Rhaegar Targaryen: Mysterious But Pioneer In The Fate Of Westros

The book series " A song of ice and fire" written by George R.R. Martin is indeed one of the most epic meta-narrative comprising of complex characters, unpredictable plots and of course, Unexpected deaths. It was the intriguing storyline which attracted David Benioff and D.B. Weiss to adapt it into T.V series " Game of Thrones".

Though the whole plot of the series is direct adaptation some characters remain mysterious in series as yet ( Season 8 is out still ). One such character worth researching was Rhaegar Targaryen. The audience had to wait for 7 seasons to see a glimpse of him in person ( Silver haired Beauty) after having 6 seasons of continuous references towards him.

But the ASOIAF (a song of ice and fire)gives us more insight into this character which becomes integral in guessing the fate of seven kingdoms. In this part, I am going to discuss the political influence of Rhaegar in shaping Westros as it is now.

Rhaegar, the eldest son of Aerys Targaryen and heir to the Iron throne knew his father was mad and tyrannic and thus he wanted to do better. While Rhaegar was married to the princess of Dorne, Elia Martell, in the Tournament of Harrenhal in the year 281 A.C, Rhaegar after being crowned the champion of the tournament crowned Lyanna " his queen of love and beauty".

This was the inception of the conflict between House Targaryen and the rest of the Houses ( Martell, Baratheon, and Stark). A year later Rhaegar flew away taking Lyanna Stark with her which started Robert's Rebellion and later Rhaegar was killed in the battle of the trident.

When Rhaegar took Lyanna, he knew he was risking conflict. In the show though ( season 7 episode 7 ) Bran confirms through his visions that " Robert's Rebellion was built on a lie... As Rhaegar did not kidnap or rape Lyanna. They both were in love with each other. " But the truth that Lyanna in spite of being promised to Robert reciprocated Rhaegar's feelings, which was not acceptable in the society as women were not allowed to choose whom to love (time period depicted can be one reason). Questions of her identity, her choice, and her voice were subdued by the lie that Rhaegar was guilty one so as Lyanna can receive a sympathetic image.

Lyanna was a political tool Stark and Baratheon were using to build a marriage alliance. By taking Lyanna, Rhaegar ruined those plans and by crowing Lyanna, in Harrenhal he had already insulted Martells. At that time this kind of rivalry with the three most important families was dangerous. On the other hand, the political situation was also very delicate as Aerys was a Mad king violent and obsessed with Dragonfire and burning people alive. He was a Terrible King.

Tywin Lannister ( in the book The Feast for Crows) has mentioned how he wanted Rhaegar to become the king. Apparently, at the same time, it is hinted that Baratheon, Stark, Tully, and Eyrie were uniting against Aerys and marrying Lyanna was part of this plan. At the same time, there was The Knight of laughing tree creating some kind of chaos for King Aerys and him ordered Rhaegar to go to Harrenhal to catch this particular Knight. Accidentally, the Tournament of Harrenhal was not just an attempt to catch the knight of laughing tree but rather an Informal meeting to deal with the madness of his father in any way possible ( the year of false spring ).

It is said that " it was a perilous game that Rhaegar Targaryen was playing". He was peacefully working with these important families to carefully remove his father from the regency. But when he saw Lyanna, he was not able to control his feelings and by crowing her he insulted his own allied who could have helped him seize Iron Throne.

The fleeing event started the unending wars in Westros which has almost destroyed all the Houses ( sadly,many of the Houses and their families were wiped from any kind of existence). So it is quite clear for now that the rebellion was not built on a lie rather it was a chain of events which was to Robert's Rebellion, the main cause being the tension between King Aerys and the rest of the Housed which Rhaegar not only failed to fix but also worsened it by taking Lyanna.

But, why did Rhaegar take such a terrible risk at such a dangerous time? Was he an imbecile or a cynic lover? Stay tuned to know how prophecies become so important when it comes to Rhaegar. Next part would be a discussion based on the Prophetic influence of Rhaegar on Westros.

Part 2 out now. Check in out here: https://wrytin.com/kanaksingh/rhaegar-targaryen-a-man-of-prophecies-or-senses-jupaw73c