The Impact of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark’s Marriage on Westeros

Introduction

In the realm of Westeros, the bond between Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark has captivated the hearts and minds of fans for years. Their clandestine marriage and the subsequent birth of Aegon Targaryen have profound implications for the history and fate of the Seven Kingdoms. This article delves into what would have happened if they had chosen to remain in King's Landing and wed there, instead of fleeing to Dorne.

The Consequences of Remaining in King's Landing

Royal Foes at Every Turn

Had Rhaegar and Lyanna chosen to remain in the cinquefoil halls of King's Landing, Jon Arryn and Queen Rhaella would have welcomed them with open arms. However, once King Aerys discovered their union, matters would have rapidly taken a catastrophic turn. Aerys, fueled by his vengeful nature and paranoia, would have seen Lyanna as a traitor and a slut, deserving of the most severe consequences. This would likely involve her being arrested, and even executed. The royal household would view Rhaegar as a primary suspect in any shadow plots against the throne, leading to a swift and conclusive trial and execution.

The Last Stand at the Tower of Joy

Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar’s true fate would have been sealed at the Tower of Joy, a bastion of hope in Dorne. With King's Landing as their primary destination, they would have been cut off from the Targaryen forces that could have protected them. Here, they would have faced the brunt of Aerys' wrath, leading to a brutal confrontation where Rhaegar would have fought to the last breath to protect Lyanna and their infant son, Aegon Targaryen.

The Future as Shaped by Dorne

Safe Havens and Secret Marriages

Instead of facing a fate in King's Landing, Rhaegar and Lyanna made a strategic choice to elope to Dorne. This decision ensured that they and their future child would be protected. The Targaryen forces, while formidable, could not be everywhere. However, if Rhaegar and Lyanna had decided to stay in King's Landing, they risked immediate capture and worse. Their marriage would likely have gone undiscovered, as the small council and court would have kept a close eye on them. The safety of their unborn child would have also been compromise, as the city was too densely guarded.

Jon Arryn and the Greensight

Through his greensight, Bran Stark confirmed the truth of Aegon Targaryen's parentage. This is strongly implied in the books, and likely would have been the case in a scenario where they stayed in King's Landing. Even if Jon Arryn had known the truth, he too would have hesitated to reveal it for fear of retribution. Any action to save Aegon would have been seen as a betrayal to King Aerys and would have led to further chaos and danger for the child.

Alternatives and Recommendations

Alliances and Strategy

Rather than staying silent, Rhaegar and Lyanna should have reached out to the Stark and Martell families. Winterfell and Sunspear, both strongholds of their respective houses, would have provided a safer and more stable environment for their child. By informing the Starks and the Martells of their marriage and the impending birth, they could have built a coalition of support that would have protected them from the immediate threat of King Aerys.

The Importance of Information

Transparency in such a precarious situation is crucial. By sharing the truth, Rhaegar and Lyanna could have garnered crucial support that would have allowed them to navigate the treacherous waters of Westeros more safely. The royal court, with its complex web of alliances and internal conflicts, would have been less likely to target them if they knew the full story behind the marriage and the birth of Aegon.

Conclusion

The choices made by Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark in Dorne were pivotal in shaping the history of Westeros. Their marriage and the birth of Aegon Targaryen ensured that the Targaryen claim to the Iron Throne remained alive. Had they pursued a different path and remained in King's Landing, their fate would likely have been grim, and the intricate web of alliances and power struggles in Westeros might have taken a different, potentially darker, turn.