Why Did Rhaegar and Lyanna Have to Run Away if They Were Truly in Love?

Introduction

In the intricate world of Westeros, the love story between Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark is a tale often shrouded in controversy. While it is widely acknowledged that the two came to love each other deeply, their relationship took a significant turn when they had to run away and elope. However, given the political and legal landscape of Westeros, one wonders why a couple in love had to resort to such extreme measures. This article delves into the complexities of their situation, exploring the reasons why Rhaegar and Lyanna had to run away if they truly believed in their love.

Marriage Legality in Westeros

In the context of Westeros, the legality of marriages is a crucial factor that influenced Rhaegar and Lyanna's decision to run away. According to the laws and customs of Westeros, marriages can be annulled or viewed as illegal for various reasons, such as adultery, incest, or political maneuvering. The annulment of Rhaegar's marriage to Elia Martell before he married Lyanna highlights the political maneuvering that was common in Westeros.

The show Game of Thrones clarifies that Rhaegar's marriage to Lyanna was fully legal, with his marriage to Elia being annulled prior to his marriage to Lyanna. This makes the legal status of the marriage to Lyanna indisputable, reinforcing the notion that Rhaegar and Lyanna's love was not solely based on breaking the law but also on a genuine desire to be together.

The Reasons for Their Flight

There were multiple reasons for Rhaegar and Lyanna's flight, with several key factors coming into play:

Political Instability

Aerys II Targaryen, the reigning king, was a notorious and paranoid ruler. He was likely to see Rhaegar's marriage to Lyanna as a potential threat, particularly since it aligned with the prophecy of the Prince that was Promised. Aerys, known for his ruthless and suspicious nature, would have viewed any action that could challenge his authority as a crime. Lyanna's betrothal to Robert Baratheon further complicates the situation, as it meant she was seen as a pawn in the political games of Westeros.

The Dornish Martells, while allies of Rhaegar through his marriage to Elia, were also aware of Aerys's danger. The Dornish people were very protective of their sovereignty and would not want to become embroiled in a conflict they could not control. This is why Rhaegar and Lyanna sought refuge in Dorne, a region known for its customs and protection of its people.

Prophecy and Destiny

Rhaegar Targaryen believed in the prophecy of the Prince that was Promised, a Targaryen child born from the union of ice and fire. This prophecy, according to which Rhaegar and Lyanna's child might have been the rightful ruler destined to save Westeros from the Others, further fueled Rhaegar's desire to be with Lyanna. He saw the move to Dorne as a way to protect Lyanna from the dangers that surrounded them and to be closer to the prophetic child.

Protecting Lyanna and the Unborn

Lyanna Stark, only 15 years old and very sheltered, was highly impulsive. Given her strong dislike for Robert Baratheon, she was willing to go to extreme lengths to avoid her fiancé. Rhaegar, on the other hand, had a more complex motive. He believed that the union of ice and fire could produce the Prince that was Promised, who would save Westeros. However, the potential consequences of this move, particularly with the annulment of his marriage to Elia, were significant. He needed to ensure that both his marriages were seen as legitimate to safeguard the future of the Targaryen line.

Three legendary knights, who were bound by their oaths to protect Rhaegar, stayed with Lyanna in Dorne. Their presence suggests that the marriage to Lyanna was seen as legitimate, further supporting the idea that Rhaegar and Lyanna were connected by a marriage recognized within the Westerosi legal framework. These knights were likely aware that the child Lyanna carried was the issue that required their protection, given the political and prophetic reasons.

Conclusion

The relationship between Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark is a tale of love and political intrigue. While they were undoubtedly in love, the complexities of Westerosi law and politics necessitated their flight. The combination of Aerys's paranoia, Lyanna's rejection of Robert Baratheon, and Rhaegar's belief in the prophecy all play crucial roles in understanding why this couple had to run away. Despite the challenges they faced, Rhaegar and Lyanna's love story remains one of the most poignant in the sprawling world of Westeros.