The Secret Marriage of Rhaegar Targaryen: A Legal Analysis

The seriesrsquo; portrayal of the complex political and familial relationships in the Seven Kingdoms has led to much speculation and intrigue, particularly surrounding Jon Snowrsquo;s legitimacy. A central part of this narrative revolves around the secret marriage between Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, which has significant implications for Jonrsquo;s status as a Targaryen heir.

Background on Rhaegar Targaryen's Marriage

Rhaegar Targaryen was initially married to Elia Martell, the wife of Prince Doran Martell, and they had two children, Aegon and Rhaenys. However, Rhaegar had a secret relationship with Lyanna Stark, the northern heiress. This clandestine marriage was a critical turning point in the Targaryensrsquo; fate and the political landscape of Westeros.

Legitimacy through Marriage

The key to Jonrsquo;s legitimacy is the belief that Rhaegar and Lyanna were secretly wed before his birth. In the show, it is established through the testimony of multiple characters that the marriage between Rhaegar and Lyanna was entirely legal. Additionally, the marriage to Elia was annulled before Rhaegar eloped with Lyanna, effectively nullifying any challenge to the legitimacy of Jonrsquo;s birth.

The Role of Lyanna's Promise

Ned Starkrsquo;s decision to raise Jon as his illegitimate son was not just about personal honor but also strategic. Lyannarsquo;s deathbed promise to Ned was to protect Jon from the wrath of Robert Baratheon, who sought to eliminate all Targaryens. This secret was crucial in shaping the political maneuverings and alliances across the Seven Kingdoms.

Theories and Speculations

Fans and characters within the story often speculate about Jonrsquo;s true parentage, given the significant implications of Targaryen blood for his potential claim to the Iron Throne. The show emphasizes that the marriage was legal, and the children born from it were fully legitimate.

In contrast, the A Song of Ice and Fire books do not explicitly cover the secret marriage. However, evidence from the books, such as the three Kingsguard who stayed by Lyannarsquo;s side in Dorne, suggests that their loyalty was based on the belief that the marriage was legal. Their decision to stay with Lyanna and the newborn baby implies that they were protecting a legitimate heir.

Reasons for the Secret Marriage

Several factors motivated Rhaegarrsquo;s secret marriage to Lyanna. Firstly, his political ambitions included overthrowing Aerys II Targaryen and gaining support from various houses, such as the Starks and the Martells. Secondly, Rhaegar believed in a prophecy that a Targaryen born of the union of ice and fire would be the prince promised to save Westeros from the Others.

The marriage to Elia was legally maintained, which complicated the situation. However, Rhaegar remained convinced that both his marriages were legitimate, as the Targaryens were exempt from the ban on polygamous marriages. This decision allowed him to align his political interests and religious beliefs while maintaining his status as a legitimate heir.

Concluding Analysis

The legality and secrecy of Rhaegar Targaryenrsquo;s marriage to Lyanna Stark have far-reaching implications for Jon Snowrsquo;s status. Whether based on the show or the intricacies of events hinted at in the books, itrsquo;s clear that Rhaegarrsquo;s actions were driven by a mix of political ambition, love, and a belief in prophecy.

This legal and historical analysis underscores the belief that Jon Snow is a legitimate Targaryen heir, rooted in the secrecy and complexity of political relationships in Westeros.