Is Rhaegar Targaryen the Night King?

No, Rhaegar Targaryen is not the Night King. In the lore of Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire, Rhaegar Targaryen is a significant character known for his tragic story and his role in the events leading up to Robert's Rebellion. The Night King, however, is a completely different character introduced in the HBO series Game of Thrones as the leader of the White Walkers.

The Night King's Origins and Role

The origins of the Night King are deeply rooted in the conflicts between the First Men and the Children of the Forest. The Children of the Forest created the Others (White Walkers) as a weapon against humanity. The Night King, in particular, was likely one of the earliest known leaders of this formidable enemy.

In the original book series, the White Walkers are portrayed as elegant and deadly beings rather than the disfigured and disgusting creatures as they are often depicted in the TV adaptation. The physical appearance and the overall portrayal of the Others are a significant aspect of what was lost in the TV adaptation. The Night King, as a character, was created to serve a narrative focus in the TV series, but this focus was not as deep or meaningful as it could have been according to the original source material.

Historical Context and the Hensen of the Night's Watch

According to the books, there was a figure known as the Night King. He was a King beyond the Wall, who established his rule with the help of a woman who had "skin as white as snow and eyes like blue stars." This King ruled for 13 unholy years, binding the sworn brothers of the Night’s Watch to his will with dark magic. Eventually, the King in the North (his rival) and the King Beyond the Wall joined forces against him, bringing down this terrible regime. In these stories, there is a reference to a Night Queen, who plays a significant role in the narrative.

Rhaegar Targaryen and His Destiny

Rhaegar Targaryen was a different character with his own unique destiny. He was the heir to the Iron Throne and ultimately the focus of the prophecy of Azor Ahai. While he might have been reborn as the legendary hero, his fate was cut short by his untimely death.

Rhaegar's body was burned after his death in the Battle of the Trident. The White Walkers and their army of wights require an intact original body to resurrect, which makes it highly unlikely for Rhaegar to become the Night King.

Conclusion

The confusion surrounding Rhaegar and the Night King largely stems from the TV adaptation's need to simplify complex narratives to maintain audience interest. While fan theories are rich and varied, it is important to recognize the distinction between these characters based on the officially canon content of the books.

For fans of Game of Thrones, the absence of the true Night King in the books leaves room for further theories and speculations. The mysterious figure of the Night's King from Old Nan's stories and the possibility of encountering him or the Night Queen provide a rich tapestry for future narratives in the universe of Westeros.

References:

George R.R. Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire
TV Series: HBO's Game of Thrones