Unveiling the Impact of Viserys Targaryen Marrying Daenerys or Laena Velaryon

Introduction

In the intricate world of A Song of Ice and Fire, the decisions of the Targaryen ruling family have great repercussions. Considering alternate scenarios where King Viserys marries either Daenerys or Laena Velaryon, each union would have profound effects on the political landscape, character development, and thematic elements of the story. Let's delve into the potential outcomes for each scenario.

Marriage to Daenerys Targaryen

Political Alliance

Strengthening the Claim: A union between Viserys and Daenerys would dramatically consolidate their claim to the Iron Throne. It would present a united front, potentially making them more formidable against their enemies. Potential Allies: This marriage could attract supporters who see the Targaryens as the rightful heirs to the throne, possibly garnering more backing from those loyal to their family.

Character Development

Viserys’s Behavior: Viserys is portrayed as arrogant and obsessed with power. Marriage might temper his more tyrannical tendencies. However, it could also exacerbate his entitlement, leading to a more controlling and authoritarian ruler. Daenerys’s Growth: Daenerys’s character arc could shift significantly. Instead of growing into a strong leader independently, she might remain more dependent on Viserys, which could affect her development and decisions.

Narrative Changes

Conflict Dynamics: The dynamics of power struggles in Westeros would change. Instead of Daenerys rising to power through her own means, there could be internal conflict between her and Viserys leading to different challenges. Impact on Other Characters: Key players like Khal Drogo, Tyrion Lannister, and the various factions in Westeros would react differently to a married Targaryen couple, possibly altering alliances and enmities.

Thematic Elements

Themes of Power and Control: The marriage could explore themes of control versus freedom as Daenerys often seeks to break free from the chains of her family’s legacy, while Viserys embodies the oppressive nature of their lineage. Destiny and Legacy: The fate of the Targaryens and the significance of their bloodline would be central themes, with the marriage serving as a focal point for discussions about legacy and the burden of heritage.

Potential Outcomes

Civil War: If Viserys's ambition drives him to seek absolute power, this could lead to a civil war between factions supporting Daenerys and those loyal to Viserys. Dany’s Rebellion: If Daenerys feels trapped by the marriage and her brother’s ambitions, she might rebel against Viserys, leading to a different kind of empowerment and potentially a more violent path to power.

Marriage to Laena Velaryon

Political Alliance

Advantages: Marrying Laena Velaryon offers a plethora of advantages. Laena is the daughter of Corlys Velaryon (Lord of Driftmark and Lord of the Tides) and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, "The Queen Who Never Was." As a dragonrider with the largest dragon Vhagar, she represents unimpeachable bloodlines and a potent alliance. Merging noble houses of Velaryon and Targaryen would unite the realm in noble blood and common cause, enhancing royal legitimacy.

Character Development

Unified Front: Laena Velaryon’s recognition as Queen would bolster her position. With the full support of her parents, Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, as well as her brother Ser Laenor Velaryon, Laena would be even more believed. Potential succession could see her eldest daughter (Rhaenyra) as the Princess of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne, with her other daughters espoused to highborn lords or married to siblings, ensuring stability.

Thematic Elements

Unified Realm: The marriage would symbolize unity, recalibrating themes of divided kingdoms to a realm united by noble blood. Legacy and Responsibility: Laena’s position would highlight the shared responsibility of Targaryen and Velaryon heirs in maintaining the realm’s legacy. This scenario would investigate the burden of heritage and the choices made in the name of duty and family.

Potential Outcomes

With Laena as Queen, the realm would be more stable, with potential succession structures ensuring a smooth transition. The dowager queen, Laena, would remain on Driftmark as a widow of the late king, with her children maintaining high rankings in royal status. This setup would avoid a power struggle and preserve the stability of the throne.

Conclusion

Whether the Targaryen dynasty marries into the Velaryon lineage or brings Daenerys into their fold, the consequences are profound. What if Viserys married Daenerys or Laena Velaryon? These alternate pairings would not only shape the immediate political landscape but also redefine key themes and forge new narratives in the world of Westeros. Each marriage presents different challenges, alliances, and character arcs, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the story and the fate of the realm.