‘Game Of Thrones’ Season 6 Theories: Did Episode 2 Hint That Tyrion Might Not Be A Lannister?

Tyrion is the one Lannister that “Game of Thrones” viewers have rooted for since the beginning. But Season 6 of the HBO hit could be suggesting that there’s more to him than we know. In fact, episode 2 may have hinted at a fan theory positing Tyrion may not be the son of Tywin.

In episode 2, Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) made his way below the pyramid in Meereen to unchain Daenerys' (Emilia Clarke) dragons, Rhaegal and Viserion. After a few glasses of liquid courage, Tyrion bravely approached the dragons and attempted to show he was there as a friend. He told them a story of how he'd always wanted a dragon as a boy but never had one because they were wiped out thousands of years ago. The dragons do not attack Tyrion and they allow him to take the chains off their necks.

Seeing Tyrion earn the dragons' trust supports the theory that he might actually be a Targaryen and not a Lannister. In George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels, it’s said that Aerys II Targaryen, a.k.a. “The Mad King,” was attracted to Tywin Lannister’s (Charles Dance) wife Joanna Lannister. Some fans suggested on Reddit that something really did happen between the two and Tyrion was the result.

There have also been other clues on the show that could suggest this theory is true. Tywin Lannister couldn’t stand Tyrion, and if it’s true Tyrion is the son of Aerys II and Joanna, that might have been why. Tywin never offered to make his son heir of Casterly Rock and this could be because he wasn’t a true Lannister. When Tyrion kills his father in Season 4, Tywin’s final words to him are, “You’re no son of mine.” Could he have been telling the truth here?

Tyrion also revealed in episode 2 that he has knowledge of dragons. He was supposedly obsessed with them as a child and has an extensive knowledge of them. In the books, Tyrion has dreamed of dragons, which is something that past Targaryens have done. It’s possible his obsession with dragons comes from his heritage and not just because he likes the creatures.

While many believe the theory, there are several who quickly shoot it down. The popular “R+L=J theory” suggests that Jon Snow (Kit Harington) is part Targaryen and part Stark. It could be overkill to have so many characters turn out to have Targaryen bloodlines, especially when it was believed that Daenerys was the last one left. Fans also suggest that Joanna and Tywin were entirely devoted to each other and she wouldn’t be unfaithful to her husband.

“Game of Thrones” Season 6 airs Sundays on HBO at 9 p.m. EDT. Do you believe Tyrion is a Lannister or Targaryen? Sound off in the comments section below!