Game of Thrones seasons 7 and 8 reveal the likely direction of many storylines from A Song of Ice and Fire, and the HBO show's Jon Snow twist may have ruined the most satisfying revelation of George R.R. Martin's books. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series still has two sequels left before it's completed. But while The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring won't be identical to Game of Thrones' ending, it's likely they'll feature some of the same turns. After all, Martin told Rolling Stone that he shared "major points" of his outline with the showrunners.

That doesn't mean Martin will stick with his intended conclusion, as he's still working on the two remaining books. However, Jon's parentage twist is something that even Martin's original Game of Thrones plan included. With that in mind, The Winds of Winter or A Dream of Spring will likely reveal that Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen are Jon Snow's parents. This confirms a long-running fan theory that dates back to the very first Song of Ice and Fire book. Unfortunately, the confirmation may be less satisfying because the show got there first.

Game Of Thrones' Jon Snow Reveal Could Make The Book Twist Way Less Exciting

It Isn't As Big Of A Surprise Now That The Adaptation Confirmed It

If the final Song of Ice and Fire books had come out before Game of Thrones' ending, the confirmation of the R+L=J theory would have been a huge deal. It would have validated fans after years of speculating about Jon Snow's true parentage. And it would have built excitement surrounding the character's future storyline, especially if the twist took place during The Winds of Winter — leaving an entire book to do something with Jon's true identity. Unfortunately, the show confirming this theory means the enthusiasm surrounding this book reveal will be somewhat diminished.

Most readers already know what's coming, so it won't be as thrilling to be proven right by Martin's Song of Ice and Fire sequels.

Most readers already know what's coming, so it won't be as thrilling to be proven right by Martin's Song of Ice and Fire sequels. Additionally, Game of Thrones fails to do anything interesting with Jon's parentage, only using it to drive a wedge between him and Daenerys. Jon doesn't become king or even accumulate a following due to his claim to the Iron Throne. Robert's Rebellion isn't publicly denounced as a lie, either, so nothing really becomes of this revelation. This will leave readers to assume the same will be true in ASOIAF, further hurting the upcoming twist.

There's 1 Way A Song Of Ice & Fire Can Make Jon Snow's Parentage Satisfying After Season 8

George R.R. Martin's Books Can Give Jon's Parentage Greater Meaning

Kit Harington as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones and the covers of the Song of Ice and Fire books
Custom Image by Yailin Chacon

Game of Thrones doing nothing with Jon's Targaryen ancestry may hurt Martin's upcoming reveal, but it also demonstrates how to make this Song of Ice and Fire twist exciting again. The books can give a greater meaning to Jon Snow's parentage, finally delivering on the storyline readers and viewers were hoping for. They can place Jon Snow on the Iron Throne or, at the very least, see him using his true identity to gain influence. This wouldn't fully make up for Game of Thrones spoiling the big reveal, but it would bring something new to the table.

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Doing so will give readers something to look forward to from the upcoming Song of Ice and Fire sequels, and it will reignite the anticipation for Jon's story. In the books, Jon is still seemingly dead after being betrayed by the Night's Watch. There's a lot Martin can still do with the character, and delivering on his R+L=J plans in a fresh way could help the book series pull ahead of HBO's Game of Thrones.

Source: Rolling Stone

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Game Of Thrones
Release Date
2011 - 2018
Showrunner
David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Directors
David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
Writers
D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, David Benioff
Franchise(s)
Game of Thrones
  • Headshot Of Kit Harington In The Louis Vuitton Menswear Fall
    Jon Snow
  • Headshot Of Isaac Hempstead Wright
    Isaac Hempstead Wright
    Brandon Bran Stark

Based on George R. R. Martin's ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.

Character(s)
Jon Snow, Brandon Bran Stark, Sir Jorah Mormont, Tyrion The Halfman Lannister, Sir Jaime Kingslayer Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Arya Stark, Sansa Stark, Samwell Sam Tarly, Cersei Lannister, Davos Seaworth, Petyr Littlefinger Baelish, Theon Greyjoy, Lord Varys, Sandor The Hound Clegane, Bronn, Grey Worm, Tormund Giantsbane, Brienne of Tarth, Missandei, Melisandre, Margaery Tyrell, Stannis Baratheon, Tywin Lannister, Myranda, Catelyn Stark, Joffrey Baratheon, Robb Stark, Gilly, Shae, Grand Maester Pycelle, Olly, Ygritte, Roose Bolton
Seasons
8
Streaming Service(s)
MAX
Creator(s)
David Benioff, D.B. Weiss