Episode 2 of Season 8 of Game of Thrones left a lot of fans emotionally drained, knowing all too well that next week, many of our favorite characters will die in the battle at Winterfell. Regardless of how many faces we get to see together—with only six episodes in the entire season, it’s time to say goodbye to some of our favorites.
With all of the characters well aware that they’re going to die pretty damn soon, they got all sappy, emotional, and nostalgic—over drinks and fear. We saw Arya get her groove on with Gendry, Sansa and Theon exchange some scandalous and worrisome glances—even Samwell and Jorah having a heart-to-heart.
But, the true highlights of the episode were held in front of a fireplace with some of the most random band of characters to be thrown together. Tyrion, Jaime, Brienne, Ser Davos, Tormund, and Podrick sat together—drinking and laughing—to discuss what their endless possibilities are after the battle of Winterfell. Podrick decided to take Tyrion up on his offer of “singing a tune,” and chose “Jenny’s Song.”
For fans of the show, “Jenny’s Song” has very little meaning. But, for those who have read the novels by George R.R. Martin—well, “Jenny’s Song” if very important when it comes to Targaryens and the Iron Throne.
George R.R. Martin included “Jenny’s Song” in the novels to give a significant backstory to the Targaryen family tree. Jenny of Oldstones was a woman who fell in love with Duncan Targaryen—who is Daenerys’ great uncle. Duncan was in line to take the Iron Throne but gave up his power as King of the Seven Kingdoms to be with his one true love—Jenny.
The story goes in the novels that Duncan Targaryen was to sit on the Iron Throne, but instead, he married a woman named Jenny of Oldstones. His family was outraged at the marriage, as Targaryens were known for marrying for power and politics—sometimes even marrying within the Targaryen bloodline. Therefore, Aerys II—Daenerys’ father—took the Iron Throne in the placement of Duncan. If it weren’t for Jenny and Duncan’s marriage, Dany would not have claim to the Iron Throne at all—nor would Jon.
So, why the hell would the writers place the song in the episode?
Some believe that the song was placed there—on purpose—to foreshadow the idea that Jon could follow in Duncan Targaryen’s footsteps—giving up his heir to the Iron Throne for Dany, his newfound love. Seeing as he just found out he’s a Targaryen and the Iron Throne is rightfully his—he doesn’t seem all that excited about ruling the Seven Kingdoms.
Let us not forget that Jon never wanted to be in charge of the crows up at Castle Black when he was nominated, nor did he want to be proclaimed “The King in the North,” either—stating on several occasions he “doesn’t want power.”
Therefore, believing that he would give up his seat on the throne for Dany is not all that farfetched or crazy to believe. He claims to love Dany—and he’s already bent the knee to her. She has given up her quest for the throne and taking down Cersei—for now—to help Jon defeat/battle the Army of the Dead, so, thinking Jon would repay her by allowing her the throne—well, it makes sense.
Plus, if the two were to marry—he’d be the King anyway. And, if they’re both Targaryens—it’s not super weird for there to be hella incest in their marriage, anyway. Those Targaryens love to keep that bloodline strong! *gags*
But wait, there’s more!!!
There is another theory online that states that the song was included because Rhaegar Targaryen—Jon’s father—wrote the song for Lyanna Stark—Jon’s mother. According to theory, the Ghost of High Heart was the one who delivered the prophecy that Aerys and Rhaella Targaryen are the ancestors of the “Prince That Was Promised.” He was convinced that he, himself, was the Prince and if he wasn’t, his offspring would be.
During the Tourney of Harrenhall, it’s said that Rhaegar wrote and sang a song to Lyanna—which could very well be “Jenny’s Song,” about his ancestor who gave up the Iron Throne for love, foreshadowing that he, too, would give up the Iron Throne to be with Lyanna, his one true love.
As Podrick finishes singing, the show turns to Dany and Jon in the crypts of Winterfell, standing in front of Lyanna Stark’s ghost. Dany says to Jon:
“Everyone told me he was decent and king. He liked to sing.”
This could be foreshadowing the idea that the song is indeed the one that Rhaegar sang to Lyanna on her death bed. And, with his absolute infatuation with “The Prince That Was Promised” prophecy, maybe it is true that his son, Jon Snow, is the Prince.
So—to sum it all up—
“Jenny’s Song” is about Duncan Targaryen—Dany’s great uncle and Jon’s great-great uncle—who gave up his seat on the Iron Throne to be with Jenny ofOldstone, his one true love. It was sung right before Jon told Dany he’s a Targaryen and the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. This could be foreshadowing that he is going to give up his seat on the throne to be with Dany—who wants the seat for herself.
Additionally, the historical side of Game of Thrones and the novels suggest that “Jenny’s Song” was written for Lyanna Stark by Rhaegar Targaryen—to prove that he, or their offspring, was going to be the Prince That Was Promised.
Or, hey, maybe the showrunners and writers just really liked the song.
