Hypotheticals: Ned Stark's Truth about Jon Snow and the Iron Throne

The world of A Song of Ice and Fire is a complex and chaotic place, and the hypotheticals surrounding the true heir to the Iron Throne are endless. One intriguing scenario would be if Ned Stark, upon being captured and brought before King’s Landing, told the crowd the truth about Jon Snow being the rightful heir to the throne. Such a revelation would certainly shake the foundations of Westeros and its various factions. However, given the political climate and the characters involved, let's explore how this might play out.

Political Reactions and Rebuttals

Firstly, it's crucial to remember that Cersei Lannister and her allies would immediately dismiss Ned Stark's claims. They would point out that even if Jon had legitimate ties to the Targaryens through his mother, Lyanna Stark (who was Rhaegar Targaryen's wife), his Night's Watch oath would disqualify him from the throne. Furthermore, they would orchestrate the assassination of Jon Snow to remove this potential threat.

The Military Response

This hypothetical scenario might also include a military march on the Wall. Lord Commander Jon Snow and his men at the Night's Watch would face significant challenges if an army were to attack their fortress. Eddard Stark, as a respected man of honor, might initially face opposition from the other lords and commanders at the Wall, such as Stannis Baratheon and Davos Seaworth. It's possible that Stannis would demand the right to take the throne, as he already lays claim through his brother Robert.

Even if Jon Snow decided to return from the Wall, the army they march with would likely be severely depleted. Varys, the Master of Whisperers, would also be watching this situation closely, as he has been an advisor to multiple kings. He would likely use this information to inform Cersei Lannister on how to discredit and eliminate Jon Snow.

The North’s Reaction

Assuming Ned Stark were to succeed in revealing Jon's true parentage to everyone, the North would likely band together to support Jon's claim. This move would unite the Stark supporters and potentially draw the northern lords into a war. However, there are several challenges to this:

Stannis Baratheon and Renly Baratheon would still stake their claims, complicating the situation. Stannis, having killed Renly, might be able to further solidify his position as a legitimate claimant. The Lannisters would continue their ruthless game of thrones, likely using their resources and influence to counter the northerners. The Tyrells, after killing Renly, would likely side with Stannis to maintain their power. The Red Wedding alliance might resist Jon Snow's claim, as they feared another betrayal and the end of their influence. The Vale of Arryn would likely remain neutral or side with the Lannisters, providing another layer of complexity. The Riverlands might choose to back the North, as they often align with northern interests.

The Dornish would probably also side with Jon Snow due to their traditional enmity with the Lannisters.

The Role of Dragons

In the original story, George R.R. Martin planned for the return of the dragons, which would have significantly altered the power dynamics. However, the dragons in the show versions (as pointed out in the original post) are not fully mature and thus less impactful than in the books. This further complicates Jon's chances of successfully seizing the throne.

Conclusion

While telling the truth about Jon Snow being the heir to the Iron Throne would shake Westeros to its core, it is improbable that it would lead to a swift and peaceful resolution. The various factions would need to balance their conflicting interests and loyalties, leading to a complex web of alliances and betrayals. The unpredictable nature of the story and the plans of the characters make such a hypothetical scenario both fascinating and fraught with danger.