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HBO confirms huge theory about Jon Snow's parentage in Game of Thrones

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This article contains spoilers for those who have not yet seen Game of Thrones season six episode ten.

The dramatic events that took place in the Game of Thrones season six finale sent fans into a frenzy. From Cersei's crowning as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms to Arya finally exacting revenge on Walder Frey for the Red Wedding, episode ten was filled with jaw-dropping moments.

However, the most revelatory moment of the episode was when it was revealed that Jon Snow (Kit Harington) isn't Ned Stark's son, but is actually the child of Ned's sister, Lyanna.

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HBO confirmed Jon's parentage with the table

In the flashback clip, Ned's sister tells him about her baby son. She says: "His name is [inaudible]. If Robert finds out he'll kill him, you know he will. You have to protect him. Promise me Ned," before Ned is handed a baby boy who is then revealed to be Jon.   

Although this confirmed a widely circulated rumour that Jon Snow was actually the child of Lyanna Stark, the TV show did not reveal who Jon Snow's real father was, although it is strongly hinted to be Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenerys's older brother who supposedly kidnapped Lyanna, sparking the war which ended with King Robert taking the Iron Throne.

However, HBO has now confirmed that Rhaegar is indeed Jon Snow's true parent after sharing a chart on their website which shows how various characters are linked to each other, with Rhaeger clearly connected to Jon as his father.

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The show's finale finally confirmed that Jon is actually Ned's sister's son

So what does this mean for the new King in the North, Jon Snow? It is hinted throughout the novels and in the TV show that Rhaegar and Lyanna were actually in love, and may have married. Should this be the case, it would give Jon the strongest legitimate claim to the Iron Throne, above that of Daenerys Targaryen, should he find out the truth about his parentage.

Speculation is now rife for what Jon's 'real' name is, as although it isn't possible to hear what Lyanna says, the name was significantly longer than 'Jon.'

One fan of the show suggested it could be 'Jaehaerys,' explaining on Reddit: "I'm not a great lip-reader, but I'm fairly certain what she says is Jaehaerys… If Lyanna was in love with Rhaegar (as seems likely), it makes sense for their son to have a Targaryen traditional name like his siblings Aegon and Rhaenys. Jaehaerys would be a good pick as the name isn't associated with any real negative connotations, like Aerys, Maegor, etc."