Introduction

The world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its adaptation, Game of Thrones, offers a rich tapestry of complex characters and intricate political struggles. One of the most debated topics among fans is the legitimacy and rightful successor of the Targaryen dynasty, especially in light of Jon Snow's revelation as a Targaryen and potential heir. This article delves into the hypothetical scenarios that would determine the identity of the legitimate Targaryen king of Westeros if Jon Snow were to be proven a true heir, examining the lineage and historical context of other candidates.

The Current Standpoint

Technically, no Targaryens are considered legitimate heirs in the current situation, as their lineage was effectively ousted from power. The House Targaryen, which ruled Westeros through its reign of dragons, was deposed by House Baratheon under Robert Baratheon's conquest. However, if Jon Snow, son of Lady Lyanna Stark and the deceased Brandon Stark, can be proven to be a Targaryen, the situation becomes significantly more complex.

The Jon Snow Lineage

If Jon Snow is Proven Targaryen

Assuming Jon Snow is a legitimate Targaryen, his claim to the Iron Throne would be based on his lineage from Aegon V Targaryen, making him the younger brother of Aegon VI, and the son of Rhaegar Targaryen. The most pressing question then becomes: would such a claim be recognized as valid by the ruling houses and the people of Westeros?

For Jon to be the rightful king, several conditions would need to be met:

tRhaegar Targaryen, Jon's father, had to be his legitimate father and not a usurper; tJon would have to be born of wedlock, as a trueborn prince, and not through a more recent political maneuver. tThere would need to be no other legitimate heirs to the Targaryen throne.

If these conditions are met, Jon would take his rightful place as the Targaryen king. However, his acceptance would depend on his ability to prove his legitimacy and his uncorrupted moral integrity. Additionally, the political climate of Westeros would heavily influence this transition.

Historical Precedents

Stannis Baratheon's Claim

Stannis Baratheon, a cousin of Robert Baratheon, also made a claim to the Iron Throne. His claim was based on his belief in the divine right of his eldest brother, resorted to the Iron Throne, and sought to prove his legitimacy through the Blood of the Dragon, a genetic marker that indicated Targaryen heritage. However, his claim was ultimately unsuccessful due to several factors, including poor leadership and the overwhelming support for Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow in the series finale.

Robert Baratheon, who eradicated the Targaryen dynasty by right of conquest, would have made a similar claim as an osterborn heir to the throne, arguing that he was the rightful king based on a series of conjectures and political maneuverings. However, his conquest did not create a peaceful and enduring line of succession, and his descendants did not hold true to the Targaryen legacy or heritage.

Alternative Scenarios

Young Griff's Claim

If Young Griff, known as Myrcella's son Aegon, is proven to be Aegon Targaryen, he would also have a legitimate claim to the Iron Throne. Aegon Targaryen would be the potential heir through his mother's marriage to Aegon V, making him a direct descendant of the Targaryen line. However, the legitimacy of his claim would depend on the legal status of his parentage, the recognition of his paternity by House Targaryen, and the acceptance of the people and the other ruling houses of Westeros.

In the event that Young Griff is Aegon, it would further complicate the line of succession, as Jon Snow would then be the elder brother, and his legitimacy as a Targaryen would make him the more likely candidate.

Dawson the Dragonbreaker's Claim

It is possible that a descendant of the original Dawson family, known as the Dragonbreakers, could also claim the Targaryen title. However, as the lineages appear to have diverged significantly, any claim made by a Dawson descendant would face significant opposition due to their lack of direct Targaryen heritage.

The success of such a claim would hinge on the ability to prove a clear, uninterrupted lineage from a Targaryen ancestor and the strength of that descendant's character and credentials in leading Westeros.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of who the rightful Targaryen king of Westeros would be if proven, depends heavily on a complex array of historical, genetic, and political factors. Jon Snow's potential claim, if proven, would challenge the current geopolitical landscape and immediate acceptance by the various factions. Furthermore, the true legitimacy of his claim would be tested both by external recognition and internal acceptance from the people, soldiers, and other nobles of Westeros.

The stakes are high, and the answer is far from clear. However, the journey would undoubtedly be filled with intrigue, conflict, and the ever-present specter of a resurrected Targaryen dynasty.