Was Lyanna's Choice of Rhaegar Foiled by Societal Norms?

Lyanna Stark played a pivotal role in the history of Westeros, and her tragic story is one of love, defiance, and the profound impact of societal norms. Central to this narrative is the question of whether Lyanna actually chose Rhaegar Targaryen, and if so, what societal forces worked to thwart her choice.

The Noble's Dilemma

Lyanna Stark, daughter of Lord Rickard and Lady Arryn, was a noblewoman of significant birth rank. In Westeros, noble marriages were not just about love; they were strategic alliances, designed to strengthen political bonds and secure the future of noble houses. This context set the stage for the challenges Lyanna faced when she made her choice.

Lyanna's choice was not a rebellion against societal norms per se, but a defiance of them. Rhaegar Targaryen, the heir to the Iron Throne and a member of the ruling house, could offer a powerful political alliance. However, such choices were subject to the whims of the prevailing norms and customs. Unfortunately for Lyanna, these norms were not on her side.

The Fiction of Kidnapping and Rape

The story of Lyanna and Rhaegar often includes a narrative of kidnapping and forced marriage. This fiction served a crucial purpose: it allowed both Lyanna and Rhaegar to escape the taint of a scandal that would otherwise destroy her reputation. The concept of a woman's reputation was paramount in Westeros, and a noblewoman's honor was non-negotiable. The tale of kidnapping and rape was a face-saving device that justified their union without tarnishing Lyanna's image of nobility.

Other noble women in the past had similarly used this fiction to avoid accusations of impropriety and maintain their status. Such stories were woven into the fabric of Westerosi society, serving as a defense against the harsh judgments of their peers. But while this fiction provided a semblance of honor and respectability, it also constricted the choices of noblewomen, making them beholden to the expectations of their families and society.

The Role of King Aerys II Targaryen

The actions of King Aerys II Targaryen further complicated the situation. Instead of negotiating with Lord Rickard and his son Brandon, Aerys chose to exact a heavy and unjust punishment. This decision had far-reaching consequences and not just for the Starks.

Had Aerys been a more reasonable king, he would have engaged in diplomacy and negotiation. This would have allowed for a face-saving outcome, which would not have tarnished the reputations of noble families. By choosing to kill Lord Rickard and Brandon, Aerys not only exacerbated the tragedy but also reinforced the notion that noblewomen were not free to make their own choices without risking their social standing and family honor.

Men and Politics in Westeros

Moreover, the events surrounding Lyanna and Rhaegar highlight the power dynamics at play in Westerosian society. Men, particularly those in positions of power, had significant control over the lives and choices of women. This was exemplified by Aerys' decision to kill the Starks, rather than negotiate with them. The stories of prominent figures were often rewritten to serve the interests of men, leaving women's lives and choices often overlooked or overshadowed by male-centric narratives.

The focus on men's actions and decisions in Westeros sometimes ignored the agency of women, especially when it came to their romantic and marital choices. This narrative fostered a society where women were constrained by the expectations of their gender, and their choices were often limited by the perceptions of their male counterparts and the broader social context.

Conclusion: Love, Defiance, and the Demise of a Reputation

Ultimately, Lyanna's choice of Rhaegar was a brave act of defiance. However, societal norms and the actions of powerful men in Westeros worked to undermine her choice. The fiction of kidnapping and rape provided a face-saving justification, but it also perpetuated the inequality and biases that limited noblewomen's autonomy. The tragic end of Lyanna's story serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between love, social norms, and the choices available to noblewomen in Westeros.

Keyword Glossary

Noble-Marriages: Strategic alliances between noble families to secure political and social standing.

Lyanna Stark: A noblewoman whose choice of Rhaegar Targaryen was constrained by societal norms.

Rhaegar Targaryen: The heir to the Iron Throne with whom Lyanna chose to associate despite societal pressures.

Westerosi Society: A society where noblewomen were expected to maintain their reputation and honor at all costs.