The Winds of Winter, the highly anticipated next installment in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, holds the key to solving a longstanding mystery that Game of Thrones chose to sidestep. At the center of this enigma is Young Griff, whose true identity as Aegon Targaryen remains uncertain. While the TV series omitted this character to streamline its plot, the books must now grapple with the question of whether Young Griff is the real deal or a clever imposter.

The Case for Young Griff’s Authenticity

Aegon Targaryen’s shocking revelation in A Dance with Dragons, the fifth book in the series, sent ripples of intrigue through the fandom. George R.R. Martin revealed that the firstborn son of Rhaegar Targaryen was not only alive but also harbored ambitions of reclaiming the Iron Throne. The ambiguity surrounding his authenticity, however, persists.

George R.R. Martin himself has subtly fueled the debate. When asked about the fate of Rhaegar and Elia Martel’s children, he cryptically replied, “All I have to say is that there is absolutely no doubt that little Princess Rhaenys was dragged from beneath her father’s bed and slain.” This enigmatic statement hints at the possibility of Aegon’s survival.

Furthermore, Varys, the master of whispers, vehemently insists that Young Griff is Aegon Targaryen. Although Varys is known for his cunning and deceitful nature, there is an intriguing moment when he divulges Aegon’s true identity to Kevan Lannister just before ending him. In this private exchange, Varys has no apparent motive to deceive, adding an air of credibility to his claims.

Tyrion Lannister, a character renowned for his intelligence and astuteness, independently deduces Young Griff’s true identity while traveling with him. Tyrion’s acumen makes it less likely that he could have been easily fooled, lending further credence to the notion that Young Griff might be the genuine Aegon.

The Clues That Suggest Young Griff is a Pretender

On the contrary, several elements cast doubt on Young Griff’s legitimacy. The timing of Aegon Targaryen’s dramatic entrance into the narrative, five books into the series, raises suspicion. Game of Thrones’ omission of Young Griff from its adaptation suggests that he may not be as pivotal to the endgame, potentially supporting the theory that he is a pretender or “fAegon.”

The intricate baby-switch plot necessary for Aegon’s survival is difficult to believe. Varys would have needed an extraordinary level of knowledge and resources to pull off such a deception, which includes ensuring Aegon’s unrecognizability after the Mountain’s attack.

Daenerys Targaryen’s storyline also contains hints that Young Griff might be a fake. Quaithe’s warning to beware the “mummer’s dragon” implies deception, suggesting that either Aegon himself is pretending to be a dragon or that he is manipulated by someone with ties to acting, such as Varys. Prophecies in the House of the Undying further allude to the need to “slay lies,” suggesting that Aegon may be one of these pretenders.

The imminent revelation of Jon Snow’s true parentage in the books, consistent with the TV series, makes it less plausible to introduce another son of Rhaegar at this stage, potentially diminishing the impact of Jon’s revelation. Young Griff, portrayed as a boy of humble origins raised to believe he is the rightful Targaryen heir, serves as a thematic mirror to Jon Snow and a more logical narrative choice.

Alternative Identities for Young Griff

Beyond the debate surrounding Young Griff’s legitimacy, several alternative identities have been proposed. One prevailing theory suggests that Young Griff is a Blackfyre, a cadet branch of House Targaryen founded by a bastard of King Aegon IV. This would explain his Valyrian features and the support of the Golden Company, an organization with a history of rebelling against the Targaryens.

Another theory speculates that Young Griff could be the son of Illyrio, the wealthy and influential character known to have had a wife with Valyrian features. This would provide a personal motive for Illyrio and Varys to promote Young Griff’s claim to the Iron Throne.

Alternatively, Young Griff might be a complete unknown, a pawn in Varys and Illyrio’s scheme, chosen for his Valyrian blood and the right physical characteristics, regardless of his actual lineage.

The Impact of Young Griff’s Identity on the Narrative

In the grand tapestry of Westeros, the true identity of Young Griff may hold less importance than the perception of power. As Varys astutely observes, “power resides where men believe it resides.” If Young Griff convincingly appears to be Aegon and no one can conclusively prove otherwise, he stands a substantial chance of seizing the Iron Throne and garnering popular support.

Ultimately, Young Griff’s identity may serve as a catalyst for a conflict with Daenerys, potentially leading to a second Dance of the Dragons. However, given Daenerys’ central role in the narrative, Young Griff is likely to meet an unfortunate fate in this clash.

In conclusion, the identity of Young Griff remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. As readers eagerly await the release of The Winds of Winter, they can only hope that the enigma of Young Griff will be unraveled, shedding light on whether he is a true Targaryen or a skillful pretender. Regardless of the outcome, the impact of Young Griff’s identity on the power dynamics of Westeros promises to be a pivotal aspect of the forthcoming book.