Is the Night King a Targaryen? Unraveling the Mysteries of Game of Thrones

The identity of the Night King has been a topic of speculation and debate since the inception of Game of Thrones. Some fans believe that the formidable and terrifying Night King might be a Targaryen, drawing parallels between his abilities and those of the legendary dragonriding family. However, as we shall explore, the evidence for such a claim is far from conclusive.

Theories and Speculations

Several fan theories propose that the Night King could be a Targaryen due to the family's historical connection with dragons and fire. The Targaryens were known for their unique powers and their ability to ride the mighty beasts, a trait that is often associated with the Night King's control over his twisted white dragon.

One of the key arguments is the rule that only Targaryens should be able to ride dragons. This belief is based on the source material, where it is stated that the Targaryens are the only ones who can master the dragons. However, in the TV series, Jon Snow rode Rhaegal before he was revealed to be a Targaryen. Yet, this incident seems to have been overlooked by Daenerys, raising questions about the validity of the rule.

The Origins of the Night King

The origin of the Night King is rooted in the conflict between the First Men and the Children of the Forest, who crafted him as a weapon against humanity. This ancient war occurred thousands of years before the events of the show, and at that time, House Targaryen was a minor house in the Valyrian Empire, long before they would rise to power.

The Targaryens did not arrive in Westeros until 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones, a mere blink in the vast timeline of the realm. The creation of the Night King predates their arrival by 8,000 years, firmly placing him in a historical context beyond their influence.

What Do We Really Know?

Despite the vague and mysterious nature of the Night King's identity, what the show has revealed does not discount the possibility of him being a Targaryen. The series has kept the Night King's origin a mystery, leaving many unanswered questions. As of now, the Night King's true identity remains unidentified, making all theories, no matter how grounded they appear, speculative.

What is certain is that most people in Westeros believe that dragons can only be ridden by a Targaryen, based on the strictures of the Targaryen rule. However, this belief could be contested by the events of the show, as Jon Snow rode a dragon before he was revealed to be a Targaryen, suggesting that the rule of Targaryen heritage might be more flexible in practice.

The Night King's true origins, whether he is a Targaryen or not, continue to be a part of the enduring intrigue of Game of Thrones. As we await the season finale, fans are left to ponder and speculate, hoping for clear answers that might finally resolve the mystery of the Night King's identity.