Who is Young Griff? An Exploration into His True Identity

Young Griff, a character from George R.R. Martin's

Theories Regarding His Identity

The mysterious identity of Young Griff, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen, has intrigued fans of A Song of Ice and Fire for years. Numerous theories have emerged, each offering a different perspective on who Young Griff truly is. Let's delve into the most prominent theories and the unanswered questions surrounding him.

Aegon VI Targaryen

One of the most popular beliefs is that Young Griff is, in fact, Aegon VI Targaryen. This theory is supported by the character's physical resemblance to the Targaryens. Descriptions of Aegon VI mention purple eyes and silver-blond hair. However, the hair is described as being dyed blue, intriguingly aligning with Young Griff's appearance. Nevertheless, this is a theory that lacks concrete evidence and is often debated by fans.

Aegon Blackfyre

Another theory suggests that Young Griff is a descendant of House Blackfyre. House Blackfyre has a long and storied history of claiming Targaryen heritage. This theory posits that he holds a legitimate claim to the throne through a different lineage. The theory is bolstered by the involvement of Illyrio Mopatis, a friend of Varys and a major financier of the venture.

The Imposter Theory

One of the more intriguing theories is that Young Griff is an imposter. This idea suggests that a boy with Valyrian features was chosen to pose as the real Aegon Targaryen for political reasons. The manipulative nature of Varys and Illyrio Mopatis, both known for their cunning, makes this theory plausible. This theory also provides a clear motive for Varys, who has a history of deception.

Young Griff's Background

Young Griff is primarily introduced in A Dance of Dragons as the alleged surviving son of Rhaegar Targaryen. According to the narrative, Varys orchestrated the replacement of the baby with the real Aegon Targaryen as a baby and then snuck him out of King’s Landing. He was raised in exile by Jon Connington, a friend of Prince Rhaegar, with the intention of one day reclaiming the throne.

Main Theories and Supporting Evidence

While the origin of Young Griff is open to interpretation, several theories support his potential identities:

Aegon Blackfyre: Illyrio Mopatis, who has no apparent reason to support a Targaryen restoration, is a central figure in the theory. He is suspected to have a connection to the Blackfyre line through his second wife, Serra, who is believed to be a descendant of the Blackfyres. The complete extinction of House Blackfyre in the male line suggests a possible continuation in the female line. The Imposter Theory: This theory posits that Young Griff is a peasant boy from Lys, chosen for his appearance. Lysene people are known for their Valyrian features, making this theory credible.

The Unanswered Questions and Fan Theories

Despite the wealth of theories, many questions remain unanswered. The word of Varys, known for his deceit, adds to the uncertainty surrounding Young Griff's true identity. Theories ranging from political manipulation to secret lineages continue to fuel fan debates. The mystery surrounding Young Griff only adds to the intrigue of the A Song of Ice and Fire saga.

Whether Young Griff is Aegon, a Blackfyre descendant, or an imposter, his identity remains one of the most compelling mysteries in the series. As readers navigate the complex web of political intrigue and family histories, the true identity of Young Griff may never be fully resolved, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the answers that George R.R. Martin may or may not provide in future installments.