How Jon Snow Came Back To Life & 19 Other Game Of Thrones Mysteries Explained

Summary

• Jon Snow’s resurrection was hinted at in the books by George R.R. Martin, further explored in House of the Dragon.
• Aegon the Conqueror’s invasion of Westeros was driven by a vision of a White Walker threat, adding depth to his character.
• The mysteries of Game of Thrones, such as the Night King’s backstory and Valyrian steel, may find new context in upcoming spinoffs.

Game of Thrones was filled with so many twists and turns that some fans still have questions like, “How did Jon Snow come back to life?” As critical as Jon Snow’s death was, the expected justification for it through wider narrative significance hadn’t come by the time season 8 finished. It’s not the only unexplained mystery left behind by Game of Thrones, either. With the complex history and lore of this world, many aspects of Game of Thrones are not always easy to explain within the confines of a TV show.

However, viewers can look to the information in George R.R. Martin’s books to better understand these mysteries, including Jon Snow’s resurrection. Moreover, with House of the Dragon and other Game of Thrones spinoffs diving deeper into the history of Westeros, some of these mysteries can get new context years later. While these answers might have been better suited within the original series, fans can get to the bottom of some Game of Thrones mysteries that may have seemed like they would always remain unanswered.

20 Why Did Aegon Invade Westeros?

Aegon Came To Save Westeros From The White Walkers

The reign of the Targaryens in Westeros began with Aegon the Conqueror. As Jorah Mormont points out in season 1 of Game of Thrones, Aegon had no claim to the throne of Westeros but took it because he could as he had dragons on his side. This painted him as a powerful conqueror who wanted to rule over as much as he could.

However, House of the Dragon reveals Aegon’s intentions were more heroic than they initially seemed. In the first ever episode of House of the Dragon, King Viserys I Targaryen reveals a secret that has been passed down through the generations: Aegon had a vision of an invading army that only the Targaryens and their dragons could stop and thus felt they needed to be in control of Westeros. Though Viserys didn’t know how true the prophecy was, it is clear now that it was about the White Walkers even if the Targaryen dragons weren’t what stopped them.

This is one of the mysteries that would have been much better served had it been revealed in Game of Thrones. The reveal would have further intensified the threat of the Night King, it would have helped convince Daenerys that she was destined to join the rest of Westeros in this battle, and it would have spoken to Jon Snow aka Aegon Targaryen as the Prince Who Was Promised.

19 Where Did The Dagger Come From?

Aegon Passed Down This Dagger As Part Of His Prophetic Dream

Valyrian steel proved to be very important in Game of Thrones as it was gradually revealed that these were the only weapons that could kill White Walkers. However, one of these weapons stands out above the rest as being truly important — the Valyrian steel dagger. It is first seen in the hands of a would-be assassin who comes to kill Bran Stark, with Littlefinger suggesting it belonged to Tyrion Lannister.

Littlefinger returns it to Bran years later, who in turn gives it to Arya, who uses it to kill the Night King. While it is a long journey to get to that point, it turns out that was the dagger’s purpose all along as it was Aegon the Conqueror’s dagger which holds an inscription relating to the “Prince Who Was Promised” and the “Song of Ice and Fire” that would be the battle with the White Walkers. This was also revealed as part of “Aegon’s Dream” in House of the Dragon season 1, episode 1.

This somewhat complicates the prophecy of the Prince Who Was Promised as it also suggests Arya might be a contender. However, it strengthens the idea that Aegon’s fight against the White Walkers was a prophesied and inevitable thing as his dagger made it through countless generations to finally be used to kill the Night King and bring down his army.

18 What Happened To Howland Reed?

Meera And Jojen Reed’s Father Knew The Truth About Jon’s Parentage

Howland Reed is not a big presence in the books or on the show, yet there is still a lot of curiosity surrounding him. He is only seen in Bran’s vision of the past when he watches young Ned Stark and Howland Reed fight side-by-side at the Tower of Joy when trying to rescue Lyanna Stark following Robert Baratheon’s victory. Howland is seen saving Ned by killing Arthur Dayne, but he never appears again.

The reason so many fans were interested in Howland Reed was that, following Ned’s death, he became the only living person to know what happened at the Tower of Joy, and thus knew about Jon Snow’s true parentage. Howland is also the father of Jojen and Meera Reed, who claim their father never spoke about his time in the rebellion, suggesting he lives a secluded life, taking Ned’s secret to the grave with him.

Before the show confirmed the truth Jon’s parentage, fans of the books suspected that it would be Howland Reed who would eventually reveal the truth. He never appeared as an adult in the series and there was little need for him to. The show made it so Bran was the one to uncover the secret about Jon Snow in Game of Thrones season 6 and that led to other characters learning the truth. However, for the show to have someone out there who was aware of the secret for so long and never address it seems odd.

17 Why Jon Snow Was Resurrected?

Melisandre Suspected Jon Was Chosen By The Lord Of Light

Jon Snow’s death episode — season 5’s “Mother’s Mercy” — sees him getting stabbed by his brothers in The Night’s Watch. Jon Snow then gets resurrected by Melisandre in Game of Thrones season 6, episode 2, “Home.” The Lord of Light is shrouded in mystery, but theories suggest Melisandre sacrificing Shireen ensured Jon’s resurrection — “only death can pay for life.” However, the bigger question is why the Lord of Light needed Jon Snow alive, especially since it was Arya who killed The Night King.

Currently, it’s unclear whether Martin will repeat Jon Snow’s resurrection in the books. Martin’s latest published novel in the series, A Dance with Dragons, ends with Jon being killed and a brief hint that he might warg into his direwolf Ghost in his dying moments. While it was a big moment in the series, Jon Snow’s resurrection became one of the worst aspects of the show to look back on, as he seemed to take such a passive role in the series after that, with it feeling like he was brought back for no reason.

16 What Is The Night King’s Backstory?

The Show Suggests The Children Of The Forest Created The Night King

Though The Night King was set up to be the biggest threat in the entire series, there was little known about the character. He led the Army of the Dead, was the first White Walker, and had the simple goal of conquering Westeros. The books, however, haven’t confirmed if there is a singular leader of the White Walkers. Although there is a legend of a Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch known as the Night’s King, he is an entirely different character.

In the books, the Night’s King is a human who falls in love with a white-skinned creature and declares themselves king and queen before being defeated by the Night’s Watch. Game of Thrones did reveal in season 6, episode 5, that the Children of the Forest created the White Walkers to fight off the First Men. However, who the Night King himself is — and his backstory — is just as mysterious as Jon Snow’s resurrection.

The Night King has not yet appeared in George R. R. Martin’s books.

15 What Were The White Walker’s Symbols?

The Symbols Are Part Of The Children Of The Forest’s Religion

One of the most mysterious aspects of the White Walkers was the symbols and designs they leave behind in the wake of their massacres. At various times in the series, characters would come upon the aftermath of a White Walker attack and see the bodies of their victims placed in an elaborate design, sometimes using only severed limbs. While the symbols might seem like they are important for the White Walkers, they were actually originated by the Children of the Forest and represent their religion or beliefs.

This is hinted at in season 6, episode 5, during the flashback to the creation of the Night King, where the symbol is shown as part of the Children of the Forest’s ritual. As the White Walkers were created by Children of the Forest, they recreate the design using dead bodies as an insult or blasphemy towards their creators. It could hint that the Night King resents the Children of the Forest for creating him and taunts them until he can have his revenge.

14 Who Is The Three-Eyed Raven?

The Mysterious Figure Is Hinted At Being A Targaryen

Though Bran Stark takes on the title by the end of the series, there was another Three-Eyed Raven before him who teaches him the powers. The origins of the Three-Eyed Raven are not explored or even hinted at in the series, with him playing a small role as Bran’s mentor. However, the books shed more light on who this mysterious figure actually was.

The clues point to the fact that the Three-Eyed Raven was Brynden Rivers, a Targaryen bastard who is the great-grandson of House of the Dragon characters Rhaenerya and Daemon Targaryen. While he was a lord at one time, he gave up those privileges to join the Night’s Watch and eventually went missing while Beyond the Wall.

While this is not mentioned in Game of Thrones and is not likely to come into play in House of the Dragon, it could be that this is a Targaryen who learned the truth about Aegon’s dream and sought to fight the Night King in a more direct way.

13 How Did Littlefinger And Olenna Tyrell Poison Joffrey At His Wedding?

Sansa’s Fake Necklace Was The Key To Joffrey’s Death

Given how hated Joffrey Baratheon was, seeing him killed at his own wedding in Game of Thrones was a crowd-pleasing moment. Though Tyrion Lannister was tried for the murder, it was eventually revealed in season 4, episode 4, that Littlefinger and Olenna Tyrell were behind it. Still, many were unsure of how it was carried out.

It is explained in the books that the necklace Littlefinger provided Sansa for the wedding contained a poison tablet disguised as a gem. When rewatching the episode, Olenna can be seen admiring Sansa’s necklace, suggesting she removed the gem and put it in Joffrey’s wine.

The truth behind the mystery shows that Olenna is one of the boldest characters in the series. The fact that she risked poisoning the King of Westeros in front of hundreds of people at his own wedding proves that she doesn’t fear anyone.

12 Where Does The Power Of Valyrian Steel Come From?

The Blades Are Forged With Dragondfire

Notable Valyrian Steel Swords In Westeros:

The White Walkers seemed wholly capable of taking Westeros by force. However, it is revealed that they can be killed with Valyrian steel, which is very rare in the world. Valyrian steel was invented in the ancient kingdom of Valyria, a land where dragonlords ruled. It is said to have been forged with dragonfire, which gives it certain powers and makes it an ideal weapon against the White Walkers.

Many of Game of Thrones’ noble houses — not just the Targaryens — have heirloom weapons made of Valyrian steel, suggesting that the secret of the steel’s power may lie not just in the ruins of Old Valyria. The power of the Valyrian steel is first seen in season 5 when Jon is fighting a White Walker at Hardhome and is able to stop its ice blade with his sword, Longclaw, then proceeds to cut the Walker down. This is an essential reveal as it sets up the Valyrian steel dagger to be the weapon used to kill the Night King.

11 What Really Happened To Tyrion’s First Wife?

The Books Say She Actually Loved Him

In Game of Thrones season 1, episode 9, Tyrion tells a story of how he fell in love and married a woman named Tysha at a young age. However, when Tywin found out about it, he informed Tyrion that the girl was hired by Jaime to pretend to fall in love with Tyrion. It is a devastating story that shows Tywin’s cruelty towards his son. However, in the novels, it is revealed there is more to this tale.

Jaime reveals to Tyrion that Tywin forced him to create that story and that the girl was not hired. She had legitimately loved Tyrion, and it is that revelation that leads Tyrion to kill Tywin. It is unclear what the outcome of this is in the books as Tyrion attempts to find Tysha while he is in Westeros, haunted by Tywin’s final insult that she went “wherever whores go.” However, it’s fitting that the show decided instead to focus Tywin’s death on the broken father-son relationship and all the damage Tywin had already done to Tyrion over the years.

10 What Caused The Doom Of Valyria?

A Volcanic Eruption Devastated The Once-Prominent Location

In Game of Thrones season 5, episode 5, Tyrion and Jorah sail through the ruins of Valyria, mentioning a cataclysmic event in Westeros’ history: the Doom of Valyria. Neither the show nor the books have a straightforward explanation for what happened. However, what’s clear is that the volcanoes within the Valyrian empire erupted all at once, destroying an entire civilization and giving birth to a new peninsula.

Whether it was caused by magic or natural events, the Doom practically erased the entire Valyrian empire — apart from House Targaryen, who left Valyria before the Doom thanks to Daenys Targaryen’s prophetic dreams. In the Fire and Blood book, it was noted that the dragon Balerion likely returned to Valyria with Princess Aerea on his back. Upon return, she was fiercely ill, leading to her death. Even Balerion returned on the verge of death, leading many to wonder what could be among the ruins of Valyria.

Part of the reason this mystery remains intriguing is that some believe this is where Drogon took Daenerys’ body after her death.

The Doom was thought to have occurred around a century before Aegon’s Conquest.

9 Who Sent The Assassin To Kill Bran?

Littlefinger And Joffrey Are The Most Likely Suspects

One of the earliest mysteries in Game of Thrones pertained to Bran Stark’s would-be assassin — the first Game of Thrones character with the catspaw dagger in the show. Ned and Catelyn’s son teetered between life and death after he was thrown from a tower by Jaime Lannister. While Catelyn sits with her son, they are attacked by a stranger wielding a Valyrian steel dagger in season 1, episode 2.

The books reveal that the stranger was sent by Joffrey to kill Bran. After overhearing Robert proclaiming that death would be a mercy, the young prince sends the assassin in a twisted attempt to impress the king. In the show, there’s evidence to suggest that it was Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish who tried to assassinate Bran — as part of his attempts to sow chaos and slide into the resulting power vacuums wherever possible.

Both explanations make sense and seem to match their respective version of the story. Joffrey is shown to be crueler and more willing to make such maneuvers in the books. In the show, there is not much connection he shares with Robert Baratheon, making it feel false that he would try so hard to impress him. Meanwhile, the show makes it clear that Littlefinger enjoys chaos as it gives him more room to make his moves.

8 How Did Magister Illyrio Obtain The Dragon Eggs?

The Reveal Of The Eggs Could Be Shown In House Of The Dragon

Daenerys Targaryen is given three fossilized dragon eggs by Magister Illyrio at the feast for her wedding to Khal Drogo. Illyrio states that they are from the Shadow Lands beyond Asshai, but the origin of Daenerys’ dragon eggs ultimately remains a mystery.

That said, George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood suggests one possibility. The Targaryen history book chronicles the theft of three eggs from Dragonstone by Elissa Farman, the lover of Rhaena Targaryen. Elissa sold the eggs to the Sealord of Braavos, who unsuccessfully tried to hatch dragons of his own.

If House of the Dragon tackles the aftermath of the Dance of the Dragons, the prequel could settle this mystery. It would be a fitting way for the series to connect to the journey of Daenerys, showing the way both stories bleed into one another. The show did confirm that the eggs given to Rhaena are the ones that eventually get to Daenerys, though how Magister Illyrio obtains them remains unknown.

7 What Are The Origins Of The Faceless Men?

This League Of Assassins Has A Long History

The Faceless Men proved instrumental in Arya Stark’s journey to becoming a skilled killer, though they remain another enigmatic Game of Thrones faction. Arya first encounters the Faceless Assassins when she meets Jaqen H’ghar. Later, she puts Westeros behind her to train in Braavos at the House of Black and White, eventually returning to deliver some of Game of Thrones’ most brutal kills.

In the books, Arya learns the Faceless Men originated with enslaved people forced to work in volcanic caves by the Valyrian dragonlords. Speculation within A Song of Ice and Fire suggest that they could have been responsible for the Doom of Valyria. While the shadowy organization does not play into the story of Game of Thrones beyond Arya learning their skills, it is an exciting part of the franchise’s mythology that seems perfect for a spinoff series.

6 How Do Bran’s Visions Work?

Bran’s Warging May Have Contributed To His Abilities As The Three-Eyed Raven

Like Melisandre’s powers and Jon Snow’s resurrection, the precise nature of Bran’s powers remains unknown throughout the series. The reigning King of Westeros learns to warg into animals and other people before his abilities are upgraded by the Three-Eyed Raven. The source material explains that Bran’s ability to warg stems from his Stark blood, similar to the Targaryens’ affinity with dragons. Bran sees visions from the past and present by looking through the faces carved into each weirwood tree.

The ending of Game of Thrones sees Bran named as the new King of Westeros, and while Tyrion’s reasoning that it is because he has the best story is lame, his powers actually make him a great choice. As seen with Littlefinger’s trial in season 7, episode 7, Bran knows everything, including people’s lies. He will be able to squash rebellions or attacks before they happen. He will also have vast knowledge of Westeros’ past to draw from and learn from previous mistakes.

5 What Killed The Dragons?

House Of The Dragon Will Cover The Beginning Of The End Of The Species

The death of the dragons was a heavy blow to House Targaryen that signaled the slow decline of their dynasty. The Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons was responsible for many dragon deaths, including Vhagar, Caraxes, Syrax, Vermithor, Sunfyre, Dreamfyre, and Meleys the Red Queen. Though the Dance killed many dragons, Archmaester Marwyn suggests that the magic-hating maesters played a role in their extinction.

Moreover, the Targaryen dragons began to suffer as soon as Daenerys’ ancestors started confining them in the Dragonpit. What’s clear, however, is that there would’ve been more dragons in Game of Thrones if House Targaryen hadn’t killed them off in the Dance of the Dragons. Of all the Game of Thrones mysteries, this one is the likeliest to have a full explanation by the time House of the Dragon concludes. Indeed, the point of the prequel story seems to be that the Targaryens brought about the beginning of their end by fighting over which of them sits on the throne.

4 How Did The Mad King Lose His Mind?

Bran May Have Influenced Aerys II

Although the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen, never features directly in the series, his shadow looms over the show’s narrative. The Mad King committed countless atrocities, such as calling for the deaths of Rickard and Brandon Stark, assaulting Queen Rhaella, and plotting to destroy King’s Landing with wildfire. Strangely, in his youth, Aerys showed few signs of the tyrannical monarch he became.

Multiple stillbirths caused his sanity to unravel, but it was his six-month captivity during the Defiance of Duskendale that really was the Targaryen king’s undoing. There was also a wild theory that began after “The Door” episode of Game of Thrones that Bran looked into the past and altered it, as it was his voice that Aerys always heard whispering to him, causing him to go mad. In any case, it caused Aerys to forever be remembered as the worst out of every king and queen to rule Westeros.

The Mad King was originally featured in
Game of Thrones
‘ unaired pilot.

3 Why Did Robert And Ned Rebell Against The Targaryens?

The Supposed Kidnapping Of Lyanna Stark Sparked The War

Other characters who greatly influenced the events throughout the series are Aerys’ son, Rhaegar Targaryen, and Ned’s sister, Lyanna Stark. Their relationship stood at the center of Robert’s Rebellion; Lyanna was betrothed to Robert, who was enraged by her supposed kidnapping by Rhaegar. Other factors contributed to House Targaryen’s downfall, however.

The Mad King brutally killed Ned’s father, Rickard, and older brother, Brandon, before demanding Ned and Robert’s heads from Jon Arryn. Protecting his wards, Jon instead called his banners and took his soldiers to war. Of course, it was eventually revealed that Lyanna wed Rhaegar because she loved him and not because of any kind of kidnapping.

Though never addressed in Game of Thrones, there is another theory that suggests a war against the Targaryens was inevitable. The other lords of Westeros were growing tired of being under the rule of this powerful house, especially since they were a lot less powerful without their dragons. The theory suggests that Lyanna and Rhaegar’s relationship was used as an excuse to get the Mad King off the throne.

2 What Do The Three Heads Of The Dragon Signify?

The Sigil Speaks To The Targaryen Legacy

The Targaryen sigil bears a dragon with three heads, which is a reference to the three crucial people that brought about Aegon’s Conquest of Westeros. These are Aegon Targaryen and his two sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, who were all dragonriders. During Game of Thrones’ initial run, many theories believed that Daenerys and Jon Snow represented two heads destined to be dragonriders, while other characters like Tyrion and Bran could be the third contender.

However, the House Targaryen sigil actually represents their history and biggest legacy. One of the reasons the sigil could be important to both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon is because it represents unity among the Targaryens. It was a time in history when the powerful house came together to conquer Westeros. Both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon tell stories that end with one Targaryen killing another in a fight for the throne, showing how the lessons of the family’s history were lost.

1 What Was Maggy The Frog’s Prophecy?

Many Of Cersei’s Losses Were Foretold

Another important prophecy in the series centers around a young Cersei and a mysterious woods witch known as Maggy the Frog. A flashback in season 5’s “The Wars to Come,” shows Cersei visiting the witch, only to hear a series of damning prophecies about her future. Maggy tells her that she will be queen before she is cast down by a younger, more beautiful figure. Cersei Lannister and Margaery Tyrell’s rivalry in Game of Thrones implied that Margaery was this figure in Maggy’s prophecy.

Maggy also forewarns the future queen about her children’s deaths, though her show counterpart omits Cersei’s prophesied death at the hands of the “valonqar,” which means little brother. Many believed that meant death at the hands of Jaime or Tyrion, or possibly any other little brother in the series. However, with the Game of Thrones finale showing Cersei getting killed in the collapse of the Red Keep, it’s clear that Maggy’s prophecy referred to no one else but Daenerys Targaryen.