George RR Martin Basically Confirmed That Jon Snow Theory 14 Years Ago

The Tower of Joy scene toward the end of the season six finale of "Game of Thrones" appeared to finally reveal one of the biggest "GoT" fan theories known to man.

R (Rhaegar Targaryen) + L (Lyanna Stark) = J (Jon Snow, or possibly Jaehaerys Targaryen).

I waited for 5books and 6seasons for this moment...The birth of #jonsnow...#GameofThrones #KingOfTheNorth #Stark pic.twitter.com/IMH14RRVf6 — Mwanja Louis (@mwanjalouis) June 27, 2016

Jon Snow isn't the bastard son of Ned Stark. And, in case there was any doubt, Jon Snow's father is definitely Rhaegar Targaryen. HBO low-key confirmed that fact with a handy infographic published in a "Game of Thrones" blog post shortly after "The Winds of Winter" aired.

Now, though, it appears we didn't have to wait for that scene of Lyanna Stark giving birth to know Jon Snow pretty much has the most legitimate claim to the Iron Throne. Apparently, "A Song of Ice and Fire" author George RR Martin told us back in 2002 about Jon's real parents.

Reddit user DeadHopesAndDreams found an old Q & A between Martin and "Game of Thrones" fans, in which the author spilled the beans. A fan asked,

Since all of their mothers died, who gave Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen and Tyrion Lannister their names?

To which Martin apparently replied,

Mothers can name a child before birth, or during, or after, even while they are dying. Dany was most like named by her mother, Tyrion by his father, Jon by Ned.

Combine that response with the Tower of Joy scene and what we know now and, well, Martin basically answered one of the biggest "GoT" questions we've ever had 14 years ago.

And, as DeadHopesAndDreams points out, there's also the fact Martin used "Ned" instead of "father" when addressing Snow's parentage. A small, but very important detail.

Citations: Turns out George R. R. Martin (kinda) revealed the truth about Jon Snow back in 2002 (Mashable)