Failed Theories about Game of Thrones: Debunked and Examined
An Overview of Popular and Failed Theories
Game of Thrones, being one of the most popular series in recent memory, had left fans grappling with a myriad of theories spanning various aspects of its complex narrative. While some theories gained significant traction and were captured in the books, several others remained mere products of fan imagination. This article delves into some of these failed theories and evaluates their plausibility based on the original series and book canon.
1. Mance is Rheagar: Fatherly Affection Misinterpreted
A common theory suggested that Mance Rayder, the leader of the wildlings, was in fact Rheagar Targaryen, who is Jon Snow's grandfather. This theory primarily hinges on Mance's paternal relationship with Jon, leading to the speculation that Mance is his true father. However, this theory is based on a misinterpretation of their relationship and lacks evidence within the show's narrative.
2. Lannister Bastards: Dire Implications
The origin of the Lannister line has been a subject of much speculation. Some theories suggested that Cersei, Jaime, or even all three of Tywin's children might be actual Targaryens. Particularly, it was speculated that Cersei and Jaime's son could be one of the children of Aerys and Rhaella. Similarly, Tywin's three children are also brought into question, with alternative origins being proposed. However, these theories often rely on scenarios that contradict established character backgrounds and lineage.
3. Tyrion as Targaryan: A Controversial Proposition
A rather ambitious theory proposed that Tyrion Lannister, the clever and often underestimated character, was secretly one of the Targaryen children destined to ride a dragon. According to this theory, Tyrion would ride one of Daenerys's dragons, while Jon Snow would ride the third. However, it's worthwhile to note that this theory fails to add any significant depth to the ongoing narrative and romanticizes Tyrion's character without substantial evidence.
4. Bran's Time-Travel Theory: Rewriting History
ROBB BASTARD: A Werewolf Resurrection?
A more whimsical theory suggested that Robb Stark, the Young Wolf, would rise from the dead as a werewolf after gaining control over the time-travel powers of Bran Stark. However, this idea aligns poorly with the established storyline and character perceptions. Furthermore, Bran's abilities are more centered around vision and prophecy rather than physical resurrection.
5. The Titan of Braavos: A Mecha Fable
The idea that the Titan of Braavos is a crewed mecha designed to fight dragons is another far-fetched theory. The reimagining of a mythological creature as a modern mecha conflicts with the rich and fantastical world-building within the series and would require a massive shift in the narrative to accommodate such elements.
6. Roose Bolton: A Vampire Hypothesis
Roose Bolton, the Flayed Man: An Immortal Warlord?
This theory posited that Roose Bolton was secretly a vampire, based on his pale appearance and frequent bloodletting. Despite the appeal of combining his character’s mysterious aspects with supernatural elements, this theory is debunked by his ordinary death, which doesn't support the vampire legend. This theory reflects the tendency of some fans to force supernatural elements into the narrative despite the original story's lack of such elements.
7. The Honey Pot Theory
A more sinister theory suggested that Talisa, a healer who falls in love with Robb Stark, was a Lannister agent. This theory suggests that she manipulated Robb, leading to his fatal alliance with Walder Frey at the Red Wedding. However, the theory falls short because the original series and books do not support this claim and focus more on the Lannister-Frey conspiracy.
8. Benjen Stark: Daario Naharis
Benjen Stark, the elusive climber: A Varys Spy?
Another fan theory posited that Benjen Stark, missing since the first season, was recruited by Varys. The theory suggests that he faked his death, reemerged as Daario Naharis, and grew into a close relationship with Dany to gain her trust, especially considering her knowledge of Jon's true parentage. However, the evidence is not compelling and the original storyline does not support this.
9. Hodor: Horse or Great Other?
Wylis, the stable boy and warg: A Mythical Conundrum
One of the most intriguing theories about Hodor speculated that he was once a warg who lost his mind due to a failed warging attempt and caused his identity to merge with a horse. Another theory challenged this by suggesting that Hodor was possessed by the Great Other, a supernatural entity in Westeros. While these theories are imaginative, they lack concrete evidence and conflict with the established character of Hodor.
10. Oedipal Tyrion
Tyrion's True Parents: A Shocking Twist?
The theory that Tyrion Lannister is the child of Daenerys Targaryen and Drogo is based on several wild stretches of logic. It assumes a miraculous switch of fetuses in Rhaego and Tyrion, orchestrated by Mirri Maz Duur. This theory is based on spurious evidence and contradicts the series' narrative about Tyrion's lineage and parentage.
11. Ser Pounce, Azor Ahai
Tommen's Cat: The Guardian of the Realm?
Alt Shift X, an Internet influencer, proposed that Tommen Baratheon's cat Ser Pounce was actually the prophesied Azor Ahai, destined to save the world from the White Walkers. This theory played on the idea of hidden prophecies and the magical essence of cats in medieval lore. While it was entertaining, it doesn't hold up under scrutiny of the narrative and the character's roles in the series.
Conclusion
Theories about Game of Thrones, while often captivating and imaginative, are frequently unsupported by the established canon of the story. The rich narrative and deep character development within the series provide a strong base for creative thinking, but the major implications and conflicts with the story's core elements often lead to debunked theories. Despite the allure of these theories, they often miss the nuanced storytelling and character backgrounds that make the series truly compelling.