The Dying Birth of Rhaella Targaryen: A Harbinger of Change
Imagine a world where Rhaella Targaryen, the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, perished in childbirth, giving birth to her son Rhaegar. This not-so-fantasy scenario would have ripple effects throughout the realm and within the Targaryen family, reshaping history and destiny itself. In this article, we will explore the potential implications of Rhaella’s untimely death and how it would alter the course of Westeros.
Rhaegar's Upbringing: Absence of Nurturing
Without his nurturing mother, Rhaegar may have been raised solely by his father, Aerys II the Mad King, and the influence of other court members. This isolation could have significantly influenced his character, possibly making him more withdrawn or melancholic. Aerys II, already a deranged ruler, may have become even more volatile and tyrannical, which would have had a profound impact on the stability and governance of Westeros.
The Impact on Aerys II
The death of Rhaella could have exacerbated Aerys II's mental instability. With the loss of his beloved wife, he might have descended further into madness, resulting in erratic and possibly violent behavior. This emotional turmoil could have further eroded his authority and the loyalty of his followers, contributing to an era of chaos and uncertainty.
Sibling Relationships and Emotional Trauma
The close bond between Rhaegar and his younger sister Daenerys would have been significantly affected. Without their mother’s presence to provide emotional support, Rhaegar might have become more isolated, leading to a strained relationship with Daenerys. This emotional distance could have escalated into tension or even betrayal, as seen in the later timeline with Daenerys questioning her true parentage.
Political Alliances and Marriages
The death of Rhaella would have fundamentally changed the dynamics within the Targaryen court. The alliances formed with other houses would have shifted, and the anticipated marriage between Rhaegar and Elia Martell could have faced new challenges. The absence of Rhaella's influence would have rendered her critical role in political negotiations less significant, potentially leading to a more fragmented and destabilized Westeros.
The Prophecy and the Dance of Dragons
Rhaegar’s upbringing and the altered family dynamics could have influenced his interpretation of the prophecy. The prophecy of the Dance of Dragons would have carried different weight, possibly leading to a series of events that diverge from the original storyline. This could have altered the chain of events that ultimately led to the death of Aerys II and the crowning of Robert Baratheon.
The Rebellion and Its Alteration
The events of Robert's Rebellion might have played out differently if Rhaegar had been influenced by the loss of his mother. His relationship with his father and siblings could have changed, leading to different decisions regarding Lyanna Stark. If Rhaegar had been more cautious or had a more nurturing relationship with his family, the rebellion might have been prevented or its outcome changed.
Daenerys and the Future of House Targaryen
If Rhaegar had been emotionally scarred from his upbringing, his decisions regarding the fate of his children with Elia Martell and the ultimate exile of Daenerys could have been different. This shift in his worldview would have had dramatic consequences for the Targaryen legacy, potentially altering the trajectory of House Targaryen and the events leading up to Daenerys' rise in the latest timeline.
Overall, the death of Rhaella Targaryen in childbirth would have set off a series of cascading effects, altering the relationship dynamics within the Targaryen family, the political landscape of Westeros, and the eventual outcomes of key historical events. This scenario serves as a poignant reminder of how pivotal figures in a fantasy world can shape its future.