Jon Snow's hair is not white primarily due to the dominant genetic traits inherited from his Stark lineage, which prevailed over his Targaryen genes.
The Influence of Stark Blood
While Jon Snow is a Targaryen by birth, being the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, his physical appearance strongly reflects his mother's side of the family. Northern houses, like the Starks, possess dominant genes that often result in dark hair. This genetic dominance meant that Jon inherited the characteristic dark hair of the Starks, rather than the silver or platinum hair typically associated with the Targaryen family.
- Dominant Genes: The dark hair genes from his Stark ancestry were more potent than the recessive genes responsible for the Targaryen silver hair.
- Genetic Lottery: Just like any genetic inheritance, the combination of traits can lead to various outcomes, and in Jon's case, the Stark features were expressed.
Targaryen Identity Beyond Hair Color
It's important to understand that a Targaryen's identity is not solely defined by their hair color. Many individuals within the Targaryen family tree, especially those with mixed parentage, did not possess the iconic silver hair, yet their Targaryen heritage was undeniable.
For example:
- The children of Viserys I Targaryen and Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon are half-Targaryen and half-Hightower. While some of them exhibit the traditional Targaryen silver hair, others do not, yet they are unequivocally considered Targaryens.
- Similarly, Jon Snow's lack of silver hair does not diminish his Targaryen bloodline or his claim to that heritage. His lineage is confirmed by his parentage, making him every bit a Targaryen despite his dark hair.
In essence, Jon Snow's dark hair is a testament to the powerful genetic legacy of House Stark, demonstrating how dominant traits can manifest even in individuals with significant ancestry from other prominent houses.
