Did Arianne Martell and Arys Love Each Other?

In George R.R. Martin's world of A Song of Ice and Fire, love stories are often complicated and tragically end. Arianne Martell and Arys Oakheart are no exception. While their feelings for each other are intense and sincere, their love is burdened by loyalty, duty, and cruel fate. This essay delves into the nature of their love, the challenges they faced, and ultimately, the tragedy that seems to be their inevitable end.

The Tragic Love Story of Arianne and Arys

Arianne Martell's feelings for Arys Oakheart are genuine and deeply felt. The connection between them is palpable, yet it is far from smooth sailing. Arys, on the other hand, finds himself caught in a difficult position. His loyalty to the Kingsguard stands in stark contrast to his developing feelings for Arianne. This internal conflict creates a tension that is palpable in their relationship. Ultimately, their love story is nothing short of tragic, with heartbreak and loss as their final chapter.

Historical Inspiration: The Dance of Dragons

George R.R. Martin is known for his fascination with history and the way in which it intertwines with the fictional world of A Song of Ice and Fire. The book draws inspiration from actual historical events, but with a twist. Consider for a moment the politics, legends, and human emotions that shape the narrative:

1. The Blurring of History and Legend

The further back in time we go, the more difficult it is to distinguish between history and legend. Dates often do not coincide with each other, and the facts are often cloudy. This blurring creates an intriguing backdrop for the story of Arianne and Arys. Just as the past in Westeros feels both real and legendary, so too is their relationship both a deeply personal and public story.

2. The Impact of Political Legends on Historical Accounts

Large parts of the Dance of Dragons saga, specifically, are known through the lens of historians who supported the Green faction. Consequently, much of what we know is passed through the biased perspective of those who sought to undermine or discredit the Black faction. This selective telling of history is mirrored in the complex love story of Arianne and Arys, where their romance is filtered through the cold, political lens of Westeros.

3. The Role of Feelings in Historical Narratives

In the academic production of history, particularly in ancient times, emotions are often overlooked. For obvious reasons, historians focus on more substantial aspects like politics, alliances, and battles. However, as in the case of Orys Baratheon and Argella Durrandon, emotions do play a role, albeit unintentional. The love between Arianne and Arys is a testament to the human emotions that cannot be completely ignored even in a historical context.

Hypothetical Analysis: The Pros and Cons of Good Feelings

Now, let us entertain a hypothetical scenario: could Arianne and Arys have genuinely loved each other despite the challenges they faced? Here is a pro and con analysis based on the available information:

Pros:

1. Long Marriage and Potential Love: They were married for a long time, and it is not beyond possibility that they fell in love, much like Ned and Catelyn Stark.

2. Attentive and Respectful Treatment: Arys is depicted as someone who treated Argella well. He covered her with his blanket, served her wine, and spoke sweet words in a respectful manner. This care and attention could have led to genuine feelings of affection.

3. Shared Values and Personalities: The world of A Song of Ice and Fire often depicts family members sharing certain traits and values. If Arys was a gentle, attractive person who valued heritage (like the Targaryens), it is plausible that Argella could have fallen in love with him.

Cons:

1. Potential for Cheating: Similar to Robert Baratheon, Arys might have had a reputation for womanizing. If this were the case, Argella might have found it difficult to maintain a loyal and genuine love.

2. Political Marriage for Political Reasons: Argella was forced into a marriage for political reasons, which is bound to be emotionally challenging. How would you truly feel about marrying a man who murdered your father and took all your family's symbols of legitimacy?

3. Matching Personalities and Family Ties: Argella and Arys’s family was known for a certain personality type, often manipulative and powerful. If Arys's personality did not align perfectly, it could exacerbate the negative emotions and resentment directly related to their union.

The Future of Arianne and Arys: Theories and Fanfiction

Until a definitive answer can be provided, the only thing fans can do is theorize and write fanfiction. Fan creations give life to the characters and stories in a way that official author interviews or adaptations cannot. A fanfic that considers all these elements could explore a different path for Arianne and Arys, allowing for a more intimate and fulfilling love story.

George R.R. Martin, for his part, has hinted at the possibility of more stories around the Conquest of Aegon. If such a scenario were to come to fruition, it could offer valuable insights into the true nature of Arianne and Arys’s relationship. However, until then, the fascinating theories and fan perspectives will continue to be a highlight of the A Song of Ice and Fire fan community.