The Mystery Behind 'Why hasn't Anyone in Westeros Figured Out RLJ?'

The enigma surrounding the phrase 'RLJ' in the realm of Westeros has captivated fans since the inception of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. This phrase refers to the unlikely union between Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, leading to the birth of Jon Snow. Despite the mounting evidence, this truth remains hidden from the majority of the world, with several characters, including Ned Stark, remaining in the dark.

Living Characters from the First Book

The living characters as of the first book include Ned Stark (obviously), Howland Reed, and the unnamed rider who witnessed their union. It's highly probable that her name was Wylla, as suggested by storytelling clues. Additional characters who might hold the truth include:

Willow Bloodraven, the Three-Eyed Raven, who possesses greensight and could see the truth. Benjen Stark, who serves as a ranger of the Night's Watch and might have been told the truth by Ned Stark, though this seems unlikely. Ashara Dayne, who might have divulged the secret to someone still alive in the books, but this seems highly improbable for several reasons.

Beyond these characters, any retainers at the Tower of Joy who have yet to be named might also hold the secret, though this seems like a far-fetched assumption.

Westerosi Sexism and the Impact on the Truth

A critical factor in the concealment of this truth is the cultural and gender norms of Westeros. The ideas of Westerosi sexism play a significant role in why so few characters come to the realization that Rhaegar and Lyanna were indeed together. For the Westerosi people, the notion of a noble lady willingly breaking her betrothal to marry the dashing Baratheon heir seems entirely preposterous. This belief perpetuates the myth that a noble lady would put her family’s honor at risk for such a union.

Furthermore, the stereotypical view of all men being driven by lust and the common belief in rape and sex outside of vows adds to the complexity. It is understandable why people might assume that Ned Stark accidentally stumbled upon this secret. The timeline, alibi, and evidence all seem to align, making it plausible that such a figure as Ned Stark might have inadvertently uncovered the truth.

Understanding Ned Stark and the Truth

Ned Stark's character is pivotal in this mystery. His reputation as a man of honor and his adherence to the principle of not inquiring into the origins of bastard children would make him a likely figure to uncover such a secret. It is noteworthy that when Ned Stark witnessed Lyanna dying, he understood that she was not abducted against her will. While he might not have known the exact details of what transpired between Rhaegar and Lyanna, his knowledge and the fact that he never doubted his own honesty would make him a guardian of this secret.

When it comes to Ned Stark's character, his honesty and integrity suggest that he would not lie about such an important truth. The impact of Westerosi culture and the prevailing beliefs about gender and honor further support the idea that Ned and the people of Westeros would dismiss the reality of Rhaegar and Lyanna's union as preposterous.

Conclusion

The mystery of 'RLJ' in Westeros remains a testament to the complexity of human relationships and the power of societal beliefs. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of the realm, the truth about this union will undoubtedly continue to fascinate fans of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire.