Post by stdaga on Aug 20, 2018 18:19:20 GMT
I honestly can't make much sense of Catelyn's thoughts on Jon. She seems to fear his claim, but the only thing that could differentiate Jon from Edric Storm, who she doesn't think is worth fearing, is the "legitimization" aspect, and we know that Jon hasn't been legitimized by Ned and never was. Now, perhaps Ned threatened to do this at some point, but we know he did not. Of course, there is the chance that Cat fears or knows that Jon is indeed legitimate, but I have such a hard time imagining that honorable Ned would set one heir above another, or if Jon is Brandon's son, then Ned himself was the usurper to the Lordship of Winterfell. And even when Robb later discusses legitimizing Jon, she still doesn't seem to think that Jon will steal Robb or Bran or Rickon's claim, only that his sons or grandsons might cause problems.
Preston jacobs did an interesting video speculating on them.
Otherwise, it seems she simply thinks of the Targaryen ruinous family feud.
Enough of a reason to to have serious doubts about legitimising a bastard.
Personally, I think Cat has a bit of the sight, and she has "seen" perhaps in dreams of her own, that Jon will rule Winterfell. She would be much like most people who think they can change the future or prophecy, but ultimately cannot. She felt relief when Jon went to the wall (but it was Luwin who orchestrated that), but she also reports she felt guilt about it. Guilt for the life she was sentencing Jon to, I suppose, but Benjen went to the wall and became First Ranger. It's not an easy life, but a person can still thrive. Cat's guilt must stem from something else, like perhaps she recognizes on some level that Jon is the true heir to Winterfell.
But then this idea conflicts with Ned's own thoughts on Jon being a bastard, sired by lust. I have chased my thoughts around in circles on this idea, too! I suspect nothing will clear up until we get more information in the next books. If we ever get those books!