Could Tyrion Be a Targaryen? Debunking the Theory
Could Tyrion Be a Targaryen? Debunking the Theory
One popular theory suggests that the Lannister dwarf, Tyrion Lannister, is actually a Targaryen. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this theory doesn't hold up. Let's explore the evidence against this theory and understand why Tyrion remains firmly within the Lannister lineage.
The Dark Past of Tywin Lannister
One of the most explosive pieces of evidence against the Targaryen theory is Tywin Lannister's proven actions in laying down the Targaryen line. Tywin committed a heinous crime by ordering Gregor Clegane (aka The Mountain) to kill the Targaryen children at the Red Keep and Elia Martell. These actions were not taken just to secure his own position, but to ensure there were no Targaryen successors. If Tyrion were a Targaryen, Tywin would have no reason to keep him alive, as his loyalty would be to his own bloodline, the Targaryens, and not the Lannisters.
Tyrion's Position as Hand of the King
Another key point is why Tywin would place Tyrion in such a powerful position. Throughout the series, Tywin is shown to be ruthless and cunning. He would never entrust such significant power to his supposed Targaryen half-brother, especially given the Targaryen lineage's history and the chaos it has brought to the Seven Kingdoms. Tywin loves power and control, and he would not place it in the hands of a man with dubious Targaryen heritage. Furthermore, even if Tyrion was Aerys Targaryen's son, Tywin would never think of giving him such great power, as it would be a direct threat to his own control.
Tywin's Folded Outraged
The theory suggests that Mad King Aerys is Tyrion's father, and Tywin hates Tyrion because of it. However, Tywin's alleged hatred is rooted in his disdain for Tyrion's dwarfism and his own wife’s tragic death during Tyrion’s birth. The fact that Tywin would rather choose to remove any potential Targaryen successor is a clear indication that he doesn't care about any Targaryen ties when it comes to power and control.
During Tywin's final moments, he leaves his last words, "You are no son of mine," in stark contrast to his previous statements that suggest a more ambiguous relationship. In Season 3, Episode 1, Tywin says, "I can't prove you are not mine, so you have my name." These lines are pivotal, as they support the theory that the relationship between Tywin and Tyrion is complex and not as straightforward as a direct father-son relationship. If Tyrion were indeed Aerys' son, Tywin would have every reason to claim and prove it. However, his decision to leave such ambiguous words is telling.
Personal Motivations and Hatred
Given Tywin's hatred for Tyrion, it makes sense that he would want to distance himself from any Targaryen ties. Tywin's hatred is not just for Tyrion's dwarfism but for his perceived shame. He openly states, "I can't prove you are not mine, so you have my name," knowing full well that Tyrion’s name should have been Targaryen if he were their blood son.
Furthermore, Tywin’s hatred of Aerys Targaryen is understandable. The theory supports that Aerys raped Tywin's wife, Joanna Lannister, leading to Tyrion’s birth. This act alone would have created a deep-seated hostility, especially since it led to the death of his wife. If Tyrion were legally Aerys' son, Tywin would have every reason to resent him. This further confirms that the theory doesn’t hold up. Tywin's hatred and actions are rooted in personal trauma and betrayal, not blood ties.
The Dark Sister, Ellaria Sand, and the Hozhar, Praga, also have their own theories on Targaryen offspring, but they are largely unsupported and fictional. Nymeria's claims about Rhaenyra Targaryen also don’t hold up under scrutiny, as the historical records and canonical evidence suggest the Targaryen lineage is much clearer than these theories imply.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the theory that Tyrion Lannister is a Targaryen is not supported by the evidence from the books or the TV show. Tywin's actions, his hatred for Tyrion, and his own ambiguous statements all point to the fact that Tyrion’s heritage is firmly rooted in the Lannister family. The chaos and destruction brought by the Targaryens are enough reasons for Tywin to distance himself from any Targaryen connections, making the theory implausible.