The Unification of Stark and Baratheon: What if Ned Stark Took In Mya Stone and Betrothed Her to Jon Snow?

In the richly woven tapestry of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the introduction of Ned Stark taking in Mya Stone as an illegitimate daughter of Robert Baratheon and betrothing her to Jon Snow while he was still a baby presents a fascinating exploration of character development, political power, and family dynamics. This hypothetical scenario would reshaping the narrative, creating a more unified Stark-Baratheon alliance and altering the political landscape of Westeros.

Mya Stone's Role in the Stark Family

Integration into House Stark: Mya Stone, the illegitimate daughter of Robert Baratheon, would bring a complex dynamic to House Stark. Her acceptance into Winterfell could symbolize a form of reconciliation between the Starks and Baratheons, potentially fostering a closer alliance between two powerful houses.

Sibling Dynamics: Growing up alongside the Stoners and Snows in Winterfell, Mya could develop close relationships with the Stark children, especially with Jon Snow. This could influence her character, making her a more prominent figure within the Stark narrative, helping to bridge the Stark-Baratheon divide.

Jon Snow's Identity

Legitimacy and Acceptance: If Mya had been raised alongside Jon and was betrothed to him, it might have significantly altered Jon's perception of his own identity. Instead of being viewed as the "bastard" of Winterfell, Jon could be seen as the future lord of a united Stark-Baratheon house, potentially reducing his feelings of isolation and enhancing his sense of belonging.

Character Development: Mya's presence could lead to a different character trajectory for Jon. With the support of a betrothed who represents the Baratheon lineage, Jon's upbringing might be more stable, influencing his decisions and loyalties later in life. This could create a new layer of complexity and depth to Jon's character arc.

Political Implications

Stronger Alliance: The betrothal of Mya to Jon could serve as a powerful political maneuver to strengthen the ties between the Starks and Baratheons. Such a bond would likely influence the power dynamics in the North and the realm, leading to a more unified strategic position for the region.

Impact on Robert's Reign: If Mya had a voice in Winterfell, her perspective as a Baratheon could shape the Starks' interactions with the crown. This could result in a more harmonious relationship between the North and the Iron Throne, reducing the resentment and animosity that often accompanies their alliance.

Narrative Alterations

Different Story Arcs: Key events in the story, such as Jon's decision to join the Night's Watch or his relationship with Daenerys Targaryen, could change significantly with Mya as a constant presence and partner. Jon's motivations might shift towards protecting his family and legacy, leading to a more nuanced character development and a potentially different storyline.

Potential Conflict: The presence of Mya could introduce new conflicts, especially if her Baratheon lineage becomes a point of contention. Tensions might arise with other claimants to the throne, adding a new layer of complexity to the War of the Five Kings and the power struggles within Westeros.

Themes of Loyalty and Identity

Exploration of Bastardy: The story often delves into themes of identity and legitimacy. Mya and Jon's relationship could deepen these themes as both characters navigate their positions within their families and society, questioning their true places and meanings.

Unity vs. Division: Their betrothal could symbolize a potential unification of factions within Westeros, contrasting with the prevailing themes of division and betrayal in the narrative. This union could represent a path to greater stability and cooperation, providing a powerful counterpoint to the ongoing conflicts.

Conclusion

In sum, if Ned Stark had taken in Mya Stone and betrothed her to Jon Snow, this scenario would lead to a more unified Stark-Baratheon alliance. It would alter character dynamics, create rich narrative possibilities, and dramatically impact the political landscape of Westeros. This scenario would present a compelling exploration of themes like identity, loyalty, and the complexities of family and power.

By weaving these elements into the fabric of the A Song of Ice and Fire world, this hypothetical scenario opens up new avenues for character development and storylines, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar and beloved Westeros.