Had Lyanna Stark Declared Her Disinterest, Would Robert Have Respected Her and Let Her Be?
In George R.R. Martin's epic series, 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' the complexities of love, honor, and duty are intricately woven into the narrative. The interaction between Robert Baratheon and Lyanna Stark is one such example that raises countless questions and conjectures. If Lyanna had explicitly told Robert Baratheon that she was not in love with him and had no interest in him, would Robert have been respectful enough to let her make her own decisions?
Robert Baratheon's Perspective
Robert Baratheon's feelings for Lyanna were not merely infatuation; they were intense and deeply rooted in his youth. His emotional attachment to her was more than just an infatuation; it was an idealization that had grown into a seemingly unbreakable belief in his youth. To Robert, she was the ideal woman, and her perceived rejection would have been a significant psychological and emotional wound.
Given his character and the prevailing social norms in Westeros, it is highly probable that Robert would have struggled to accept her decision. Even if he initially respected her wishes, his possessive nature and impulsive behavior suggest that he might have attempted to persuade her otherwise. This scenario could have led to a severe escalation, especially considering the political implications of their families and the existing tensions in Westeros at the time.
The ultimate respect Robert would show to Lyanna would have been contingent on various factors, including his emotional state and the political context. However, the tragic outcome of their story suggests that the pressures of love, honor, and familial duty often lead to conflict rather than resolution. Robert's character, a man who values honor but can be impulsive and prone to violence, makes it difficult to predict his exact reaction. Yet, it is clear that he would have attempted to push for the marriage that had been set up by her father, Rickard Stark.
Aaron's Perspective on Westeros
From my point of view, women in Westeros are often reduced to second-class citizens. Their actions and decisions are heavily influenced by their fathers and husbands, indicating a patriarchal society where the autonomy of women is limited. In such a context, it is unlikely that Robert would have respected her wishes if she had declared her disinterest in him.
Rather, Robert would have insisted that Lyanna honor the betrothal, as expected of a highborn daughter. While he does have a strong sense of honor, his impulsive nature and the political dynamics of the period would have driven him to push for the marriage. Highborn marriages were primarily based on political alliances and strategic interests, with love often serving as a bonus rather than the primary reason for the union. Instances of highborn couples finding genuine love in their marriages, like Ned and Catelyn Stark, are rare, and marriages due to love instead of politics are practically non-existent in Westeros, especially for heirs and highborn daughters.
Robert may have respected Lyanna's feelings enough to not expect her to love him, focusing instead on trying to maintain a sense of friendship. However, he would have continued to push for the marriage that had been agreed upon between their families. The political pressure and social norms of that time would have made it difficult for Lyanna to refuse a betrothal without facing severe consequences.
In conclusion, while it is impossible to predict Robert's exact actions with certainty, the prevailing societal norms and his character suggest that he would have struggled to respect Lyanna's wishes. The pressures of love, honor, and duty in Westeros likely would have led him to push for the marriage despite any declarations of disinterest from Lyanna.