Was Tyrion Really the Son of Aerys Targaryen?

The complex dynamics between characters in Game of Thrones often lead to intriguing theories. One such theory is whether Tyrion Lannister is the son of Aerys Targaryen instead of Tywin Lannister. This article explores the evidence and counter-evidence to determine if this theory holds water.

The Theory: Tywin vs. Aerys

The theory posits that Mad King Aerys is Tyrion’s father. This would mean that Tywin Lannister, Aerys’s Hand of the King, does not, in fact, consider Tyrion his son. Given Tywin's past actions, this theory presents a compelling narrative.

One of the most heinous crimes committed by Tywin was ordering Gregor Clegane to kill the Targaryen children, including Elia Martell, to ensure no Targaryen successors would pose a threat. Why would Tywin take a chance on keeping Tyrion alive if he were a Targaryen? This action shows Tywin’s allegiance to the Lannister family and not to other Targaryens.

Tyrion: Lannister or Targaryen?

According to the theory, Tywin would never give a Targaryen son such a significant role. Tywin appoints Tyrion as the Hand after Ned Stark's death for Joffrey. The task of being the Hand is a key Lannister ally role, which Tywin would only entrust to a Lannister.

Another piece of evidence comes from Tywin's final words: “You are no son of mine.” This statement could be seen as a deliberate lie by Tywin to keep up his facade. He strongly identifies with the Lannister line and would not want Tyrion to ever know the truth about his heritage if it became known.

The TV Show Clues

During a conversation between Tywin and Tyrion in Season 3, Episode 1, Tywin openly declares, “I can't prove you are not mine, so you have my name.” This line supports the theory that Tywin is indeed attempting to cover up the truth about his son’s lineage.

The theory aligns with Tywin’s past actions and statements. If Tyrion is indeed Aerys’s son, it would explain why he was obsessed with dragons from a young age and why Rhaegal recognized Tyrion and did not burn him. Rhaegal’s behavior could be interpreted as a sign of recognition between royalty.

Tywin's Hates and Motivations

By providing the theory, we can delve deeper into Tywin’s motivations. Tywin hates Tyrion because of his dwarfism and his embarrassment about it. However, if Tyrion were a Targaryen, Tywin would need a better reason to hate him. Given that Aerys raped Tywin's wife, Joanna Lannister, and caused her death, Tywin would have more than enough reasons to hate Aerys and his relatives.

This lends support to the theory that Tywin’s hatred of Tyrion is rooted in a deeper, more psychological hatred of Aerys Targaryen and his family. Tywin’s decision to let the children of Elia Martell die could be seen as an act of revenge against the Targaryen line.

Conclusion

The theory suggests a more complex history for Tyrion Lannister than previously thought. It offers a compelling narrative that aligns with Tywin's actions and statements from the series. Whether or not this theory is true, it certainly adds depth to the character and the overall narrative of Game of Thrones.

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