The Battle of Winterfell Aftermath: Daenerys's Move and Its Consequences

After the tumultuous Battle of Winterfell, many questions remain unanswered, not the least of which is how the unexpected ascension of Jon Snow to the Stark title would play out. If Daenerys Targaryen, the newly declared Queen of the Andals and the First Men, were to name Jon Snow as Lord Jon Stark without any prior communication, the consequences could be profound and multifaceted.

Legal and Diplomatic Implications

If Jon Snow decided to reject the title of Lord Jon Stark on the grounds that he is a Targaryen by birth, his acceptance of this name would face significant legal and diplomatic challenges. The claim to the Iron Throne is deeply rooted in the lineage and legitimacy of the Targaryens, making the name a symbol of their claim rather than a simple title.

Daenerys Targaryen would fundamentally be asserting a sovereignty that is legally questionable. In her bid to claim the Iron Throne, she is not so much “burying” it as she is attempting to stake her claim legally and morally. The renaming of Jon Snow would, in essence, be an attempted usurpation of authority, given that he would have no formal title from the Targaryen line.

Internal Dynamics and Reactions

The repercussions of such an action would be felt both internally within the North and externally among the other Houses of Westeros. Naming Jon Snow as Lord Jon Stark without informing him would be seen as a calculated move to undermine his position. His immediate rejection could signify a broader reality—namely, that he would not be an effective figurehead for the Starks.

Jon Snow's refusal to take the Stark name would highlight the complexity of his identity. On one hand, he has consistently assumed the Stark identity and embraced its responsibilities when he believed Ned Stark to be his father. On the other hand, his true identity as a Targaryen Térence would come into play, creating a conflict between his sense of duty and his understanding of who he truly is.

Leadership and Legacy

The story would certainly play out differently if Jon Snow were to outright reject the title of Lord Jon Stark. His choice to not take the Stark name would reflect a deep internal struggle and could reshape the narrative of the series. His refusal to adopt the Stark lineage would instead strengthen his Targaryen heritage, potentially aligning him more closely with the broader goals of the Targaryen faction.

Such a move would have significant implications for the broader narrative of Westeros, as it would realign the power dynamics between the Starks and the Targaryens. This would likely lead to a redrawing of allegiances, pitting the Starks against the Targaryens in a more pronounced manner. The reception among other claimants and Houses would vary, with some likely supporting Jon Snow due to his Targaryen roots, while others may continue to favor Daenerys Targaryen who, despite her lineage issues, remains the last of the Targaryen line.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the unauthorized renaming of Jon Snow as Lord Jon Stark by Daenerys Targaryen would face multiple hurdles and would ultimately lead to a further divergence from the established storyline. Jon Snow's rejection of the title would reinforce the notion of his true identity and potential leadership, creating a new and complex dynamic within the power struggles of Westeros.