Imagining the Seven Kingdoms without the Targaryens

What would the history of Westeros look like if the Targaryens had never left Valyria? How would the war and strife seen in George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones have unfolded differently without the Conquest? Let's delve into a hypothetical scenario where the Seven Kingdoms remain split and Independent, without the unifying rule of Aegon I and the Targaryen dynasty.

Political Landscape in Absence of Targaryens

Without the return of Daenerys and the Targaryens, the internal strife of the Seven Kingdoms would have been alleviated. The Night King’s threat would not exist, reducing the need for an all-encompassing conqueror. The war between the Houses of the Seven Kingdoms would gradually simmer down, leading to a period of relative peace. However, the absence of a single ruling dynasty would not bring harmony, as each kingdom would continue to engage in territorial disputes and infighting.

New Dynastic Rules and Territorial Boundaries

House Hoare of Harrenhal: The ruling dynasty of House Hoare, centered in the region of Harrenhal, would have expanded their territories as planned. Harren The Black, looking to consolidate his power, would have continued to conquer the Riverlands, which were yet to unite under the banner of a single kingdom. The Harrenhalls would have become a force to be reckoned with in Westeros, their ironclad castles looming over the landscape, a constant reminder of their dominance.

House Durrandon of the Stormlands: The Stormlands, under the rule of House Durrandon, would have been even larger, encompassing parts of the current Crownlands and Reach. King Argilac the Arrogant would have attempted to forge alliances, much like he did in the past, but instead of marriage to aid in conquest, he might have traded alliances and allegiances to strengthen his position. House Tyrell, destined to be stewards, would have likely served the stormlands, maintaining their influence beneath the surface of power.

House Lannister of the Rock: House Lannister, the predominant family in the Westerlands, would have maintained their stronghold, but they might have expanded their control over the Riverlands and possibly even the Reach. With the threat of Harrenhal and the Iron Islands, Tywin Lannister would have likely focused on building up his powerbase, laying the groundwork for a future conquest. The Lannisters, unifying under the rule of the Iron Throne, would have been inevitable despite the absence of Aegon I.

House Tyrell of the Reach: The Reach, ruled by the House Tyrell, would remain a powerful kingdom in the south. However, without Aegon I's unifying rule, the Tyrells would have remained stewards, serving the other families with their immense wealth and influence. The Tyrells would have played a key role in the balance of power, but their influence would be secondary to the other major houses.

South of the Narrow Sea: The Dornish and Targaryens

House Martell of Dorne: Dorne, with its unique autocratic government and ability to repel foreign invaders, would have remained largely independent. The rule of Elia Martell, wife of Rhaegar Targaryen, would have continued, albeit with a different perspective. Without the dragons, the Martells might have chosen a more peaceful path, focusing on developing their own laws and traditions. Oberyn Martell, driven by thirst for justice, would have likely been happier, but the political landscape would have been tense due to the possibility of a reconquest attempt.

Ironborn and Storm King: The Ironborn, led by their warring kingdoms (Iron Islands and Storm's End), would have continued as they did before the Targaryen Conquest. The Tullys, once rulers of the Riverlands, would have been mere vassals or constituents, their territories reduced to a fraction of what they are now. The Starks, staying in the north, would have continued to maintain their rule without the threat of the Iron Throne, and the Boltons, former Red Kings, would have remained in power, licking their wounds from potential defeats.

House Arryn of the Nightfort: The Eyrie of the Arryns would have remained a powerful stronghold, particularly after the loss of the Red Keep. Robin Arryn, if he survived, would have been a capable ruler, consolidating his family's power. The claim to the Iron Throne would have been stronger, but the Arryns would have had to contend with other powerful families.

Conclusion

The absence of the Targaryens would have led to a significantly different history for Westeros. Wars and alliances, while still frequent, would have centered less around the Iron Throne and more around the acquisition and defense of territories. Without Aegon I's unification, the path to the Iron Throne would have been less direct, and the Seven Kingdoms would have continued to evolve through a series of smaller, regional conflicts. The resulting Westeros would be one of constant change, with each family seeking to assert their dominance over their neighbors while maintaining their own territories.