As a longtime fan of George R.R. Martin’s intricately woven world of Westeros, I have grown accustomed to the complexities and nuances that define its characters and their histories. Having read both “A Game of Thrones” and “Fire & Blood,” I cannot help but share my perspective on the matter of incest within the Targaryen lineage as depicted in these works.
Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon‘s fifth episode of Season 2, called “Regent.”
In the upcoming weeks, the second season of “House of the Dragon” will reach its conclusion on the TV calendar of 2024. The Greens of King’s Landing and the Blacks of Dragonstone have been making strategic moves lately. However, Daemon Targaryen has mostly been holed up at Harrenhal, immersed in eerie solitude. From a character perspective, Daemon’s visions have provided intrigue. Readers of the books may have spotted hints from George R.R. Martin’s original work in these visions. In the most recent vision, Daemon’s relationship with his mother took an incestuous turn, which is quite shocking even by Targaryen standards.
In the first season and a half of “House of the Dragon,” there have been ample amounts of incest, as was also present in “Game of Thrones.” However, a recent development involves a major character engaging in an unorthodox parent-child relationship. I went back to George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood” to learn more about the Targaryens’ unusual practices, as alluded to by Alicent in Season 1.
What Happened In Daemon’s Vision
In my perspective as a passionate fan, Daemon’s initial impression of the vision wasn’t clear-cut as a love scene with his and Viserys’ mother. Her fair complexion and blonde locks hinted at a close family connection, but I pondered if she could be a younger Aemma, given the prophecy that Daemon should have been king instead of his brother. As the intimate scene unfolded further, my theory gained traction as the woman voiced what is sure to become an iconic line in “House of the Dragon”: “If only you had been born first…my dearest son.”
I used to recoil at the thought that “House of the Dragon” might have taken the controversial route of portraying parent-child incest, given how strongly “Game of Thrones” had criticized it through the character of Craster. However, upon further reflection, I realize that the scene wasn’t an exact reenactment of past events. Daemon was just a child when his mother passed away, so this love scene wasn’t something he consciously sought or desired. Instead, it appears to be a creation of Alys Rivers’, who is almost as mysterious and unsettling as Harrenhal itself, implanted in Daemon’s mind.
Given that Daemon’s family background is quite complex – his parents were siblings, his wife is his niece, his father-in-law was his brother, and his sons are also his great nephews – the idea of him having a loving scene with his mother raises questions about Tagaryen traditions. Thus, it’s worth reexamining what George R.R. Martin wrote on this topic.
What George R.R. Martin Wrote In Fire & Blood
As a devoted fan, I must caution you: the following discussion may reveal key plot points from George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” specifically up to the chapter titled “A Time of Testing – The Realm Remade.” Proceed with caution if you wish to preserve the element of surprise!
The book “Fire & Blood” by George R.R. Martin is a work of fiction that chronicles the history of the Targaryen dynasty. This narrative is based on various accounts, including those of septons, maesters, and an intriguing character named Mushroom. However, the HBO series “House of the Dragon” deviates from these sources in some instances. For example, significant events like Blood and Cheese unfolded differently on the show than they did in the book. Consequently, reading “Fire & Blood” once more allowed for an intriguing comparison between Martin’s portrayal of Targaryen incest and its adaptation on the screen.
In simple terms, the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros had a unique rule that permitted them to marry within their family due to the Doctrine of Exceptionalism. This doctrine held that the Targaryens weren’t bound by the Faith of the Seven and could therefore practice incestuous marriages. The rest of Westeros followed different rules against such unions. This explanation might shed light on why Jon and Dany’s relationship in “Game of Thrones” and the seemingly accepted queer customs in “House of the Dragon,” were not met with much disturbance or controversy.
During Viserys’ opposition to Daemon and Rhaenyra prior to the time leap, his concerns appeared more centered around the following points:
As a devoted follower of the Seven and their teachings, I can’t help but remind you that according to our sacred texts, it is forbidden for a brother to be with his sister, a father with his daughter, or a mother with her son. Such unions are considered abhorrent, an affront to the gods. However, there’s an exception to this rule – the Targaryens. Despite upholding the fundamental principles of our faith, we acknowledge that this noble House defies these norms in their unique way.
As a devoted fan, I’d express it this way: In the captivating world of “Fire & Blood,” the Targaryens held a unique perspective regarding the taboo against incest. They seemed to believe that these rules didn’t bind them. The text doesn’t delve deep into which types of relationships were permissible among the ruling family, but the underlying message was clear: The Targaryens stood apart from the common folks of Westeros. Their distinct physical traits – their eyes, their hair, their demeanor – and their extraordinary ability to ride dragons set them apart.
Towards the end of the text, Septon Alfyn, an ally of House Targaryen, is quoted making this argument for Exceptionalism:
One deity crafted us all – Andals, Valyrians, and First Men. Yet, he didn’t mold us equally. He created lions and aurochs, both magnificent creatures, but bestowed unique traits upon them. A lion cannot survive as an aurochs, just as an aurochs cannot thrive as a lion. Your incestuous relationship with your sister is a grave transgression, ser… but neither you nor I are of the dragon’s bloodline. They follow their traditions, and it’s not our place to condemn them.
In the argument for the incest rule presented in “Fire & Blood” by George R.R. Martin, the instance of acceptable incest is limited to siblings. Marriages between uncles and nieces were likely considered a reach, but it’s clear that relationships between parents and children were off-limits, even within the Targaryen dynasty. Though Martin doesn’t explicitly disapprove of Daemon’s vision in “Fire & Blood,” there is no record of matrimonial alliances between parents and children among the Targaryens.
In simpler terms, Daemon’s visions of his mother would make most people uncomfortable, and he might want to leave Harrenhal quickly if those images are being provoked by Alys Rivers. He was unpredictable enough without her interference.
Check if Alys has any shocking surprises in store for Daemon in the upcoming episodes of “House of the Dragon” every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO. Catch up on missed Season 2 episodes by streaming them with a Max subscription. Both Game of Thrones’ eight seasons are also available on the platform.
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2024-07-18 07:07