GoT: Why Tyrion Caused Theon's 'Villain Arc' More Than Ned Stark Ever Could

Summary:

• Theon Greyjoy betrayed the Starks who raised him and took over Winterfell after a brutal slaughter.
• Many fans blame Theon’s upbringing by Ned Stark for it since the latter was rather cold to the boy.
• The real reason Theon was plagued with dark urges was Tyrion Lannister’s insult toward him.

Theon Greyjoy was raised by Lord Eddard Stark in Winterfell, and the Stark kids were like brothers to him. Their relationship was seemingly great until Theon backstabbed everyone and claimed Winterfell, killing the Starks’ people in the process. Many fans blame Ned Stark for that, but that’s not exactly true.

Because the truth is, it was Tyrion Lannister who caused Theon’s “villain arc.”

Why Do Fans Blame Ned Stark for Theon’s Betrayal?

The entire reason why Theon of House Greyjoy was raised by Lord Stark was quite different from many other wards. Balon Greyjoy, his father, led an unsuccessful rebellion that was crushed, among others, by Eddard Stark — and as insurance in case of another attempt, the Starks took Theon to Winterfell to raise him there.

The logic behind this decision was sound: the young Theon was Balon Greyjoy’s only surviving son and the heir to the Iron Islands. The Greyjoys would not dare attack the Starks for as long as Theon was in Winterfell; essentially, he became a political hostage whose purpose was to keep his own rebellious family in line.

Now, this in itself is not a rare occurrence. But in the case of Theon and Ned Stark, their relationship came out wrong. On one hand, Theon was like a family to the Starks, and Ned’s kids treated him as such. On the other hand, Lord Stark never behaved like a proper guardian to him. Perhaps, he didn’t want to grow closer to Theon to make chopping his head off in case of another rebellion easier for himself.

So while Theon was almost Ned’s son, he always felt somewhat alien, underappreciated, and held hostage in Winterfell. This truly is on Ned Stark, and that’s why many fans blame him for the young Greyjoy’s future betrayal.

But we don’t quite agree with that sentiment.

Why Do We Blame Tyrion for Theon’s Betrayal?

Despite the circumstances of his upbringing, Theon Greyjoy was still treated well and with respect in Winterfell. He was best friends (almost brothers!) with Robb Stark; he enjoyed living a lord’s life and wasn’t restricted in any way apart from leaving. We dare say that, all things considered, Theon was comfortable with the Starks.

Of course, dark thoughts about his position must have plagued him at times. But thoughts are one thing, and obsessions are another. And it was Tyrion Lannister who made Theon obsessed with his family’s legacy and his own position in Winterfell.

While visiting the Starks’ stronghold, Tyrion Lannister heard Theon refer to Catelyn Stark as “my lady,” and immediately jumped on the opportunity to humiliate the young man for one reason or the other. He shoved Theon’s position in his face.

“Your loyalty to your captors is touching. Tell me, how do you think Balon Greyjoy would feel if he could see his only surviving son has turned lackey?” Tyrion inquired.

From Theon’s facial expression alone, it became clear that until that moment, he was, though aware of the situation, rather chill about it. But Tyrion’s words became his new internal torture: he was a lackey and a disgrace to his great father, and the Starks were his captors, not family. That’s when Theon’s betrayal started.

And it wasn’t on Ned Stark; it was entirely on Tyrion Lannister. But then again, it’s not like Tyrion demanded Theon brutally murder most people in Winterfell and betray the ones who cared about him. The origins of the betrayal are Tyrion’s fault, but the betrayal itself and the horrifying way it happened was solely on Theon’s conscience.