Game Of Thrones: Is Tyrion Lannister Actually A Targaryen?
The Case Against
There's lots that can be pieced together to say Tyrion is a Targaryen, but the fact as presented is that he's a Lannister, and there is evidence to support that as well.
As Genna Lannister tells Jaime in A Feast For Crows: "Tyrion is Tywin's son, not you."
This implies that Tyrion is actually a lot like his father, which is evident in his political cunning and ability to play the game, something not as present in Jaime. Similarly, while Tywin hated Tyrion for his whoring, we later see Shae in his bed, meaning he shared in his son's vices.
It also opens up the whole other can of worms, which isn't as explicitly referenced or theorised, of Jaime and Cersei (she's certainly mad enough) being the children of Aerys, and the irony of Tyrion being Tywin's only true child and heir.
Whichever route the books and show goes down with Tyrion's parentage will have big implications on the series. If he isn't Aerys' son, then there still needs to be another head of the dragon (provided Aegon is a fake). If he is, then can we expect to one day see him riding a dragon to Westeros.
It'd almost a shame if it were true, given how much being a Lannister has formed his identity, especially the relationship between him and Tywin and the fact he is now a kinslayer. On the other hand, Tyrion riding a dragon would be pretty awesome to see.
What do you think - is Tyrion really a Targaryen? Share your thoughts in the comments below.