The latest episode of the ongoing season 7 of Game of Thrones, titled Eastwatch, was brimming with developments aimed at taking the plot forward. The most significant of these was the subtle confirmation of conspiracy theory revolving around Tyrion Lannister’s heritage.
Interestingly, the scene that subtly established that Tyrion may, after all, be a Targaryen doesn’t even feature him. Instead, it shows Jon Snow gently stroking Daenerys’ fire-breathing Dragon, even as she looks on shock-struck. But that’s not what will have the fans surprised as Jon’s revelation as the Rhaegar Targaryen’s secret son has been long anticipated now. However, it does take you back on a flashback to a similar scene from season 6 when Tyrion hesitantly approaches the dragons, Rhaegal and Viserion, who have been chained underground, and eventually, frees them, feeds them and also strokes them.
If the third of Dany’s dragons can only be ridden by a Targaryen – going by the prophecy found in George R R Martin’s books – could Tyrion actually be a Targaryen destined to ride him?
Daenerys’ own confession in the recent episode that she had never seen someone stroke the dragons since her ‘children’ have grown up may have put a subtle stamp of confirmation on Tyrion’s legacy, but the writing has always been on the wall.
Tywin Lannister’s Insinuations
Tywin Lannister hates his son Tyrion, and constantly hurls insults at him, calling him ill-made, spiteful, and devious. Tyrion’s grew up believing that the cause of this hatred is that his mother, Joanna Lannister, died giving birth to him. However, the A Song of Ice and Fire series established that Aerys was infatuated with Joanna even after she married Tywin. Aery’s unabated lust for Joanna was a cause of friction between Tywin and him. It is plausible that Aery’s got his way with Joanna Lannister at some point – by blackmail, force or consent – and Tyrion could be a result of their union.
Tyrion’s Appearance
Tyrion’s looks also betray his heritage. Martin’s books describe him as having pale blond hair hinging on white and mismatched eyes – one black and the other green. On the other hand, his siblings Jaime and Cersei have the classic Lannister features – golden hair green eyes. It is, in fact, the Targaryens who have purple eyes and silver hair. Since Tywin and Joanna were first cousins – meaning they shared the same lineage – Tyrion’s hair color and a green eye may actually be a sign of Targaryen blood running through his veins.
Tyrion’s Obsession with Dragons
Bringing the question of Tyrion’s heritage a full circle, let’s go back to the dragons. Anyone who has seen the Game of Thrones or read Martin’s series by the same name knows that dragons belong to House Targaryen. Both the show and book show Tyrion as having a strong affinity for dragons and fire. You do the math.
The Eastwatch episode, which its fast-paced sequences and subtle hints, definitely builds up the tempo for the show’s biggest scene yet. Wondering what that could be? Well, stay tuned. Yeah, yeah, we know you will!
Lead image source: koloromuj
