One of the most interesting theories to come out of the last two books released by George R R Martin in A Song of Ice and Fire is the idea that Euron Greyjoy and Daario Naharis might be the same person. While most people initially roll their eyes at such a prospect, the theory itself has a rather intense following and people are often shocked at how convincing the argument can be, when it is made correctly. This theory relies upon inconsistencies within the natural timeline of POVs, as well as gaps in time where we do not see either character, since neither are POVs themselves. In short, since Daenerys’ story is happening on the other side of the world, and we can’t always be sure when each chapter happens in relation to our other characters, Daario’s actual locations during his absences in Daenerys’ chapters are technically unknown. Is he really the son of Quellon Greyjoy, using a disguise to trick Daenerys to some nefarious end? As this essay will conclusively show – the answer to that question is no.

The truth is that the Ironborn storyline actually takes place in the middle of A Storm of Swords, rather than the beginning of A Feast for Crows. The chapters, therefore, are not synchronized the way that Euron=Daario theorists would like you to believe. This will be shown using direct evidence, and we’ll also look at some flimsy arguments made by true believers and apply some logic to them. In the end, I do not expect to change any minds. The reason I call this a vaccination is to prevent more people from falling under this theory’s spell. Indeed, it seems that this theory’s main allure is that “you can’t prove it isn’t true.” Well, perhaps we won’t. But we will show that it doesn’t quite make sense.

Multiple Explanations

Over time, the Euron=Daario theory has been anything but static. As objections to its authenticity have been raised, proponents have modified it to work in spite of them, creating multiple iterations of the same basic concept. What is typically agreed upon is that it involves the time period where Daario is sent away by Daenerys after she captures Meereen without the help of the Stormcrows. After Meereen, she sends Daario and the Stormcrows to treat with the Lhazarene, in hopes to open the trade route over land and help her people. We don’t see him again until A Dance with Dragons.

One explanation, shown in this video by Alt-Shift-X, explains that Euron is sent away by Daenerys after Meereen, sails home to kill Balon and claim the Seastone Chair and participate in the Kingsmoot, then sails back to Meereen in time to be there in Daenerys IV of A Dance with Dragons. He then immediately leaves, sails back to the Iron Islands, and leads his Ironborn to the Shield Islands to raid the Reach. He then sends Victarion to Slaver’s Bay to bind dragons and return with Daenerys, while secretly following him and arriving before him – and not just slightly before him. This theory posits that he arrives in Meereen in Daenerys VI of A Dance with Dragons – only two chapters after he left.

Another explanation, this time summarized by redditor /u/wren42 here, theorizes that the events of Balon’s death, the Kingsmoot, and the Battle of the Shield Islands happen between the taking of Meereen and Daario’s return in Daenerys IV of A Dance with Dragons, due to claims that Euron making multiple trips to and from Meereen and the Iron Islands is implausible.

No matter how you slice it, the basic concept of the timeline, as it pertains to the Euron=Daario theory, is that it was the time Daario was supposedly in Lhazar that he is supposedly back in the Iron Islands claiming the Seastone Chair. However, what do we know about the timeline of Balon’s death?

The Timeline

The first issue is that the death of Balon Greyjoy actually takes place during A Storm of Swords. We’re first privy to the details when the captain of the Myraham arrives in Seagard and informs King Robb Stark – who is on his way to the Twins for the Red Wedding – that Balon has died and Euron Greyjoy now sits the Seastone Chair. This means that the Iron Islands storyline in A Feast for Crows actually takes place prior to the chapters around it in the book. To be clear – this means that Euron Greyjoy returned to Pyke in the middle of A Storm of Swords.

“My last port of call afore Seagard, that was Lordsport on Pyke. The ironmen kept me there more’n half a year, they did. King Balon’s command. Only, well, the long and the short of it is, he’s dead.” “Balon Greyjoy?” Catelyn’s heart skipped a beat. “You are telling us that Balon Greyjoy is dead?” The shabby little captain nodded. “You know how Pyke’s built on a headland, and part on rocks and islands off the shore, with bridges between? The way I heard it in Lordsport, there was a blow coming in from the west, rain and thunder, and old King Balon was crossing one of them bridges when the wind got hold of it and just tore the thing to pieces. He washed up two days later, all bloated and broken. Crabs ate his eyes, I hear.”

The Myraham is the same ship that Theon Greyjoy took to get to the Iron Islands in Theon I in A Clash of Kings. We find out from the captain that he was not allowed to leave once he arrived, and that he was detained for “more’n half a year.” Since we also know that Theon saw the red comet in the sky on his journey there, we can actually place this within a timeline. This means that Balon Greyjoy died approximately 6 months after Daenerys arrived in Vaes Tolorro in the Red Waste.

So, we now have a working timeline for our Euron=Daario theory:

If Euron was impersonating Daario in Meereen, and was sent by Daenerys to Lhazar, then instead sailed back to the Iron Islands to claim the Seastone Chair, that means Daenerys had to:

Make her way through the Red Waste

Send out her scouts in three directions

Was welcomed to Qarth

Stays in the palatial estate of Xaro Xhoan Daxos

Was told by the captain of the Cinnamon Wind about the death of Robert Baratheon

Approaches the Pureborn for help returning to Westeros and is denied

Heads into the House of the Undying at Pyat Pree’s reccomendation

Heads to the docks to book passage; Meets Arstan and Strong Belwas

Sets sail for Pentos

Arrives in Astapor after changing course

Acquires Missandei and her Unsullied army

Betrays the slave masters and sacks Astapor

Travels to Yunkai

Meets Daario Naharis, who betrays his captains and wins her the Stormcrows

Attacks Yunkai’s army and decimates them

A few days later, Yunkai surrenders

Travels to Meereen

Is nearly killed by the Titan’s Bastard, Arstan kills him, reveals himself as Barristan the Bold, and rats out Jorah Mormont, who she send away

Captures Meereen

Sends Daario to Lhazar

Euron sails from Meereen to Pyke

Euron kills Balon and takes the Seastone Chair

Aeron Greyjoy calls a Kingsmoot

All in the space of about six months. I’m not saying it’s not possible – that’s for you to decide – let’s just remember that for the theory to be true, all of this has to take place in that time frame.

But this also means that Daenerys’ chapters in A Dance with Dragons must also be displaced as well. Meaning, since we know that the Ironborn storyline actually happens mid-ASOS, and the theory requires Euron to have been “sent to Lhazar by Daenerys” after she took Meereen, only to return in Daenerys IV of A Dance with Dragons, then that must mean Daenerys’ first four chapters actually happen back in A Storm of Swords. Does this work with the details from her chapters? Well, in Daenerys III, Xaro Xhoan Daxos informs Daenerys that the Yunkish Wise Masters have mobilized against her. He also describes the offers they are making, as well as three sellsword companies that they have hired:

“The Yunkai’i have bought themselves new sellswords, and two legions from New Ghis fought beside them.” “Two will soon become four, then ten. And Yunkish envoys have been sent to Myr and Volantis to hire more blades. The Company of the Cat, the Long Lances, the Windblown. Some say that the Wise Masters have bought the Golden Company as well.”

Now, if this chapter is running concurrently with the surrounding POVs, then we should see similar descriptions in other chapters. If it’s actually happening before the other POVs, then we shouldn’t. Well, a glance at Tyrion and The Lost Lord reveals the answer:

Qavo shrugged. “The Yunkai’i would have it so. They style themselves the Wise Masters. Of their wisdom I cannot speak, but they do not lack for cunning. Their envoy came to us with chests of gold and gems and two hundred slaves, nubile girls and smooth-skinned boys trained in the way of the seven sighs. I am told his feasts are memorable and his bribes lavish.”

Tyrion VI A Dance with Dragons

“The Yunkishmen. The envoy that they sent to woo Volantis has already dispatched three free companies to Slaver’s Bay. He wishes us to be the fourth and offers twice what Myr was paying us, plus a slave for every man in the company, ten for every officer, and a hundred choice maidens all for me.” Bloody hell. “That would require thousands of slaves. Where do the Yunkishmen expect to find so many?” “In Meereen.” Strickland beckoned to his squire. “Watkyn, a towel. This water’s growing cool, and my toes have wrinkled up like raisins. No, not that towel, the soft one.”

The Lost Lord A Dance with Dragons

These two quotes make something quite clear. Daenerys’ chapters in A Dance with Dragons can’t be happening at the same time as the Ironborn storyline – at least not the Kingsmoot. Specifically, Xaro Xhoan Daxos tells Daenerys’ about an offer made to the Golden Company that Harry Strickland is currently deciding on a couple chapters later. These events are happening simultaneously. In the case of Tyrion, we know that he doesn’t cross the Narrow Sea until well into 300 AC, the first day of which is marked by the Purple Wedding. We know the Red Wedding happens in 299 AC, and we know that Balon is killed before the Red Wedding. Leaving aside the massive distance that Euron would have to cross between the Iron Islands and Slaver’s Bay, these two storylines aren’t even happening at the same time. The truth is that while Euron Greyjoy is at the Kingsmoot, Daenerys Targaryen is probably somewhere between conquering Yunkai and Meereen.

As I illustrated above, for this theory to be true, Daenerys would have had to go from Vaes Tolorro in the Red Waste to sacking Meereen in about six months, meaning her storyline from the beginning of A Clash of Kings to the end of A Storm of Swords happened inside that time frame. This six months would also have to include Euron’s trip all the way back to the Iron Islands from Meereen – which is in the neighborhood of 10,000 miles. This seems overwhelmingly unlikely. What’s far more likely is that Euron captured the warlocks twenty days after Daenerys left Qarth, then sailed back to Pyke and claimed the Seastone Chair. Having heard about the Mother of Dragons from the warlocks, he then used that information to win voices at the Kingsmoot before raiding the Shield Islands with the Ironborn. Meanwhile, Daenerys was capturing each city in Slaver’s Bay.

Misleading Clues

Finally, let’s look at some of the many “clues” used to prop up this theory, using a little logic to see if they hold up under pressure:

Daario says he saw Yunkish soldiers coming up the coast road, but he was supposed to be in the Khyzai Pass. He is obviously lying.

This one is a good example of either willfully ignoring the text or cherry picking certain parts to fit to the theory. Let’s take a look at what actually happens:

“Hard tidings, Ser Grandfather. Astapor is gone, and the slavers are coming north in strength.” “This is old news, and stale,” growled the Shavepate. “Your mother said the same of your father’s kisses,” Daario replied. “Sweet queen, I would have been here sooner, but the hills are aswarm with Yunkish sellswords. Four free companies. Your Stormcrows had to cut their way through all of them. There is more, and worse. The Yunkai’i are marching their host up the coast road…”

First, let’s remember what Daenerys actually sent him to do:

“I want them gone. Let them scout the Yunkish hinterlands and give protection to any caravans coming over the Khyzai Pass. Henceforth Daario shall make his reports to you. Give him every honor that is due him and see that his men are well paid, but on no account admit him to my presence.”

As you can see, the Khyzai Pass is east and slightly south of Meereen. If the Stormcrows made their way back west, they would run directly into the coast road. Even if they came back slightly north, they’d still be able to see the coast road. Either way, the information Daario gives Daenerys could also have come from a hostage as well. Some E=D theorists use this as an example of Daario lying to Daenerys, others mistakenly use this as proof that Daario never went to Lhazar – even though that was where he was sent the time before

Euron would be recognized by Jorah and Barristan, that’s why he is posing as Daario in the first place

This started as a rebuttal to the obvious question of why Euron would bother to dress up like a blue haired banana, when Daenerys has never met him before. This logic is painfully flawed for several reasons:

I don’t see any reason in the text why Jorah or Barristan would recognize Euron. Both men fought in the Greyjoy Rebellion, yet there is absolutely nothing showing them being in the same place as Euron Greyjoy. What difference would it make if they recognized him? Shouldn’t we be wondering if Euron knows who they are? I can’t think of any reason why Euron would know Jorah Mormont and Barristan was in disguise. If Euron doesn’t know who they are, then why would he decide he needed a disguise?

The truth is that there is no reason. If Euron wanted to get close to Daenerys, he would have just introduced himself as Euron Greyjoy, since, as far as he knows, she has no idea who he is.

Euron and Daario look exactly alike

Do they though? Let’s make a list of the things they have in common, in terms of appearance:

They both have beards.

They both have at least one blue eye. Daario has two and Euron has one, with another that is black.

They are both attractive.

They are both light skinned: Euron is described as pale, Daario fair.

How about differences?

Euron has a black eye “shining with malice”, Daario has two blue eyes.

Euron’s beard is closely groomed, while Daario’s is longer and cut into three prongs.

Daario has a gold tooth that is noticeable when he smiles.

Euron’s lips are a pale blue, from drinking shade of the evening.

Daario has a mustache, Euron does not.

Daario has curly hair, Euron does not.

Daario’s fingernails are enameled blue, Euron’s are not.

Daario is described as having a large curved nose, Euron is not.

Just to go over the similarities one more time: They both are attractive, light skinned, and have beards. Mmhmm.

The treasures Euron brings to the Kingsmoot are the tributes Daario was supposed to give to the Lhazarene

Ok. What was the tribute?

In Lhazar I slew two of my own serjeants for plotting to steal the gems and gold plate my queen had entrusted to me as gifts for the Lamb Men. Elsewise, all went as I had promised.”

Alright. And at the Kingsmoot?

Euron had seduced them with his glib tongue and smiling eye and bound them to his cause with the plunder of half a hundred distant lands; gold and silver, ornate armor, curved swords with gilded pommels, daggers of Valyrian steel, striped tiger pelts and the skins of spotted cats, jade manticores and ancient Valyrian sphinxes, chests of nutmeg, cloves, and saffron, ivory tusks and the horns of unicorns, green and orange and yellow feathers from the Summer Sea, bolts of fine silk and shimmering samite .

… what? Moving on.

The treasures Euron brings to the Kingsmoot are from conquering Yunkai and Meereen

Seriously.. again? Ok. What were the spoils from Yunkai and Meereen?

“I must have this city,” she told them, sitting crosslegged on a pile of cushions, her dragons all about her. Irri and Jhiqui poured wine. “Her granaries are full to bursting. There are figs and dates and olives growing on the terraces of her pyramids, and casks of salt fish and smoked meat buried in her cellars.” “And fat chests of gold, silver, and gemstones as well,” Daario reminded them. “Let us not forget the gemstones.”

And the Kingsmoot once again?

Euron had seduced them with his glib tongue and smiling eye and bound them to his cause with the plunder of half a hundred distant lands; gold and silver, ornate armor, curved swords with gilded pommels, daggers of Valyrian steel, striped tiger pelts and the skins of spotted cats, jade manticores and ancient Valyrian sphinxes, chests of nutmeg, cloves, and saffron, ivory tusks and the horns of unicorns, green and orange and yellow feathers from the Summer Sea, bolts of fine silk and shimmering samite .

Right. This seems like the kind of stuff you’d acquire raiding and reaving, doesn’t it?

Euron can sail faster than normal boats, because he makes blood sacrifices that allow his ship to go super fast

Actually, that’s not what happens. This “magic” just allows Euron, or anyone else who uses it, to have constant wind in their sails, rather than being at the mercy of the weather. In the short term, they aren’t any faster than any other boat would be right next to them. But on long journeys, they don’t have to worry about days where there is no wind. It’s actually quite clear in the text:

The ironborn had come in on the evening tide, so the glare of the setting sun would keep them hidden from the greybeards in the watchtowers until it was too late. The wind was at their backs, as it had been all the way down from Old Wyk. It was whispered about the fleet that Euron’s wizards had much and more to do with that, that the Crow’s Eye appeased the Storm God with blood sacrifice.

The prow of Euron’s ship, the Silence, is the same as the hilts of Daario’s weapons

Oh yeah? That’s neat, I never noticed that. Let’s check it out:

The Silence was amongst the ships they passed. Victarion’s gaze was drawn to the iron figurehead at her prow, the mouthless maiden with the windblown hair and outstretched arm. Her mother-of-pearl eyes seemed to follow him

Ok, and what’s the hilts of his dagger and arakh look like?

He stood with his hands crossed at the wrists, his palms resting on the pommels of his blades; a curving Dothraki arakh on his left hip, a Myrish stiletto on his right. Their hilts were a matched pair of golden women, naked and wanton.

I guess I should have seen that coming.

Daario’s boots are stained with salt when he first meets Daenerys, proof that he was just at sea

Oh, I know this one. It’s actually false. First of all, Daario’s boots are not stained with salt the first time he meets Daenerys. It’s actually the second time he meets her, and it’s a few hours after the first time. So unless he went sailing right after he killed his co captains and then brought her their heads, I’m going to assume the salt stains are from another cause. Just for the record, here’s the description of Daario when he first meets Daenerys:

Daario Naharis was flamboyant even for a Tyroshi. His beard was cut into three prongs and dyed blue, the same color as his eyes and the curly hair that fell to his collar. His pointed mustachios were painted gold. His clothes were all shades of yellow; a foam of Myrish lace the color of butter spilled from his collar and cuffs, his doublet was sewn with brass medallions in the shape of dandelions, and ornamental goldwork crawled up his high leather boots to his thighs. Gloves of soft yellow suede were tucked into a belt of gilded rings, and his fingernails were enameled blue.

And this is the second time, only a few hours later:

His garb, rich as it was, had seen hard wear; salt stains patterned his boots, the enamel of his nails was chipped, his lace was soiled by sweat, and she could see where the end of his cloak was fraying.

These differences from her first meeting with him had been acquired in those few hours. The salt stains are certainly not indicative of sailing, since he didn’t have time to do any.

Daario tricks Daenerys into letting his Stormcrows collect the taxes in Meereen, which he then steals

I’m not sure how this relates to him being Euron. Just plunder = pirate I guess. Either way, this is another example of cherry picking the text:

Wars were won with gold as much as swords. “A tenth part. In gold or silver coin, or ivory. Meereen has no need of saffron, cloves, or zorse hides.” “It shall be done as you command, glorious queen,” said Daario. “My Stormcrows will collect your tenth.” If the Stormcrows saw to the collections at least half the gold would somehow go astray, Dany knew. But the Second Sons were just as bad, and the Unsullied were as unlettered as they were incorruptible. “Records must be kept,” she said. “Seek among the freedmen for men who can read, write, and do sums.”

Daenerys is not tricked and takes measures to prevent this from happening.

Using the TV show as evidence

Euron=Daario theorists even go so far as to use the television show as evidence of their claims, though a few of their points have come back to haunt them, especially in the wake of Pilou Asbæk being cast as Euron Greyjoy for Season 6. Some of the other claims are just plain false – such as the claim that Daario is the leader of the “Second Sons” in the show is a hint, since Euron is a “second son.” …actually Euron is Quellon Greyjoy’s fifth son. Or that the actor who plays Daario was changed because the original actor didn’t look enough like Euron – as if the creators of the show somehow found out about this after the people who came up with this theory. Suffice to say, I will not waste a lot of time spelling out all of them, I’m sure that’s quite enough.

In Conclusion

As I’ve said, I’m not writing this to change any minds. One of the reasons I did take the time to put this together is that I believe that much of this theory is based upon some false premises – mainly that the two characters look exactly alike. In fact, since most arguments over its validity invariably end up being about whether the time frame is possible or not, the question of “whether it’s possible” tends to dominate the question of “whether it’s probable.” The simple fact is that Euron and Daario don’t really look alike, except in the broadest of terms, they don’t particularly act alike, and since they both aren’t POVs in our story, they are off screen enough to create doubt as to what their locations are. However, this requires the stories to be happening simultaneously, and, as I’ve shown here, they don’t. I welcome any comments or questions. I’m not sure whether or not I’ll engage with those who disagree since I’ve laid out all the information I have – but feel free anyway. There’s nothing wrong with a healthy discussion!