Are Gregor and Sandor Clegane Descendants of Ser Duncan the Tall?

George R.R. Martin's realm of A Song of Ice and Fire is filled with knights, Kings and nobles whose legacies and bloodlines are subjects of much speculation. Among these characters are the Clegane brothers, Gregor and Sandor, and Ser Duncan the Tall. Many fans and theorists have wondered about the possible connections between these characters, often leaning towards the idea that the malevolent Gregor and Sandor might be descended from the noble and chivalrous Ser Duncan the Tall. However, the novel and series do not provide a definitive answer to this question. Let's explore the arguments and evidence.

Theories and Evidence

The idea that the Clegane brothers are descendants of Ser Duncan the Tall is often suggested by fans. However, there is no explicit connection established in the books or series. The Clegane brothers are known for their dark reputation, particularly Gregor, who is more famously known as The Mountain Without Mountains. It is unlikely that the Clegane brothers would be related to Ser Duncan given their stark contrasts. The Clegane family is noted for its dark deeds and reputation, quite the opposite of Ser Duncan's chivalric nature.

Moreover, Brienne of Tarth is often associated with Ser Duncan due to her chivalrous and noble demeanor. It is implied through various connections such as her size and upbringing. However, the Mountain's size is equally unique and almost akin to a trait only he possesses. The Mountain, also known as The Mountain Without Mountains, is recognized for his immense size, which is noted as a distinguishing feature by the Sand Snakes and Doran Martell when they receive a skull supposedly that of the Mountain. The size is so unique that it stands out even more than Hodor's giant stature, as Sansa Stark becomes terrified by the Mountain's immense size.

Unique Size and Biological vs. Environmental Factors

The Mountain's size is the central aspect of his unique identity. The novels do not suggest that size is a genetic trait passed through generations. Instead, it is a physical attribute that is recognized and remembered. This size is so distinctive that it can be used to identify him, even when his armor and features are obscured by death. It's strongly implied that size might be a result of inbreeding, malnutrition, or genetic conditions in Westeros, a world that values physical prowess and strength.

However, chivalry, a moral code of conduct, is not a biological trait but one that is taught and learned. Events in the series, such as the transformation of the Lannisters, especially under Tywin Lannister's tutelage, emphasize this. The Clegane brothers, given their upbringing, certainly did not receive the kind of chivalric education that Ser Duncan imparted to Brienne of Tarth. Their upbringing under their unscrupulous father, Medieval Clegane, and their subsequent experiences, have shaped their characters decidedly differently.

Hereditary Traits and Ethical Development

It is argued that biological inheritance does not shape ethical or moral characteristics. A person's ethical nature is a result of their ongoing experiences and the education they receive. Arya Stark, raised by Ned Stark, experienced traumatic events that led her to develop malice and develop a taste for vengeance and killing. Similarly, the Mountain, despite his resemblance to the DNA criteria of the Clegane family, lacks the chivalrous education and upbringing that might have shaped his character into something more like Ser Duncan the Tall. He was raised and formed by unscrupulous hands, with example after example of how cynicism and evil could be rewarded in Westeros, ultimately leading him to adopt such a phenotype.

The size and strength he possesses are almost a unique identifier, setting him apart from other characters. There is evidence that his immense size might have a genetic basis, perhaps due to inbreeding or other genetic factors, but his moral and ethical development is a result of upbringing and experiences, not a biological inheritance from Ser Duncan the Tall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Mountain Without Mountains and Ser Duncan the Tall share a unique trait in their size, this does not necessarily indicate that one is descended from the other. No explicit evidence is provided in the series to suggest a familial connection. The Mountain's character is shaped by his upbringing, his experiences, and the systemic injustices of Westeros, rather than any genetic link to Ser Duncan the Tall. The focus on his size is more a testament to the unique and formidable nature of the character than a sign of any ethical or genetic inheritance. Fans and theorists may hold on to the hope that one day an explicit connection will be revealed, but for now, the evidence points to the Mountain being a unique and exceptional individual, rather than a descendant of a great knight and heir to a noble tradition.