Were Lyanna and Rhaegar Actually Married, or Did They Just Run Away Together?

In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones

Based on the TV show, the answer is clear: Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen were married, and their union was registered and legally binding. According to the show, this marriage took place after Rhaegar's annulment of his previous marriage to Elia Martell, making sure the marriage to Lyanna was legitimate. This storyline emphasizes the tragic love story angle for Rhaegar and Lyanna, creating a compelling narrative of devotion and passion. Their marriage was recognized and embraced by the characters of Westeros, especially considering Rhaegar's secret affiliation with the Stark family and the prophecy of the Prince that was Promised.

The Books' Perspective

The A Song of Ice and Fire novels, however, present a more nuanced and mysterious stance on the marriage. While the books have not yet revealed the specifics of this union, they provide several clues that suggest Lyanna and Rhaegar were indeed married and that their child, Aegon Targaryen, is trueborn. A notable detail is the presence of three legendary Kingsguard knights who remained loyal to Rhaegar, staying with Lyanna and protecting her, even after Rhaegar's death. These knights, bound by their oaths to protect their king, had to find a way to justify their loyalty to the new king, Aerys, even as they knew they were protecting a trueborn heir.

Narrative Interpretations and Fans' Views

The narrative choices of the TV adaptation versus the depth and subtlety of the novels have led to varied interpretations among fans. Some believe that Lyanna was simply desperate to escape her arranged marriage to Robert Baratheon and found Rhaegar as her escape, a move driven by both political and emotional motives. Others suggest that Rhaegar chose to marry Lyanna for both political and prophetic reasons. Rhaegar believed that the prophecy of the Prince that was Promised might refer to a child born from a Targaryen and a Stark parent, with Lyanna playing a pivotal role in this prophecy.

Historical and Cultural Context

The marriage of Rhaegar to both Elia and Lyanna, despite its complexities, raises interesting questions about the Targaryen's unique position in Westeros. While the Faith of the Seven prohibited polygamous marriages, the Targaryens were granted an exemption, allowing for these marriages to be legally acceptable. This exemption would have provided Rhaegar with strategic advantages, including the support of the Dornish through Mariah Martell and alliances with the North and Riverlands. However, this would also mean that abandoning the marriage to Elia and annulment could have jeopardized Aegon's claim to the throne, making it a significant decision for Rhaegar.

Conclusion

Whether Lyanna and Rhaegar's marriage was a legally binding union or a secret affair, their relationship had a profound impact on the political landscape of Westeros. The legitimacy of this marriage remains a point of contention among fans and scholars of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. The show's portrayal of their marriage as a tragic love story further complicates the narrative, leaving readers and viewers to ponder the true nature of their relationship and its consequences.