Aegon I Targaryen—the man who famously conquered Westeros with dragonfire—was known for strength, power, and determination. Yet beneath the mighty conqueror’s mythos lies an intriguing possibility: Was the founder of the Targaryen dynasty infertile?

Aegon’s Suspect Lineage: A Lack of Direct Evidence

Let’s first address a crucial detail: Aegon I, despite having two sisters as wives, fathered only two recognized offspring—Aenys and Maegor. Interestingly, neither son convincingly shared their father’s famed characteristics. Aenys was a weak child that grew to be a notoriously weak and indecisive man. In that he hardly resembled the legendary Conqueror.

Meanwhile, Maegor, a warrior from birth, carried he temperament of Visenya rather than Aegon himself.

He may have been physically impressive, but he was quick to rage and had a cruel streak. He didn’t really know how to make friends. Which is a fatal shortcoming if you want to rule at an empire/king of kings level. Maegor famously failed to sire living heirs despite claiming numerous wives, suggesting potential fertility issues in the family.

Queen Rhaenys: The Social Butterfly

Rhaenys Targaryen, beloved sister-wife of Aegon, was known for her charm, wit, and warmth. She was a sharp contrast to her more austere sister Visenya. According to Archmaester Gyldayn in Fire & Blood, Rhaenys delighted in court life. Surrounding herself with singers, poets, knights, and mummers whenever she was able. She was a noted patron of the arts and performances, often enjoying long hours of music, pageantry, and courtly entertainment. Even in wartime, Rhaenys is recorded as the more approachable royal, often mingling with the people during the Targaryens’ progresses.

Her court was described as vibrant and full of life—yet beneath this cultural energy simmered rumors. Rhaenys was said to have a “fondness for handsome men.” A detail that appears in both The World of Ice and Fire and in court gossip recounted by later chroniclers. Though Aegon was known to divide his time between his two queens, he spent more nights with Rhaenys. This may suggest preference in personal affection—or an effort to produce heirs. Regardless, the gossip was persistent: that Rhaenys’s entertainers may have played more than just music. The identity of Aenys’s true father was openly questioned in whispers, especially given Aenys’s frail constitution and soft-spoken demeanor—traits vastly unlike Aegon’s stoic and martial persona.

Queen Visenya: The Queen of Iron

Rhaenys’s death in Dorne in 10 AC deeply affected her son Aenys, whose health visibly declined, leading many to fear for his life. By that time, Aegon’s marriage to his elder sister Visenya had lasted over a decade without producing a child, prompting whispers that she might be barren. Some even urged Aegon to take another wife to secure the succession. Though many eligible women were paraded before him, Aegon offered no public stance. Then, in 11 AC, Visenya suddenly announced she was expecting. The following year, she gave birth on Dragonstone to Maegor, Aegon’s second son.

But what if the truth was the reverse? In the culture of Westeros (much like IRL in that period), blame for infertility typically fell on the woman. But what if Aegon was the one who was barren all along? If so, Visenya’s sudden pregnancy—conveniently after the Realm had begun to consider new brides—may not have been the work of nature.

Perhaps, sensing herself being pushed aside from power, Visenya turned to darker means. Desperate to retain her place, she may have used black magic to conceive a child by unnatural means. But magic is a cruel and unpredictable ally. The result was Maegor: a monstrous, brutal king whose own attempts to produce heirs ended in horror, stillbirths, and lots and lots of blood. A line born of shadow may carry that shadow forward.

Infertility and Succession: Historical Parallels

History and medical literature support the plausibility of male infertility, even among strong, seemingly healthy individuals. Prominent medieval European nobles, such as Louis XVI of France and Henry VIII of England, faced similar reproductive challenges. Challenges that profoundly affected dynastic politics. Like these historical figures, Aegon’s limited offspring—despite multiple marriages and opportunities—strongly suggests possible infertility.

The Mystery of Aenys: A Trueborn Son or a Clever Cover?

Aenys I Targaryen’s personality stood in glaring contrast to the image of his supposed father. Aegon was a conqueror in every sense; calm, confident, and imposing. Aenys, by contrast, was described by Maester Gyldayn as overly eager to please, slow to act, and haunted by health issues from a young age. These discrepancies raised eyebrows even in his own time. Rumors swirled the courts that Aenys might not be Aegon’s son at all, but rather the child of one of Rhaenys’s handsome ‘favorites’.

The timing of his birth also invited scrutiny. Rhaenys had spent years enjoying courtly company before finally bearing a child. Even Aegon’s own decision to gift the infant Aenys a dragon hatchling—Quicksilver—was interpreted by some as a public effort to silence whispers of illegitimacy.

In Valyrian tradition, the bonding between dragon and rider was seen as spiritual confirmation of Valyrian blood, yet not all were convinced. The rumors endured, and even after Aenys’s ascension to the throne, doubts about his parentage persisted. His weak rule only deepened suspicions.

Maegor’s Fertility Issues: Supporting Evidence

Maegor, Aegon’s first child fathered on Visenya, provides further circumstantial evidence for the theory of first-line Targaryen male infertility. Despite marrying multiple women—including three simultaneously—Maegor failed to produce a single surviving heir. His brides suffered miscarriages, stillbirths, and in one case, a monstrous birth that claimed the lives of both mother and child. Maegor’s inability to found a bloodline was so notorious that even his staunchest supporters grew uneasy.

Many in Westeros whispered of a curse or divine punishment, but from a practical standpoint, the issue could simply point to a genetic weakness—perhaps inherited from Aegon himself. If Aegon was infertile or had limited fertility, it would explain both his own sparse progeny and Maegor’s tragic failures. Combined with the doubts surrounding Aenys’s parentage, Maegor’s sterility only strengthens the argument that neither child naturally inherited their father’s seed—or that Aegon had difficulty producing viable heirs at all.

Political Convenience and Secrecy

For Aegon and House Targaryen, acknowledging a problem as destabilizing as infertility would have been political suicide. The newly forged realm was held together by fire and fear. It could not afford to question the legitimacy of its royal bloodline. The optics of infertility—especially in a patriarchal society like Westeros—would be bad. They would undermine not just Aegon’s strength as a man, but corrode the entire manifest of his right to rule. In this, all of Westeros would stand united against him. A bridge too far.

Thus, even if Aenys were not his trueborn son, it would have been far wiser for Aegon to publicly acknowledge him. So long as the child carried Valyrian features, was matrilineally Targaryen and could bond with a dragon. Visenya, with her own ambitions for her line, remained silent as well. And so a potential scandal—whether whispered or real—was quietly buried beneath the sheen of royal ceremony. This would not be the first or last time a dynasty maintained power by embracing a convenient fiction.

Solid Sources and Scholarly Perspectives

George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood doesn’t shy away from presenting conflicting accounts, which reflects the unreliability and bias of historical record—especially when dealing with royal families. Archmaester Gyldayn frequently notes that contemporaries whispered about Aenys’s paternity, and he details the suspicions surrounding Maegor’s childlessness. The structure of Fire & Blood itself—delivering events through conflicting maesters and septons—suggests that Martin intended these ambiguities to remain open to interpretation.

Parallels can also be drawn from real history. Monarchs such as Henry VIII, despite displaying outward masculinity, faced reproductive struggles that changed the course of nations. In the medieval world, when virility was power, rulers went to great lengths to conceal such shortcomings. Likewise, Targaryen chroniclers—writing decades or centuries later—may have deliberately omitted or downplayed damning truths to protect the myth of Aegon the Conqueror.

All these elements—the rumors, the historical inconsistencies, the peculiar timing, and the known medical complications—align to form a compelling theory: the bloodline of House Targaryen may not be as dragon-pure as we were led to believe. Then again, it is not known how much Valyrian or Targaryen blood specifically is required to bond with, and ride the dragons bred by the ancient Valyrian House.

Conclusion: A Scandal Hidden by Fire and Blood

Though absolute proof remains elusive, the evidence strongly supports the intriguing possibility that Aegon I Targaryen, the legendary conqueror himself, might not have fathered the dynasty that bears his name. More likely, it was the vibrant and sociable Queen Rhaenys that secretly sired the entire line of monarchs to sit the Iron Throne until Robert’s Rebellion. If true, there is little doubt she did so with her many handsome admirers. Men of whom it is (lightly put) doubtful they were of blood of the dragon.

My Take

The truth, hidden by generations of secrecy and myth, might fundamentally alter the understanding of Westerosi history and the legacy of House Targaryen itself. But “blood purity” being out the window (or at least in the way we think of it) by day one is totally the type of narrative irony George R. R. Martin loves to write. To me, this theory definitely rings true.

There has to be Targaryen blood involved, I’m sure. It was their house that bred the beasts for war in Valyria. Though even with a single line (Rhaenys) as progenitor of the dynasty, and three-quarters Targaryen in blood (her mother was Velaryon through her father) the blood that did pass down could be strong enough for the many to be compatible with Targaryen dragon DNA.

What do you guys think? If you have thoughts on this feel free to share them in the comments below!

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Victarion Greyjoy is a fascinating case when considering the concept of king’s blood. He is a member of House Greyjoy, a noble family that rules the Iron Islands. His brother, Balon Greyjoy, declared himself King of the Iron Islands (and later, King of the North and the Trident during the War of the Five Kings), in an attempt to secede from the Seven Kingdoms. This act of rebellion and self-coronation, while not recognized by the Iron Throne or most of the Seven Kingdoms, does indeed position Balon—and by extension, his family members—as having “king’s blood,” according to the traditions and beliefs of the Ironborn. His brother Euron is crowned and recognized as king by his peers as well not long after.

Victarion, being brother to both Balon and Euron, shares this bloodline. However, it’s important to consider the context and perception of “king’s blood” in the broader realm. The power and recognition of one’s kingly lineage often depend on widespread acknowledgment and the historical depth of a family’s royal status. The Greyjoys, though ancient and noble, have been Kings of the Iron Islands in the distant past, but their more recent claim to kingship, through Balon’s rebellions, lacks the same depth and acknowledgment as, say, the Targaryens, who ruled the Seven Kingdoms for nearly three centuries.

From a magical standpoint, it’s not entirely clear how the efficacy of king’s blood is gauged. Does it require recognition from others, or is there an inherent power in the blood of those who claim or are born into what they perceive as a royal lineage? The ambiguity around this concept leaves room for interpretation.

In summary, while Victarion Greyjoy does have what the Ironborn might consider “king’s blood” through his brothers Balon and Euron’s claim to kingship, the recognition and potency of that claim may vary depending on cultural, political, and magical perspectives within the world of “A Song of Ice and Fire.”

Speculating on the fates of Victarion Greyjoy and Moqorro is an intriguing endeavor, full of potential twists characteristic of George R.R. Martin’s storytelling. Let us consider the possibilities and the undercurrents of magic, prophecy, and ambition that run through “A Song of Ice and Fire.”

Moqorro, with his enigmatic prophecies and clear allegiance to the Lord of Light, views the world through a lens where every action serves the will of his god, R’hllor. The healing of Victarion’s hand, marked now with fiery tattoos, could be viewed as Moqorro binding Victarion to R’hllor’s service, whether Victarion realizes it or not. The Red Priests believe in the power of king’s blood, and Victarion, with his royal Ironborn lineage, might unknowingly be a key piece in Moqorro’s grander scheme.

Victarion’s quest to claim Daenerys Targaryen with the dragon horn, hoping to make her his bride and use her dragons to conquer Westeros, aligns with the interests of those who serve R’hllor, who seek the return of dragons and fire to the world. Moqorro’s guidance might be aimed at ensuring this outcome, but at what cost to Victarion?

One could speculate that Moqorro might indeed see Victarion as a potential sacrifice, a powerful offering to R’hllor to bring about some significant magical event, perhaps related to controlling or empowering dragons. However, Moqorro’s true intentions remain a mystery, and he might just as likely view Victarion as a crucial ally rather than a sacrificial pawn.

Yet, although Victarion is no weak man, his simplistic views make him prone for manipulation. And though his brute strength and… moderate cunning have allowed him to survive in the brutal world of the Iron Islands, a man as Moqorro might be able to push all his right buttons. His doublespeak even suggest he shall come to play a great role in things to come. But whether that role is a triumphant conqueror or a sacrificial lamb is something Victarion doesn’t really press him on. For now it seems he remains Moqorro’s useful idiot.

Though, who knows? Victarion’s own fire-from-the-hip schemes could surprise us all, possibly even turning the tables on the Red Priest or using the power of the dragon horn in ways no one, not even Moqorro, anticipates.

In the end, the dance of fate between Victarion Greyjoy and Moqorro is a certainly one that illustrates the high price of ambition. As we await the unfolding of their story in “The Winds of Winter,” we can only imagine the myriad ways their journey could impact the battle for the Iron Throne and the fate of Westeros.

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Euron puts little value in worldly things like castles and treasure. He showers his men with loot whilst barely taking a share and gifts his lovers with all kinds of silks and furs and jewels, or “rags and rocks,” as he calls them.

From what we can glean from the story so far, Euron’s ambitions are focused towards one thing and one thing only: achieving godhood. This quest for divinity is heavily interwoven with the threads of manipulation, terror, and the esoteric. Bit by bit we are exposed to the cruelty and the truly wicked nature of a man who is effortlessly able to pose as charming, generous and level-headed. Though it soon becomes clear that when men deem themselves divine, they think themselves above all the struggle and suffering they bring about in the world.

Manipulation and Misdirection

Euron’s interactions with his brothers, particularly Aeron and Victarion, exemplify his manipulative tactics. He captures Aeron and uses his body for what we can only speculate will be some sort of blood sacrifice. He misleads Victarion into sailing to Slaver’s Bay to bring back Daenerys Targaryen, ostensibly for marriage. However, his true intention seems to be to use Victarion as a pawn in his larger schemes. In A Feast for Crows, Euron provides Victarion with a dragon horn named Dragonbinder, under pretenses that might conceal its true nature or the peril it represents:

“No mortal man shall sound me and live.”

_{—Text inscribed into the dragon horn, A Dance with Dragons – Victarion I}

Victarion, despite being daring and dangerous, is also bullheaded and… well… stupid. Euron’s presentation of the horn to him is a classic example of his cunning, using his brother’s simplicity and adherence to convention against him. This act also serves his larger goal by potentially binding dragons to his will, which are arguably among the most destructive powers in the world of men and about as close to a god’s wrath as man is liable to get. Euron more than likely keeps up with Vic’s progress through a glass candle whilst staying out of dodge himself.

This is only reinforced by Moqorro when he talks to Tyrion on the question of what others are in search for Dani: “One most of all. A tall and twisted thing with one black eye and ten long arms, sailing on a sea of blood.” Tall and twisted, exactly how a glass candle is described. And who other than Euron, with one black eye and multiple long, tentacle-like appendages like the kraken of his house? He is even in the beginning phases of creating a “sea of blood.” No great leap to think Euron is with Vic every step of the way, even if the latter doesn’t realize it. Vic the brick, thick as a castle wall. If the horn works, chances are high Euron will somehow be able to reclaim it as he is significantly more clever than his brother. Doubtlessly, he would have planned for any and all possible outcomes.

Divine Aspirations and Visions

Euron’s conversation with his brother Aeron Damphair give us a chilling insight into his god-complex and visions of grandeur. He claims to have visited the ruins of Valyria, surviving where others fell and even hints at having supernatural experiences. In his vision, Aeron sees him seated upon the Iron Throne with all other gods impaled all around him.

“From Ib to Asshai, when men see my sails, they pray.”

_{—Euron, The Forsaken, unpublished chapter from The Winds of Winter}

This quote illustrates his self-view as a figure of dread and divine retribution, an unstoppable force of nature almost, only further underlining his delusions of godhood. His confidence and declarations suggest a belief not only in his right to rule but in his transformation into a deity-like figure.

Esoteric Knowledge and Practices

Euron’s potential apotheosis is also supported by his pursuit of arcane knowledge and dark magic. He forces a captive Aeron to drink the warlock’s potion of evening’s shade. This sparks Aeron to have a vision where Euron rises out above the impaled corpses of the gods whilst seated on the Iron Throne. Furthermore, he dabbles in blood sacrifice and possesses the dragon horn previously discussed. Euron’s brutal treatment of the priests and holy men he’s captured suggests a deep engagement with forbidden arts:

“The bleeding star bespoke the end… These are the last days, when the world shall be broken and remade. A new god shall be born from the graves and charnel pits.”

_{—Aeron bears witness to Euron’s monologue, The Forsaken, unpublished chapter from The Winds of Winter}

This passage not only ties Euron’s aspirations to apocalyptic prophecies but also positions him as a crucial figure in the dark days to come. It is clear he views himself as the herald–if not the embodiment–of this new god of which he speaks.

Upon witnessing Euron in his Valyrian armor (something the world hasn’t witnessed for hundreds of years), to his shock, Aeron is left to conclude the Crow’s Eye has indeed been to Valyria and lived to tell the tale.

Speculation

While Euron is pretty confident in his convictions to transcend to godhood, he might be meddling with powers that far exceed his grasp. I believe there is a possibility that instead of consuming the magic force he thinks will serve to achieve his ends, that same force might ultimately end up consuming him instead. What if the Euron we know is killed in the process of this esoteric ritual and his body becomes the vessel for some ancient eldritch evil like the Great Other or the Drowned God/Deep Ones? Or some other power far beyond human comprehension? This would suddenly leave Westeros exposed to an evil far greater than Euron would have ever posed for the realm.

Conclusion

Euron Greyjoy’s path towards apotheosis is characterized by his risky tampering with the mystical and his confident exploration of blood magic. The manipulation of his kin, his contempt for conventional values, his embrace of dark sorceries and the grandiose perception of himself all point towards a character driven by a desire that goes beyond the power of kings and instead aims for ultimate transcendence.

Whether he will achieve such a status or fall victim to his hubris remains to be seen as the story unfolds. Through his endeavors, Euron not only challenges the mortal bounds of his existence but also the very fabric of reality inside the world he inhabits. As ruthless, savage and heartless he is as a man, it would all pale in comparison to what he would become as a god. And that, ladies and gents, is what makes him one of the world’s most horrifying villains to date.

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In the vast universe of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire,” there are theories abound that delve into the hidden connections between characters. One such theory suggests that Euron Greyjoy, the enigmatic and menacing Lord of the Iron Islands, is in fact the mysterious Urrathon Night-Walker. This article explores the compelling evidence that supports this theory, drawing from various instances in the series.

The Singular Mention of Urrathon Night-Walker

Urrathon Night-Walker is a character shrouded in mystery, and even though the name is mentioned only once, in A Clash of Kings, this brief mention feels significant, as it is in the same book where Euron Greyjoy is first introduced. Coincidence? Could be, but allow us to explain further.

In the book, the character of Xaro makes mention of Urrathon Nightwalker to Dany. Telling her there is talk of glass candles lighting up in “the house of Urrathon Night-Walker.” He mentions these candles have not been lit in a hundred years.

These mystical artifacts are relics from Old Valyria, shaped entirely from dragonglass, tall and twisted, and they are said to burn with an unpleasantly consistent brightness to them. Their light “does strange things to colors (white becomes as bright as fresh fallen snow, yellow shines like gold, reds turns to flame, and shadows become so black that they look like holes in the world.” It is clear that these valuable objects denote the deep knowledge and extraordinary power of civilizations long gone.

In the following passage, it is hinted that the glass candles have come alive together with the birth of Dany’s dragons and the simultaneous resurgence of magic in the world:

Dany had laughed when he told her. “Was it not you who told me warlocks were no more than old soldiers, vainly boasting of forgotten deeds and lost  prowess?” Xaro looked troubled. “And so it was, then. But now? I am less certain. It is said that the glass candles are burning in the house of Urrathon Night-Walker, that have not burned in a hundred years. – Daenerys V, ACOK

Euron’s Presence Near Qarth

Euron Greyjoy is known to be near Qarth around the same time Urrathon Night-Walker is mentioned. This geographical proximity is crucial. Euron’s capture of a galleas from Qarth, along with warlocks and a cask of Shade-of-the-Evening, places him directly in the vicinity of Urrathon Night-Walker. This coincidence is too striking to ignore, suggesting a possible connection between Euron and Urrathon.

Later, When Xaro visits Daenerys in Meereen, his words appear to corrobrate Euron’s presence in Qarth at the right time:

“Not all your enemies are in the Yellow City. Beware men with cold hearts and blue lips. You had not been gone from Qarth a fortnight when Pyat Pree set out with three of his fellow warlocks, to seek for you in Pentos.” – Xaro (Daenerys III, ADWD)

The warlock (Pyat Pree) who set out to go after Dany to seek vengeance had the absolute worst luck to run in to (and be captured by) Euron about as soon as he set off with his cohorts. And later (in the Forsaken chapter of Winds) we learn that Euron had the man’s legs cut off and hanged from the rafters. By that time the man appears to have completely lost his mind, crying only “Pree! Pree!” as he swings from the rafters.

Shade-of-the-Evening

Another thing of note is that Euron has developed a significant taste for the warlock’s potion named Shade-of-the-Evening. As far as we know, the blue-leaved trees from which this drink is derived grow only in Qarth. Euron’s blue-colored lips signify heavy consumption of this dubious refreshment. But could that be solely from the cask he claims to have captured? Or does his preference for the drink go back further? If he has a house with glass candles in Qarth, it, in all likelyhood, stands to reason he’s been dabbling in the business of the dark arts (and dark potions) far longer than we might have been led to believe at first glance.

The Ironborn Connection

The name “Urrathon” is not common in the series, but it does appear in another context. It is the name of Urrathon Goodbrother, also known as “Badbrother,” a historical King of the Iron Islands. His story mirrors that of Euron (a “bad brother”) in several ways, particularly his spontaneous rise to power through a kingsmoot. This parallel between the historical figure and Euron Greyjoy lends weight to the theory that Euron could be masquerading as Urrathon Night-Walker. Given his story, it is not unthinkable to surmise that Euron adapted the moniker, if not only for shits and giggles.

Collection of Magical Artifacts (and Individuals)

Euron’s fascination with magical artifacts and practitioners further supports this theory. He possesses rare items like Valyrian steel armor, a (rather deadly) dragon-binding horn, and (potentially) a dragon egg. His collection of warlocks, a Red priest, a septon, and a Drowned Man, alongside his possible hiring of a Faceless Man, shows his deep involvement in the magical and mystical aspects of the world and his ironclad desires to achieve apoteosis. In order words, this a man that strives to become a god and seems to stop at nothing in doing so.

The Glass Candle: Visions and Dreams Made Easy

The glass candle, known for its ability to see across continents, send visions and appear in dreams, is a significant element in this theory. Euron’s appearances in the dreams of characters like Aeron Greyjoy and Daenerys Targaryen heavily suggest he might be using a glass candle to project himself into their dreams. The dreams are not only vivid but also contain elements that the dreamers could not have known, indicating external influence, likely Euron. When in possession of these artifacts, one would be able to extend influence and power across seas and faraway lands and even enter into the realm of dreams and visions.

Interestingly, fans have pointed out that Euron is described in ways that metaphorically resemble a glass candle – dark, tall, twisted. This symbolic description aligns with the physical attributes of the glass candles mentioned in the series. Glass candles are described in the same way with the addition of having “sharp edges” which suits Euron’s character as well. This parallel might indeed strengthen the theory that Euron is using a glass candle, possibly as Urrathon Night-Walker.

Conclusion

The theory that Euron Greyjoy is Urrathon Night-Walker is compelling if one takes into account the combination of geographical coincidences, collection of mystical artifacts, and symbolic descriptions that all seem to support this notion. Add to that the fact GRRM is known for his parallel narratives and it becomes less and less likely the Urrathon mention was just some throwaway line to be forgotten in the mists of the greater story. On the other hand, GRRM is no stranger to abandoning or redirecting plotlines, so I guess we shall have to wait (but not too long, hopefully) and see to find out.

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The A Song of Ice and Fire series has become a sprawling landscape populated with a wealth of mysterious characters that, in turn, cause for wide speculation. Among these, the enigmatic Quaithe and the adventurous Elissa Farman stand out, shrouded in speculation and lore. A theory that has captivated fans posits a fascinating possibility: Could Quaithe, the shadowbinder from Asshai, be none other than Elissa Farman, the Westerosi adventurer who vanished into the annals of history?

The Journey of Elissa Farman

Even though we know fairly little of his, Elissa Farman left an undeniable mark on the world of Westeros. As a young woman, she stole three dragon eggs from Dragonstone and vanished without a trace (well, not exactly without a trace, but we’ll tackle that later). Farman’s actions may turn out to have had far-reaching consequences, potentially even influencing the birth of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons. Her insatiable drive led her to sail west from Westeros, seeking the unknown, only to disappear from all known records after discovering three unnamed islands in the Sunset Sea and naming them after the Conqueror and his sisters.

Quaithe: The Mysterious Shadowbinder

Enter Quaithe, a figure of mystique and prophecy, appearing to Daenerys in Qarth. Masked and cryptic, she speaks in riddles and prophecies, guiding and warning Daenerys with phrases like, “To go north, you must journey south, to reach the west you must go east.” Her knowledge of distant events and places might indicate a wisdom gained through extensive travel and perhaps even the dark arts.

The Sighting of Farman’s Ship

Elissa’s ship, the Sun Chaser, was most likely spotted in Asshai by Corlys Velaryon. The fact that the ship is observed to be “old and weathered” would place Elissa in the dark city at about the right time. In Fire and Blood, Archmaester Gyldayn writes:

“On his second voyage, Ser Corlys sailed even farther east, and became the first Westerosi ever to reach Asshai-by-the-Shadow, the bleak black city of the shadowbinders at the edge of the world. There he lost his love and half his crew, if the tales be true… and there as well, in Asshai’s harbor, he glimpsed an old and much weathered ship that he would swear forevermore could only have been Sun Chaser.”

-Fire and Blood Volume 1

Weaving the Threads: The Theory

The theory connecting these two women is as intriguing as it is speculative. It hinges on the idea that Elissa Farman, in her uncharted journey, may have circumnavigated the globe. Setting off from the west she sailed across the Sunset Sea only to arrive in the far east city that is Asshai, thereby having sailed around the world. This odyssey could have transformed her (in knowledge as well as in spirit), putting her on the path to become the shadowbinder Quaithe. The parallelism in Quaithe’s advice to Daenerys (to go west, she must go east) mirrors Farman’s own journey and may hint at a deeper connection.

The link between the three dragon eggs Elissa stole and Daenerys’s eggs (likely sold in or around Pentos to finance her fleet) adds another layer on top of this theory. The math holds up, and the fact Dany’s eggs are petrified suggests they are very old. So the timeframe would be correct as well. Perhaps Elissa had some type of foresight of the Mother of Dragons or Aegon’s Prophecy when she stole the eggs. Or perhaps it was revealed to her after she landed in Asshai and became versed in things like the dark arts and prophecies…

In the case of the former, it is likely she moved to Asshai with great purpose. This young woman would have sought to learn all the arts required in order to support Dany in her ascendance. In case of the latter, she was steered onto her current path by whatever revelation she came upon in the dark city. Either way, the evolution of becoming a master of magic in Asshai fits her character of profound curiosity. As a city, Asshai is a place shrouded in mystery and known for its dark sorceries, and I think that if there is one city that could be the crucible for her transformation, Asshai would be it. Even though it can be a place of great peril with its poison river and blood mages and whatever other demons lurk there, an adventurous spirit like Elissa would likely have been able to brave its dangers. Thus honing her skills in magic, her knowledge of the esoteric, and achieving mastery of arcane artifacts such as glass candles.

The Magic of Longevity

A significant hurdle in this theory is the passage of time. Born in 29 AC, Elissa would be 300-ish (261 to be exact) in the current (as of writing this) timeline of 299/300 AC. So for Elissa Farman to be Quaithe, she would have had to extend her life through magical means. Though this is a concept not alien to Planetos. Characters like Melisandre have shown such feats to be very much possible. And what was the city that our dear friend Mel was based out of again? Oh, that’s right. Asshai. Quaithe’s ever-present mask could be more than a symbol of her profession; it might be hiding the longevity of her true age, or it might just be to hide her identity (though who would recognise her after all those ages remains a mystery).

Quaithe’s Mystical Communications

Quaithe’s ability to reach out to Daenerys across vast distances has been a subject of both debate and fascination. As mentioned before, it is widely speculated among fans that she uses a glass candle, an object of immense power known to enable communication over long distances and even through dreams. The Valyrians did not derive their power solely from mastering dragons, I’d venture that for them, everything started and ended with an extensive reliance on sorcery. Doubtlessly their armies used these “candles” to communicate with each other over immense distances. Communication on this scale would make their ability to coordinate wars of conquest over great swathes of the map almost akin to our modern day IRL militaries. But because the knowledge behind the ancient Valyrian (blood) magic that powers them appears to have been lost ages ago, these objects remain incredibly esoteric, with only a precious few aware of how to correctly utilize them (looking at you Euron… Marwyn).

All Things Considered

So, everything together: Farman’s disappearance, her potential arrival in Asshai, the sighting of her ship and Quaithe’s emergence as a guide to Daenerys right around the time she gained three petrified dragon eggs paints quite the picture. These events just by time and location alone suggest that Elissa Farman could very well have transformed into Quaithe through her extensive journeys and arrival in Asshai. In this new guise she would likely use a glass candle to guide Daenerys. Even though Quaithe’s motives remain unclear in the larger picture, it could be a way of atonement, the fulfilling of a prophecy, or perhaps as a part of a larger plan involving Dany and her dragons in the inevitable wars to come.

Conclusion

As of now, these are all things of pure conjecture. Though George often encourages reading between the lines of his work, dropping subtle hints, then leaving it up to the reader to put two and two together. What we do know, is that in this world he has created, everything seems to be connected. We’ll keep puzzling with the pieces George has thrown us until he favors us with some much needed new material to scratch our heads over. Though in honesty, I personally would be kind of shocked if Elissa=Quaithe theory proves untrue. But whether any of the predictions and theories put forward will be vindicated or disproven remains a thing only George himself is lucky enough to know (for now!)

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