Ranking the Targaryens in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon from worst to best

1. Jon Snow Aegon Targaryen

When we first meet Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, he’s introduced as the bastard son of Ned Stark who lives at Winterfell with his half-siblings. Though he’s believed to be the son of a lord, he’s never really accepted into the family by his stepmother Catelyn, and is constantly reminded that he’s not a true Stark. Without a doubt, Jon goes through the most development out of any character from the start of the show to the end, becoming Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, finding out his true parentage, and being one of the most important characters in the battle against the White Walkers.

Jon’s desires and goals evolve throughout the show, but his commitment to honor and duty remains the same. He is deeply dedicated to protecting the realm and is motivated by keeping those around him safe. Because of his leadership and problem-solving abilities, he’s given a lot of responsibility that he doesn’t necessarily want. But like Ned Stark, he feels like he must always do the right thing, even when it’s also the hardest.

Later on in Game of Thrones, it’s revealed that Jon Snow isn’t Ned’s son at all, and in fact, he is Aegon Targaryen, Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen’s son who was believed to be dead. Ned agreed to take him in and pretend to be his father to keep him safe. Jon’s struggle with his identity is a big part of the show, and this revelation changes everything. Not only is he Daenerys Targaryen’s nephew (awkward!) but he could also very well be The Prince That Was Promised — fulfilling R’hllor’s prophecy and Aegon the Conqueror’s.

Unfortunately, we never definitively find out who The Prince That Was Promised is in Game of Thrones, though a very obvious option would be Jon Snow Aegon Targaryen. The end of the show does him dirty, but that doesn’t take away from how much I love him. Sure, he doesn’t even know he’s a Targaryen for most of his life, but that doesn’t change his placement on my list. He’s my favorite character in the entire Game of Thrones universe.