The Controversy Surrounding Young Griff’s Title in ASOIAF

George R.R. Martin's saga, ldquo;A Song of Ice and Fire,rdquo; delves deep into the complex political landscape of Westeros. In one of its central plots, Young Griff, who claims to be Aegon Targaryen, son of Rhaegar Targaryen, often goes by the title ldquo;Prince Aegon.rdquo; Many readers question why he isn't called King Aegon, especially if they believe he is Rhaegar's son. This article explores the nuances of political legitimacy, narrative consistency, and cultural norms in ASOIAF.

Claim to the Throne

While Young Griff claims to be Aegon Targaryen, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen, he has not yet taken the throne. In the political context of Westeros, a person is typically referred to based on their current status rather than their potential future role. This is a key point of contention in ASOIAF. Most characters who dispute his identity do not acknowledge his claim to the throne unless he can secure it and gain widespread support. As it stands, he remains a Prince, reflecting his current status and not his potential future role.

Political Legitimacy

The legitimacy of Young Griff's claim is still under debate. Many characters in the story are skeptical of his identity, and the political landscape is rife with factions that either support or oppose his claim. Until he secures his position and garners significant support, he remains a contested individual. This reflects the complex nature of political legitimacy in ASOIAF, where the snake's head can shift with the winds of political power. Even if Rhaegar did have Aegon as his son, Young Griff must still prove his claim in a way that the Westerosi nobility and populace will accept.

Narrative Consistency

When referring to him, authors and characters in ASOIAF often use the title ldquo;Prince Aegonrdquo; rather than ldquo;King Aegon.rdquo; This is a matter of narrative consistency. Authors and readers must consider the immediate power dynamics and the narrative flow of the story. In Westerosi culture, titles often reflect the current state of power and recognition. For instance, Daenerys Targaryen is referred to as ldquo;Queen Daenerysrdquo; despite not being the official Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, because she has established control over several regions and is recognized by many as the rightful claimant.

Cultural Norms

In the culture of Westeros, titles hold significant weight. Just as Daenerys acknowledges her status as the heir to the Targaryen throne, Young Griff, until he takes the throne, remains a prince rather than a king. This cultural norm is further strengthened by the history of Targaryen rule. Even though Aerys II disowned Rhaegar, many in Westeros still acknowledge the Targaryens as the rightful rulers. Thus, declaring Young Griff as anything less than a prince reflects the current skepticism surrounding his claim.

The Dead End Question

Because the characters are still operating under the assumption that the Targaryens are the rightful rulers of Westeros, the death of Aerys II after Rhaegar's departure, and the disowning of Rhaegar, never happened in their minds. Therefore, they do not presume the title of King until Young Griff wins the throne and the Baratheons are deposed. Additionally, Viserys was declared King by his mother, Cersei Lannister, and his grandmother, Rhaella, while he was in Dragonstone. Although they had the authority to proclaim him king, accepting him as the King is another matter entirely, especially given the current political climate and the strength of Robert Baratheon's claim.

Viserys' claim is not recognized even by his own family, as the Baratheons are now in power. Rhaella, his regent, did have the authority to proclaim him king, but this did not translate to widespread acceptance. Thus, Viserys' death and the lack of a new claimant from the Targaryen line means that Young Griff remains the prince rather than the king until the relevant political and geographical challenges are overcome.

The Future of Aegon Targaryen

Given the current political climate, Young Griff's future is uncertain. His path to the throne is fraught with challenges. To be referred to as King Aegon, he must first take the throne and successfully depose or neutralize any existing claimants. He must also secure the support of the Westerosi nobility, who are notoriously fickle in matters of succession.

The journey to become Aegon the Sixth of His Name, King of Andals, the Rhoyne, and the First Men, and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, is long and treacherous. But with your help, he hopes to be able to claim his rightful place on the Iron Throne. Shepherd him to victory, for the realm and the Targaryen line both stand in his name.