The Short but Distinguished Marriage of Rhaegar and Elia: A Deep Dive into their Marriage Duration and Tragic End

Note: This article provides an in-depth analysis of the marriage of Rhaegar Targaryen and Princess Elia Martell of Dorne, focusing on their wedding dates and the tragic events that marked the end of their union.

Was Rhaegar and Elia Married for Three or Four Years?

The exact duration of Rhaegar Targaryen and Princess Elia Martell's marriage has been a subject of debate among historians and fans of A Song of Ice and Fire. According to records from the book series and A Wiki of Ice and Fire, their marriage was a relatively brief but significant event in Westerosi history.

Duration of the Marriage

According to A Wiki of Ice and Fire, Rhaegar and Elia were betrothed in the year 279 AC and were married shortly thereafter in 280 AC. Their marriage continued until 283 AC, when they both tragically passed away. This would make their marriage last for approximately four years.

However, some sources submit a slightly different timeline. In 281 AC, Rhaegar attended the Tourney at Harrenhal where he crowned Lyanna Stark as the 'Queen of Love and Beauty,' a move that was seen as an affront to Elia, who may have been pregnant with Aegon Targaryen. Elia tragically died in early 282 AC while giving birth to Prince Aegon.

The Tourney at Harrenhal

The tourney at Harrenhal in 281 AC was a pivotal event that foreshadowed the turbulence that would soon follow. This competition, which was attended by Rhaegar, saw the young prince crown Lyanna Stark, thus cementing a direct adversary relationship between him and Elia. The symbolic nature of this act is particularly noteworthy as it could be interpreted as a disregard for Elia's status and possibly her impending motherhood.

The Birth of Prince Aegon

A little over a year later, in early 282 AC, Elia gave birth to their son, Prince Aegon, while bedridden due to the strain of her pregnancy. However, the celebration was short-lived as the Rebellion soon broke out, and Elia, along with her children, faced an unforeseeable and horrible end.

The Rebellion and Tragic End

The Targaryen rebellion, spearheaded by the newly declared King Aerys II and led by Robert Baratheon, marked the beginning of the end for Rhaegar and Elia. During the Battle of the Trident in 283 AC, Rhaegar died in a confrontation with Robert. Shortly after, Elia, along with her young son Prince Aegon and the princess of Dorne Rhaenys Targaryen, were raped, mutilated, and murdered by Ser Gregor Clegane, a Mountain with a Vengeance, in retaliation for Rhaegar's death.

Legacy and Conspiracy Theories

The deaths of Rhaegar and Elia, along with their children, left a lasting impact on the dynastic struggles of Westeros. The Targaryens lost not only their most prominent claimant to the Iron Throne but also an important bridge between House Targaryen and House Martell. For those who believe that Aegon survived, the possibility of a secret marriage to Daenerys Targaryen is an intriguing conspiracy theory that adds another layer of intrigue to the already complex Westerosi saga.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the exact duration of Rhaegar and Elia's marriage is open to interpretation due to varying historical sources, it is clear that their union lasted approximately four years from 280 AC to 283 AC. Their marriage, while brief, was marked by significant political and personal events that would shape the destiny of Westeros and its noble families.