The 10 Best ‘Game of Thrones’ Fan Theories

When it comes to most shows, you’d do pretty well to flat-out ignore the vast majority of fan theories that are proffered. In the case of Game of Thrones, though, fan theories have real weight. Ever since some eagle-eyed fan claimed it was just logical that Jon Snow was the offspring of a Targaryen and a Stark (and therefore the rightful King of Westeros) all the way back in 1997, Game of Thrones fan theories have continued to roll out with pinpoint accuracy. As the series enters its inevitably bloody final season, let’s take a look at some of the most compelling fan theories that have come about during the show’s run.

1. R+L=J Ruined the Series Biggest Twist Before the Show Even Aired

The most famous fan theory (maybe ever), R+L=J was forwarded in 1997. It stated that unlike the official story which cast John Snow as Ned Stark’s bastard, John Snow was actually Ned Stark’s nephew, the offspring of former king Rhaegar Targaryen and Ned’s sister, Lyanna Stark. That explanation not only explains a ton of lingering threads in the universe, it also makes the meaning of the book’s title perfectly clear. The series — A Song Of Ice and Fire — refers specifically to John Snow, the offspring of Ice (the Starks) and Fire (the Targaryens).