R + L = J
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| Fan Theory | |
|---|---|
| Fan Theory: | R + L = J |
| Synonyms: | Rhaegar + Lyanna = Jon |
| Origin: | Usenet, Westeros forums |
| Fandom(s): | A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones |
| Dates: | Late 1990s - 2017 |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
R + L = J was a fan theory in the A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones fandoms. It was confirmed as canon in seasons 6 and 7 of the television series. The theory holds that Jon Snow is not the bastard son of Ned Stark, but rather the son of Ned's sister Lyanna and Rhaegar Targaryen, and that Ned hid Jon's true parentage to protect him from Robert Baratheon.[1]
The first mention of the fan theory online seems to have occurred in 1997, when fan Rodrick Su posted a series of questions about A Game of Thrones on a usenet group.[2][3]
By the time the first season of Game of Thrones premiered, it was a widely known fan theory,[4] with many fans accepting it as canon.
Resources
- A Game of Thrones Spoiler Thoughts and Question, Archived version by Rodrick Su at rec.arts.sf.written (September 18, 1997)
- Jon Snow/Theories page at Westeros.org
- R+L=J: a comprehensive oral history of Game of Thrones’ ultimate fan theory
- R+L=J at Know Your Meme
- R+L=J, Alt Shift X vid