WHY AEGON MARRIED HIS SISTER

In the world of Westeros, as depicted in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, the Targaryen dynasty ruled for centuries, and their family history is rife with incestuous marriages. The most notorious of these unions was between Aegon Targaryen and his sister, Rhaena. While such a marriage may seem shocking and taboo to modern readers, it holds significant historical and cultural context within the realm of Westeros.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Targaryens, hailing from Valyria, possessed a unique heritage that set them apart from the other noble families of Westeros. They were dragonlords, and their bloodline was believed to carry the essence of the dragons. This belief led to a strong emphasis on keeping the bloodline pure and preventing it from being diluted with "lesser" blood. Similarly, the Ptolemies of ancient Egypt were known for their incestuous marriages.

Consolidation of Power

Furthermore, the Targaryens were a relatively new dynasty in Westeros, having conquered the Seven Kingdoms just a generation before Aegon's reign. Marrying his sister was a strategic move to consolidate his power and ensure the loyalty of the Targaryen vassals. By keeping the bloodline within the family, Aegon aimed to prevent any potential challenges to his authority from within or outside the realm. In the same vein, ancient Babylonian kings would typically marry their sisters to strengthen their lineage.

Maintaining the Dragon Bloodline

Perhaps the most significant reason for Aegon's marriage to Rhaena was the preservation of the Targaryen bloodline and its connection to the dragons. Dragons were seen as symbols of power and dominance, and their bloodline was highly prized. By marrying his sister, Aegon sought to ensure that the dragon blood remained pure and potent within the Targaryen family. Incestuous marriages were common among the Egyptian pharaohs for the same reasons.

Westerosi Cultural Norms

While incestuous marriages may be abhorrent to modern sensibilities, it's essential to remember that cultural norms and values vary across different societies and historical periods. In Westeros, such marriages were not uncommon, especially among the ruling class. The Targaryens, being a family of dragonlords with a unique heritage, were particularly inclined towards this practice. In other ancient cultures, such as the Inca Empire of South America, it was considered highly desirable for a king to marry his sister or half-sister.

Conclusion

Aegon Targaryen's marriage to his sister, Rhaena, was the result of a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and political factors. It was a strategic move to consolidate power, preserve the Targaryen bloodline, and maintain the family's connection to dragons. While it may seem abhorrent by modern standards, it was a practice deeply rooted in the cultural norms and values of Westeros.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Were incestuous marriages common in Westeros?
In Westeros, incestuous marriages were not uncommon, especially among the ruling class. However, they were not as prevalent as they were among the Targaryens.

2. Why did Aegon Targaryen marry his sister?
Aegon Targaryen married his sister, Rhaena, primarily to consolidate his power, preserve the Targaryen bloodline, and maintain the family's connection to dragons.

3. Was Aegon's marriage to Rhaena politically motivated?
Yes, Aegon's marriage to Rhaena was politically motivated. It was a strategic move to ensure the loyalty of the Targaryen vassals and prevent any potential challenges to his authority.

4. Did the Targaryens consider incest to be taboo?
While incestuous marriages were common among the Targaryens, there is some evidence that they did consider it taboo to some extent. This is evident in the fact that such marriages were often kept secret or downplayed.

5. How did the Targaryen bloodline eventually die out?
The Targaryen bloodline eventually died out due to various factors, including the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war that decimated the family, and the death of Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King.