Did Viserys Know About Jon Snow Being a Targaryen?
Given the intricate dynamics of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire universe, including the TV adaptation of the show, the question of whether Viserys Targaryen was aware that Jon Snow is a Targaryen remains speculative. This article explores the potential scenarios based on the provided information and the official narratives of both the books and the television series.
The Official Narratives
Based on the official narratives, both the books and the show suggest that Viserys Targaryen did not know about Jon Snow's Targaryen heritage. Viserys, along with his younger sister Daenerys (Dany), was sent away to Essos to escape the threat of Stannis Baratheon's fleet. At such a young age, Viserys was unaware of the existence of Jon Snow. Only a few individuals, notably Ned Stark and possibly a select few councilors, knew of Jon's origins.
The Role of Ned Stark
Ned Stark's secretive behavior played a crucial role in maintaining the mystery around Jon Snow's parentage. Without Ned's involvement and knowledge, Viserys and Dany remained insulated from the truth. Ned did not likely maintain close contact with the exiled Targaryen family, thereby ensuring that the secret stayed concealed.
The Absence of Knowledge
Both Viserys and Dany believed that they were the last of the Targaryen scions. There was no indication that they ever suspected the possibility of another Targaryen. If they had known about Jon, the course of events would have been dramatically different. Viserys would have resented Jon for being the legitimate child of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, perceiving a threat to his own claim on the throne. His pride would have led him to attempt to eliminate Jon.
On the other hand, Dany would have been curious about her nephew, Jon. She had endured abuse from Viserys and would have welcomed another Targaryen as a companion and ally. This scenario could have led to romantic involvement, though it is ultimately better that they remained in the dark. If they had known, Viserys would have attempted to murder Jon, and Dany might have been compelled to do the same if she did not want to marry him.
The House of the Dragon vs. the Show's Protagonist
The revelation of Jon Snow's true heritage raises an interesting question about the narrative continuity. The upcoming series House of the Dragon presents a different take on the Targaryen family, and the possibility of Jon being the Prince Who Was Promised (the same as in the novels) complicates the matter even further. In the books, the identity of the Prince Who Was Promised is not yet revealed, while in the adaptation, the show's protagonists are already aware of it. House of the Dragon focuses more closely on the backstory of the Targaryens, providing additional context for the primary narrative of Game of Thrones.
The Unconfirmed Theory
The theory that Jon Snow is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark remains unconfirmed and may not be true. Even if it were true, Jon's identity would still be officially regarded as Ned Stark's bastard. Viserys, exiled to Essos from before Jon's birth until his last days, would not have heard of Ned Stark or any knowledge of Jon's origins. Without such information, there would be no reason for Viserys to seek out or consider Jon's true identity.
Conclusion
Based on the available information and the official narratives of both the books and the television series, it is clear that Viserys Targaryen was not aware of Jon Snow's true heritage. This lack of knowledge served to maintain the suspense and dramatic tension in the storyline, ensuring that both Viserys and Dany remained focused on their own quests for the Iron Throne. Whether the revelation comes in the form of House of the Dragon or another narrative, it remains essential that neither Viserys nor Dany be privy to this truth to preserve the original dynamics and narrative integrity.