What If Lyanna Stark Had Survived: Impact on Cersei’s Marriage

The fate of Lyanna Stark continues to fascinate fans of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, particularly in how her survival would have altered the political landscape of Westeros. One crucial aspect of this is how her existence might have changed Cersei Lannister's marriage prospects.

The Political Dynamics of a Lyanna-Survival Scenario

In the original timeline, Cersei's marriage to King Robert Baratheon was a strategic move to secure alliances and establish the Lannister influence. If Lyanna Stark had lived, her relationship with Robert Baratheon would have further complicated the political dynamics, especially concerning Cersei.

The Potential Marriages of Cersei Lannister

Given the shifting landscape, it is likely that Cersei would have been forced into a different marriage to secure alliances and balance the power among the houses of Westeros. Here are some possible choices:

House Martell

To strengthen ties with Dorne, especially if the Lannisters sought to counterbalance the Starks, Cersei might have married a member of House Martell. This alliance would have helped in diversifying the Lannister influence in the realm.

House Tyrell

One of the most powerful houses in Westeros, the Tyrells could have been solidified as an ally through a marriage with one of their heirs. This would have strengthened the Lannister position in the Reach and secured more support from House Tyrell.

A Lannister Within the Family

If no advantageous political match was available, Cersei might have married a younger brother or cousin from the Lannister family, like Kevan Lannister's son. Focusing on internal alliances could have secured her position within the Lannister house.

Considering Historical Pre-Rebellion Options

Let's explore additional options before the rebellion. During that time, some of the earliest potential matches for Cersei include:

Baelor Hightower

Baelor Hightower, the heir to Oldtown, would have been a powerful match, given his status. Cersei's marriage to him could have solidified her position in the royal family.

Ned Stark, Stannis Baratheon, and Oberyn Martell

While these second sons might seem less likely, they could have worked well. The somewhat advantageous position of Cersei inheriting Casterly Rock with Jaime in the Kingsguard and Tyrion undesirable, makes these marriages more viable. Ned Stark is given priority due to better connections, but Stannis and Oberyn might also be suitable options.

Edmure Tully

Young yet powerful, Edmure Tully could have married the daughter of House Tully, securing an alliance with Riverrun. This would have united the Baratheon-Arryn-Stark-Tully alliance and allowed the Lannisters to fuse the Riverlands with the Westerlands.

Theon's Eldest Brother

Though the fusion of the Ironborn with the Westerlands could be valuable, this union is less likely. Maron or Rodrik would have brought naval dominance but the complexity of their strategic positioning might have made them less favorable.

Elbert Arryn

Elbert Arryn, the heir to the Eyrie, is seen as the least practical due to the Riverlands separating the Westerlands from the Vale. This union would not have been a strategic advantage.

Willas Tyrell

Like Edmure, Willas Tyrell is slightly too young but could have provided an ideal fusion of power between House Tyrell and Lannister. However, Tywin Lannister would likely prefer to preserve the Lannister bloodline, giving a slight edge to Edmure over Willas.

Ranking the Likely Choices

Given the historical context and the potential strategic advantages, the following list ranks the likely choices:

Edmure Tully Willas Tyrell Ned Stark Baelor Hightower Stannis Baratheon Elbert Arryn Oberyn Martell Rodrik or Maron (Theon's eldest brothers)

These options present a nuanced understanding of the political landscape that Cersei Lannister might have navigated in a different timeline where Lyanna Stark lived.