What If Lyanna Stark Survived the Birth of Her Son?

A very interesting and often debated scenario in A Song of Ice and Fire and A Game of Thrones fandom is what would have happened if Lyanna Stark had survived the birth of her son, Jon Snow, who is known to be Aegon Targaryen. This question opens up a myriad of possibilities that alter the political landscape, Jon's identity, and the overall narrative of Westeros.

Political Alliances and Lyanna's Influence

Lyanna Stark's survival would have dramatically reshaped the political allegiances and power dynamics in Westeros. Here are a few key areas where her presence would have made significant changes:

The North's Support

The North, traditionally loyal to House Stark, would have joined forces with House Targaryen. Lyanna's presence and her claim to the throne could have rallied the North to support both House Stark and House Targaryen, potentially altering the dynamics of the War of the Five Kings.

Impact on Key Events

Robert's Rebellion

The rebellion, led by Robert Baratheon, might have taken a different course if Lyanna had survived. With her as a mediator, the conflict between Robert and the Targaryens could have been resolved through diplomacy rather than war. Lyanna would have brought significant political weight and influence to the table, weakening Robert's Baratheon claim by emphasizing the legitimacy of Jon/Aegon's Targaryen lineage.

The Fate of the Iron Throne

The presence of a living Targaryen heir could have changed the fate of the Iron Throne. If Jon were recognized as Aegon Targaryen, Robert Baratheon's claim would be weakened, and the Targaryen faction would gain considerable support from the North and other regions loyal to the Starks.

Jon Snow's Identity and Character Development

As an Aegon Targaryen, Jon would have grown up knowing his true identity and heritage. This could lead to different character development:

Raised as Aegon Targaryen

If Jon had been raised as Aegon Targaryen, he would have been educated and trained in the ways of a Targaryen prince. This knowledge would have shaped his views on leadership, honor, and loyalty, potentially leading him to view the Starks more critically and embracing his Targaryen lineage.

Conflict with Stark Values

The conflict between Stark and Targaryen values might have created internal struggles for Jon, especially regarding his loyalty to his Stark family versus his Targaryen heritage. This would add depth and complexity to his character, showing the internal conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by a figure with two conflicting identities.

Ned Stark's Role and Lyanna and Rhaegar's Relationship

Ned Stark would no longer have to bear the burden of keeping Jon's true identity a secret, which could alter his relationships with his children and his political stance. The survival of Lyanna could also lead to a more complex exploration of her relationship with Rhaegar Targaryen, possibly portraying them as a united couple working together for the good of both houses.

The Larger Conflict and the Threat of the White Walkers

With a united North and Targaryen lineage, the response to the threat of the White Walkers might have been more coordinated. A combined effort would likely have led to a more unified and successful approach to combating the threat, potentially sparing many lives and ensuring a more hopeful future for the Seven Kingdoms.

Daenerys Targaryen's Role

If Lyanna had survived, the dynamics between Daenerys Targaryen and Jon might have shifted dramatically. Instead of being rivals for the throne, they could have worked more closely as family members with a shared goal. This would create new alliances and rivalries, enriching the narrative and adding to the complexity of the political landscape.

Conclusion

Overall, Lyanna Stark's survival would have created a ripple effect through the narrative, altering the character arcs, political alliances, and the trajectory of major events in Westeros. The story would likely explore themes of family loyalty and the complexities of power from a very different perspective, making for a more poignant and intricate narrative.