Was Varys always one step ahead in the Game of Thrones? Fans have long debated the depth of the Spider’s knowledge, especially when it comes to one of the show’s biggest secrets: Jon Snow’s true parentage. Did Varys know Jon Snow’s true parentage? This question stirs curiosity because Varys was known for his network of whispers and uncanny ability to uncover hidden truths. In this article, we dive deep into clues from the series that may reveal whether Varys was aware of Jon’s royal bloodline—and what that could mean for his actions in the final seasons.
The Mystery of Jon Snow’s Parentage
Brief Overview of Jon Snow’s Parentage:
Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark’s secret marriage resulted in Jon Snow’s true name being Aegon Targaryen. This has significant implications for Jon’s heritage, as he is the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne, being the son of Rhaegar, who was the crown prince of the Targaryen dynasty. This revelation could potentially have a major impact on the power dynamics in Westeros and the struggle for the Iron Throne.
How Jon’s Parentage is Revealed:
Ned Stark’s decision to raise Jon as his son and keep his true parentage a secret was influenced by both political and personal reasons. On a personal level, Ned wanted to protect Jon from the stigma and potential danger that could come from being known as the illegitimate son of a nobleman. Politically, Ned likely wanted to avoid any potential backlash from his wife and the rest of Westeros, as Jon’s true parentage could have caused unrest and instability within the realm. This decision ultimately led to the revelation of Jon’s true parentage in the final season of Game of Thrones, which had significant implications for the overall story and the characters involved.
Varys has always seemed to take a keen interest in Jon Snow, even before the truth of his parentage was revealed. From the early seasons of Game of Thrones, Varys has been shown to be observant and strategic in his alliances and loyalties. His interest in Jon Snow may have stemmed from a recognition of Jon’s leadership potential and the impact he could have on the future of Westeros. Additionally, Varys may have also been aware of Jon’s honorable character and the potential threat he posed to certain individuals’ ambitions. Overall, Varys’ interest in Jon Snow seems to be rooted in a combination of his potential as a leader and the threat he poses to certain political agendas.
Varys’ Role in the Political Landscape of Westeros
Varys’ Character and Motivation:
It seems that this individual is deeply invested in the political stability of Westeros, prioritizing the well-being of the realm above any specific ruler or house. Their focus on finding the “right ruler” suggests a dedication to preserving order and peace, regardless of personal allegiances. Their aversion to the Lannisters and Targaryens may stem from a belief that these houses do not prioritize the overall welfare of the realm. It appears that this individual’s actions and decisions are driven by a strong sense of duty and a desire to maintain stability in Westeros.
Varys’ Information Network:
Varys, also known as the Spider, utilized his network of spies, known as “little birds,” to gather information about everyone, including potential claimants to the throne. This allowed him to stay informed about various factions and individuals vying for power in the realm. Varys used this information to manipulate events and support certain factions, such as backing Robert Baratheon’s rebellion and later showing interest in Daenerys Targaryen’s claim to the throne. His ability to gather and use information in this way allowed him to play a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Westeros.
The Possibility of Varys Knowing Jon Snow’s Parentage
Theories and Clues:
Varys’ composed reaction and his quiet endorsement of Jon Snow over Daenerys suggest that he may have been aware of Jon’s true parentage and saw him as a more stable and legitimate ruler. His knowledge of the Targaryen prophecy and his conversation with Tyrion in Season 7 indicate that he may have made a connection between Jon’s birth and the prophecy long before the truth came out. Varys’ ultimate goal of stabilizing the realm could have led him to support Jon as the legitimate Targaryen heir and fit into his plans to overthrow Daenerys, whom he seemed to distrust.
Varys’ Motivations: Why Keep Jon’s Parentage a Secret?
Varys may have believed that revealing Jon’s parentage prematurely would have led to chaos because it could have sparked a power struggle and divided loyalties among the people. It could have also undermined Daenerys’ claim to the throne and caused further instability within the realm. Varys may have seen Jon as a potential “better” ruler due to his honorable and just nature, but he likely understood the delicate balance of power and the potential consequences of prematurely revealing Jon’s true identity.
Varys’ loyalty to the people was evident in his decision not to immediately reveal Jon’s true heritage as a Targaryen, as he likely saw it as a tactical move to prevent potential bloodshed and chaos. It’s possible that he bided his time until the right moment when he felt it would have the most impact on the overall outcome. As for Varys’ growing suspicion of Daenerys’ unpredictability and her potential threat to Westeros, it was a reflection of his commitment to putting the well-being of the people above all else.
Was Varys’ Knowledge an Asset or a Liability?
Pros of Varys Knowing Jon’s Parentage:
Varys’ deep understanding of politics and power dynamics would have been invaluable in positioning Jon strategically and preventing conflicts like the one with Daenerys. His expertise could have played a crucial role in guiding Jon’s ascent to power and potentially averting Daenerys’ descent into tyranny.
Cons of Varys Knowing:
Keeping a secret for an extended period of time can indeed have negative implications for one’s reputation and integrity. In the case of Varys, his prolonged secrecy may have caused others to view him as manipulative or untrustworthy. It also raises questions about whether he compromised his values for the greater good of the realm. These are important considerations when assessing the impact of his hidden knowledge on his personal integrity.
The Implications of Varys’ Knowledge on the Game of Thrones
Political Maneuvering:
Varys could have used his knowledge of Jon Snow’s true parentage to manipulate key players, including Tyrion and Daenerys, into backing Jon as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. By highlighting Jon’s honorable and just leadership qualities and the potential for stability under his rule, Varys could have swayed others to support Jon’s claim to the throne. Additionally, Varys could have used his network of spies and informants to gather information and sway public opinion in favor of Jon, ultimately steering the future of Westeros towards a more stable and unified leadership under Jon’s rule.
The Final Betrayal:
Varys’ decision to betray Daenerys was likely influenced by his belief that she was an uncontrollable force and that Jon would be a better alternative for the realm. However, the consequences of his actions and his secret knowledge of Jon raise questions about whether he truly had the realm’s best interests at heart. It’s a complex situation with no clear-cut answer, and it raises important considerations about loyalty, duty, and the greater good.
Conclusion
Varys, the Master of Whisperers, was a key figure in Westeros due to his vast spy network and political insight. While it’s never confirmed he knew Jon Snow’s true parentage, his access to secrets and his dedication to the realm suggest he might have. Varys believed knowledge was power, using it to influence events behind the scenes. Yet, his loyalty to the realm and constant scheming ultimately led to his downfall. His story highlights how crucial knowledge and secrecy are in Westeros, shaping characters’ choices and the realm’s fate. What might have changed if some secrets were revealed—or kept hidden—sooner?
