for himself in a world that had wronged him and his family, and using his unique position as a half-blooded descendant of both houses to bring peace and understanding.

Conclusion

While Jon Snow's true heritage as a Targaryen is indeed notable, his decision to not take the name Aegon showcases his deep understanding of the complexities of power, family, and personal duty. Jon’s path is one of redemption and unity, and by choosing to keep his name, he embraces the qualities that have defined him and his role in protecting Westeros.

Key Takeaways

Jon Snow is a Targaryen with a mix of Stark and Targaryen heritage. He chose not to use the name Aegon to avoid the political dangers of claiming the Iron Throne. His decision reflects his commitment to his duties as a member of the Night’s Watch and his personal disdain for the Targaryen name.

Keywords

Jon Snow, Aegon Targaryen, Targaryen lineage

Related Articles

If you are interested in more content about the characters from Game of Thrones, explore articles on other famous Targaryen members or the Stark family. These can provide deeper insights into the complex political climate of Westeros and the Targaryen bloodline.