The Birth of Aerys: Beyond the Flames and Dragons

In the intricate web of Westerosi nobility, the Targaryen lineage is a tapestry rich with family intrigue and destiny. Among the many discussions surrounding the dynastic succession and the ancient prophecies, a lesser-known but equally fascinating aspect is the expansion of the Targaryen family during the reign of Jaehaerys I Targaryen. This article delves into the family dynamics of Jaehaerys and Alysanne Targaryen, especially in relation to their son Aerys, who would eventually become known as Aerys II the Mad King.

The Royal Family's Expansion

Jaehaerys I Targaryen, a wise and formidable ruler, had a total of thirteen children with his wife, Princess Alysanne Targaryen. Apart from Aerys, who would ascend to the throne, the royal couple had several notable descendants:

Aemon Targaryen, also known as the Dragonknight Aegon Targaryen Daella Targaryen Baelon Targaryen Maegor Targaryen Rhaena Targaryen Daemon Targaryen Viserys Targaryen

Each of these children played a significant role in the Targaryen dynasty, contributing to the legacy and history of Westeros well into the succeeding generations. These royal offspring were not just symbols of power and lineage; they were the architects of a legacy that would shape the land for centuries to come.

Aerys Targaryen: Beyond the Flames

Aerys Targaryen, the son of Jaehaerys I and Alysanne, was destined for greatness, yet his reign was marked by madness and tragedy. Aerys II, often referred to as the Mad King, not only inherited a vast kingdom but also a prophecy that would haunt him. According to traditional lore, the royal succession was to be influenced by a descendant of Aerys and his half-sister Rhaella, who themselves had been forced into a union by their father, King Aegon V Targaryen.

The reasons behind Rhaegar Targaryen's pursuit of Lyanna Stark were rooted in a prophecy that foretold the birth of the prince who was promised. This prophecy suggested that Elia Targaryen, Rhaegar's wife, could not produce a third child, leading to this tragic choice.

The Royal Marriage in Question

Jaehaerys I and Alysanne's union was complex and often fraught with familial pressure and divine implications. Jaehaerys's sister, Shaera Targaryen, initially married secretly to Duncan Blackwood, a marriage that was disapproved of by their parents due to the incestuous customs of House Targaryen. Their union produced the unfortunate Aerys and Rhaella, who were married to each other as a fulfillment of a prophecy made by a woods witch. This prophecy, which was closely associated with Princess Jenny of Oldstones, aligned the fate of Aerys and Rhaella in a way that was both destiny and duty.

Even King Aegon V Targaryen, who was alive at the time, disapproved of the incestuous marriage but chose not to interfere, understanding the weight of the prophecy. The marriage of Aerys and Rhaella was an instance of a complex interplay between tradition, prophecy, and the intricate web of royaldynastic bonds.

Conclusion

The Targaryen family was a house not only of dragons and ambition but also of complex familial ties and divine prophecies. The lives of Jaehaerys I and Alysanne Targaryen, with their many children, including Aerys, are a testament to the rich and often troubled history of Westeros. Their legacy continues to be a source of fascination and study, a story that is as much about fate as it is about the human heart.