Why Jon Snow Doesn’t Look Like a Targaryen: A Deeper Dive

Introduction to the Discrepancy

Many fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series have often wondered why Jon Snow does not look like a Targaryen. This article explores the multiple factors behind this question, including genetic inheritance, narrative purpose, and the world-building of George R.R. Martin. We will delve into the details of Jon's parentage, the influence of genetic variation, and the storytelling aspects that contribute to Jon's appearance.

Parentage and Genetic Background

Jon Snow is the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. This lineage creates a blend of physical traits, leading to a non-typical appearance for a Targaryen. Let's break down the reasons for this:

Parentage

Jon Snow is not a direct Targaryen in terms of bloodline. His father, Rhaegar Targaryen, was a member of the Targaryen family, but his mother, Lyanna Stark, was a Stark. This makes Jon a half-breed, inheriting features from both sides of his family. The Targaryens are often depicted with silver hair and purple eyes, while the Starks have dark hair and Northern features. Therefore, Jon's appearance is a combination of these two traits, resulting in a unique and distinct look.

Genetic Variation

The concept of genetic variation plays a crucial role in explaining why Jon does not look like a typical Targaryen. In the practical sense, the genes from both parents may have influenced Jon's physical traits in different ways. Some genetic traits are more dominant, while others are recessive. In Jon's case, the dominant traits from his mother, Lyanna Stark, may have overshadowed the Targaryen genes.

Narrative Purpose and Storytelling

From a narrative perspective, Jon's appearance serves a practical and thematic purpose. Raised as a Stark, Jon's physical traits align with his identity and the broader themes of belonging and heritage. This mirrors the journey of Bran Stark, another key character from the series, who also has mixed parentage. The narrative choice to present Jon as clearly Stark initially helps build the mystery and intrigue surrounding his true family origins.

George R.R. Martin, the author, has explained in interviews that the stronger genes in Jon's case might be more aligned with the Starks, as this serves the story better. This approach helps in maintaining the narrative coherence, especially since the Starks are a central family in Westeros. The fact that both Rhaegar and Lyanna were Targaryens supports the idea that their children could inherit Targaryen traits, but the stronger influence of the Stark lineage is more consistent with the story.

Understanding the Inheritance

Some key points to remember:

House Targaryens in the series are known for their inbreeding, which can lead to unpredictable genetic outcomes. Jon Snow's unique hair color could be a result of the genetic mixing from his parents. The strong inbreeding among the Targaryens may have led to unusual traits in his offspring. The example of Rhaenys, the daughter of Rhaegar and Elia Martell, bearing a strong resemblance to her mother demonstrates that not all children inherit Targaryen traits equally. Rhaenys ended up more akin to her mother, reflecting the dominance of the Martell genetics.

Additionally, the series has shown that even among those who do not appear Targaryen, the Targaryen bloodline can still be present in subtle ways. Examples like Rheanys (Rhaegar and Aemon's daughter), who inherited the black hair of Martells and Baratheons, illustrate how genes can manifest in unexpected ways.

Conclusion

While Jon Snow does not look like a typical Targaryen, this is a deliberate choice made by George R.R. Martin to enhance the story and the complexity of his characters. The blend of genetic traits from both his parents, the influence of inbreeding among the Targaryens, and the narrative purpose of maintaining the mystery around Jon's true identity all contribute to this unique appearance. Understanding these factors provides a deeper appreciation for the intricate world-building of A Song of Ice and Fire.