Would the Relationship Between Daenerys and Jon be Different If They Knew from the Start That They Were Siblings?

Fans often wonder about the potential differences in the relationship between Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow if they had known from the very beginning that they were siblings. Many speculate that knowing this fact would have changed how Daenerys approached Jon and potentially altered the trajectory of their respective stories.

However, it is reasonable to assume that the core events of A Song of Ice and Fire and the TV series Game of Thrones would remain largely the same but with a different sequence of events. If Daenerys had discovered Jon's parentage before meeting him, the dynamics of their relationship and the stakes involved would likely have shifted dramatically.

Reaching Out for Alliance Instead of Conquest

As Rhaegar's trueborn son, Jon has a legitimate claim to the Iron Throne. This claim makes Daenerys's campaign to conquer Westeros redundant. It is highly probable that, given the opportunity, Daenerys would have approached Jon for an alliance rather than attempting to bend the knee to the north.

Daenerys has a history of seeking alliances and marriages through strategic relationships. Therefore, she may have proposed a marriage to Jon as a way to consolidate their power, especially in the face of common foes such as the White Walkers.

Incest and Targaryen Traditions

The Targaryens have a history of inbreeding to maintain their pure bloodlines. This tradition would have likely made it easier for Daenerys and Jon to develop a romantic or familial relationship, even if it was initially only for political reasons.

Daenerys grew up believing that she would eventually marry her brother Viserys to uphold this tradition. Such a mindset would not have been difficult to apply to her nephew Jon.

Power Struggle and Bullying Dynamics

Despite the potential for a beneficial alliance, the power dynamics would likely have remained tense. Daenerys, as a ruler with an unfulfilled reproductive curse, would likely have sought to maintain her position and might have seen Jon as a threat to her rule.

The first reaction Daenerys could have had upon discovering Jon's true identity would have been to eliminate him as a potential rival. Her approach would likely have involved subterfuge and intimidation, similar to her initial actions towards Jon.

The power struggle would not have been resolved by the discovery of their sibling relationship. Instead, it would have continued with Daenerys using Jon's information to secure her position and silence him through fear tactics. This approach aligns with her character as depicted in the series, where she often uses manipulation and coercion to achieve her goals.

In conclusion, the knowledge that Daenerys and Jon were siblings could have altered the sequence of events and their relationship dynamics. However, the core issues of power and survival would still have remained central to their storylines. The Targaryen tradition of incest and the complex political landscape of Westeros would have continued to shape their interactions, making it difficult for any true alliance to form naturally.