The Succession Question: Aerys and Rhaella's Heirs
Are we to believe that King Aerys or Queen Rhaella named Viserys as their successor when Rhaegar died at the Trident? This question has puzzled fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, leading to extensive debates and theories. In this article, we will explore the evidence provided by the works of George R.R. Martin, specifically from the books and the World of Ice and Fire (WoIaF).
Background: The Fall of King's Landing
The Sack of King's Landing marked a pivotal moment in the conflict between the Lannisters and the Targaryens. During this chaotic event, several key actions were taken, including the murders of Rhaegar’s children, Aegon and Rhaenys. These murders, orchestrated by Tywin Lannister, played a crucial role in shaping the subsequent narrative. But does this mean Viserys was officially named as the new heir by his father?
Analysis of WoIaF
The World of Ice and Fire provides a rich source of background information, but the evidence presented is somewhat ambiguous. The following quotes from WoIaF shed light on the succession dynamics:
Aerys sent his pregnant queen Rhaella and his younger son and new heir Viserys away to Dragonstone.
This single line has been widely referenced, but it uses the term "new heir" rather than explicitly stating that Aerys formally displaced Aegon. Additionally, the author of WoIaF, a maester who wrote the account years after the events, may have used shorthand for thematic and narrative simplicity.
Activities at Dragonstone
Shortly after the events of the Sack, Rhaella crowned Viserys on Dragonstone, likely to counteract Robert Baratheon's kingship. As of this moment, Rhaenys and Aegon were thought to be dead, and Rhaella had no information about the pregnant Lyanna Stark. Thus, Rhaella's coronation of Viserys reflected the lack of knowledge about the other potential heirs and the need to assert her family's claim.
James C. Martin's Perspective
James C. Martin addresses the question by examining various textual evidence, including the following:
The conundrum presented by Varys and Illyrio's plan, which hinges on the relative claims of Viserys and Aegon. If Aegon was the more prominent heir, Varys' strategy would change absence of any mention of formal succession changes from characters like Jaime Lannister, who would likely have known if Aerys had officially displaced Aegon for actions of the Kingsguard at the Tower of Joy, who did not see Viserys' claim as superior to Jon Snow's, despite presumably having full information on the situation.Martin argues that the evidence from the main series and WoIaF does not strongly support the claim that Aerys formally chose Viserys over Aegon.
Conclusion
While the possibility of Aerys displacing Aegon for Viserys cannot be entirely dismissed, the overwhelming evidence from the main series and WoIaF suggests that no such formal change in succession occurred. Rhaella crowning Viserys, the actions of the Kingsguard, and the absence of any mention of such a change in key characters all point towards an open succession that favored the Targaryen line, with Viserys being the strongest claimant at the time.