Was Jon Snow Setting Himself Up for Betrayal by Telling Daenerys about His Past?

I wouldn't be surprised.

Jon seems to have been hoping he wouldn't have to tell her. He had obviously been avoiding Dany since the revelation, but once she found him in the crypt and brought up Rhaegar, Jon couldn't manage to lie to her even when they were about to face battle. This moment was foreshadowed nicely by the scene in which he refused to lie to Cersei about his allegiance, further indicating the tension building between him and Daenerys.

While it's unlikely that Daenerys Targaryen will intentionally betray Jon in the Battle for Winterfell, the cracks in their relationship are already visible. Daenerys has lost faith in many of her key advisors, notably Tyrion and Varys, and is left with limited allies. If Jorah and Missandei die, she will have even fewer people who can influence her to make the best decisions.

If Drogon dies, the pressure mounts, and with Rhaegal now gone, Jon's dragon survives as a symbol of hope. However, as Daenerys' identity and power seem to fall apart, she might start to blame Jon for these losses, viewing him as the catalyst behind her failures in the war.

Understanding the Betrayal Dynamic

Jon's vulnerability in opening up to Daenerys not only shows his character's depth but also his naivety. It reflects the complex power dynamics at play. While Jon hopes for a peaceful resolution with the Starks, his history and loyalties create a web of complications. By sharing this information, Jon might have hoped for a sense of closure or at least a better understanding from Daenerys, but the wartime context and the potential for drama render such an outcome unlikely.

Daenerys' decision to confront Jon in the crypt, regardless of the timing, hints at her unfavorable opinion of him. Her approach underscores the strategic and sometimes harsh choices she makes during high-stakes situations. In contrast to her softer, more maternal portrayal in Season 7, where she was more inclined to support hertrue loves, Daenerys' actions in Season 8 reflect her hardened, survivalist mindset.

Impact on Their Relationship

Their?relationship?will undoubtedly be affected by these revelations. Even if Daenerys does not act on her own interests, the emotional and psychological toll on Jon cannot be underestimated. Jon's personal integrity is at stake, and his perception of Daenerys as a kind of savior or mother figure might crumble under the weight of her honesty.

Moreover, the loss of people like Jorah and Missandei will further erode her trust in those around her. This vacuum of reliable allies will make any alliance with Jon more precarious. His continued presence among her advisors might feel like a constant reminder of her past choices and failures.

Strategical and Emotional Considerations

Strategically, it's impossible to move forward without acknowledging past betrayals. Jon's actions, though rooted in trust and hope, cannot be ignored. Future negotiations and truces will likely be more tense and scrutinized as a result. The internal conflict within Daenerys regarding these revelations will only intensify, leading to further complications in her leadership and decision-making.

Emotionally, Daenerys' honesty might have unintended consequences. She may struggle to reconcile her harsh reality with her idealistic vision of an ideal ruler. This emotional dissonance could cause her to act in ways that seem contradictory or unstable to those around her.

Final Thoughts

The decision to confide in Daenerys underscores the complexities of human relationships and the inherent risks of vulnerability. Jon's transparency, while well-intentioned, might inadvertently sow the seeds of distrust and conflict. As the stakes rise, both Jon and Daenerys must navigate these complexities carefully to maintain their tenuous alliances in the face of an uncertain future.