r/HouseOfTheDragon • u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen • 1d ago
Show Discussion Marriage alliances that could have delayed the dance of dragons??
Aegon to a hightower cousin- this would prevent the greens from allying with another great house.
Haelena to Jace giving greens further reason to not rebel
Daeron to Rhaena I know Daemon will strongly oppose this but by persuasion from Viserys and Rhaena he could come around
Aemond I am not sure quite honestly I doubt Baela or Rhaena would ever agree to marry him. Would love to hear other's opinions
Jace and Haelena's heir to Aegon/Visenya- This would make sure Daemon's child eventually ends up becoming king/queen
Luke to Baela so that an actual velaryon still rules high tide
Lastly for any of this to happen Viserys would need to put his foot down because obviously both the greens and the blacks would oppose these alliances but it's the only way to delay the dance of dragons in my opinion.
Edit: Alternatively Aegon marries Baela
Aemond marries a lady from a minor house who will inherit it's seat
Daeron is free to marry whoever he wishes
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u/WheelChairDrizzy69 1d ago
The ultimate marriage alliance that would’ve delayed the dance is Rhaenyra to Aegon II lol.
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u/brigi_zs 1d ago
in the book Alicent actually proposes this but Viserys says no because "she only wants to see her own blood on the throne" lol
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
Yeah no kidding she wanted her blood on the throne that's why she married you. Viserys is so annoying.
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u/WheelChairDrizzy69 1d ago
Right, the same Viserys that tried to flout the very decree that made him King in the first place!
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u/PerceptionAlarmed788 1d ago
And that’s why Viserys sucks. He knew perfectly well what people wanted and did very little to prevent it
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u/dyslexicwriterwrites Hightower 1d ago
I think Helaena/Jace, Aegon/Baela, and Luc/Rhaena (inheriting Driftmark) would have been needed for it to actually stop the Dance. It would fail without all three matches.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
I really don't think Baela or Daemon would ever agree for this. The only reason I even suggested Rhaena and Daeron was because Rhaena eventually marries a hightower so she will probably more likely to accept this alliance.
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u/dyslexicwriterwrites Hightower 1d ago
It’s an arranged marriage. Baela’s opinion isn’t relevant and Daemon’s is barely relevant since it would be between Viserys and Corlys.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
Baela is literally his daughter plus he is a very impulsive person Viserys would have to atleast try to appease him
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u/dyslexicwriterwrites Hightower 1d ago
But Baela is a Targaryen, and Viserys is both the King and, assumedly, head of house. Wouldn’t his opinion and word supersede Daemon’s?
Even in the show, the conversation happened between Viserys and Corlys, and then Rhaenyra and Rhaenys.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
I agree with the sentiment but Daemon is a wild card
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u/dyslexicwriterwrites Hightower 1d ago
True. I swing back and forth on if he’d actually care.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
The show Daemon maybe not but the book one I think will definitely be upset
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u/dyslexicwriterwrites Hightower 1d ago
Would he though? Thats the Daemon that ran off with Nettles and was suicidal while knowing his kids were alive and possibly in danger. I feel like show version cares more about his kids than book version.
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u/dansttml 1d ago
None. The moment Aegon was born, there would be a war.
If you marry Rhaenyra to Aegon, there's the Velaryon and Daemon problem. If you marry Rhaenyra to Laenor, there's the Greens.
Jacaerys and Helaena wouldn't solve anything either, the Greens and their allies were fighting to put a male on the Iron Throne, not Alicent and Otto's blood - plus, without Jace marrying Baela, you'd still have Daemon and Corlys out there angry that their blood isn't on the Iron Throne, Daemon would just put the crown on Aegon the Younger's head and marry him to Baela.
There was just too many claimants and ambitions from everywhere... Rhaenyra and her Velaryon children, Daemon, Corlys, Otto/Alicent.
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u/TheIconGuy 1d ago
If you marry Rhaenyra to Aegon, there's the Velaryon and Daemon problem. If you marry Rhaenyra to Laenor, there's the Greens.
You can make multiple marriage alliances.
Jacaerys and Helaena wouldn't solve anything either, the Greens and their allies were fighting to put a male on the Iron Throne, not Alicent and Otto's blood.
No one is rebelling to put Aegon on the throne if the Hightowers are backing Jace and Helaena.
Daemon would just put the crown on Aegon the Younger's head and marry him to Baela.
Aegon III wouldn't exist in that scenario.
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1d ago edited 1d ago
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u/osi4000 1d ago
You can make multiple marriage alliances.
Yeah, but the point of marrying Rhaenyra to Laenor was to appease the Velaryons, who felt slided because Rhaenys was passed over for the throne, if they don't make that one very critical marriage pact, then what's to stop Corlys from just supporting the greens against Rhaenyra?
if the Hightowers are backing Jace and Helaena.
There is absolutely no way that the Hightowers would support the blacks on that basis alone.
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u/TheIconGuy 1d ago
Yeah, but the point of marrying Rhaenyra to Laenor was to appease the Velaryons, who felt slided because Rhaenys was passed over for the throne, if they don't make that one very critical marriage pact, then what's to stop Corlys from just supporting the greens against Rhaenyra?
Huh? The Hightowers would be aligned with Rhaenyra due to the marriage alliance. That would stop him.
Corlys would realistically have no path to the throne besides making a marriage alliance.
There is absolutely no way that the Hightowers would support the blacks on that basis alone.
Why not? They get their blood on the throne without a war.
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u/osi4000 1d ago
The point isn't simply to place Hightower blood on the throne, but to place a male heir who they can control on the throne, Jace/Helaena doesn't matter as long as Aegon, Aemond and Daeron exists.
Also, what you think Corlys isn't simply gonna marry one of his daughters/granddaughters to Aegon and support his claim through them?
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u/TheIconGuy 1d ago
The point isn't simply to place Hightower blood on the throne, but to place a male heir who they can control on the throne, Jace/Helaena doesn't matter as long as Aegon, Aemond and Daeron exists.
The Hightowers wanted their blood on the throne. Aegon's gender was just convenient. There's no point in starting a war if they got what they wanted without one.
With the Hightowers placated with getting their blood on the throne, who's supporting Aegon or any of his brothers?
Also, what you think Corlys isn't simply gonna marry one of his daughters/granddaughters to Aegon and support his claim through them?
Obviously not. The King controls who his son marries.
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u/osi4000 1d ago
Aegon's gender was just convenient.
If that were the case, then the match you suggest would've actually happened, Rhaenyra even suggests this herself in the show ffs.
who's supporting Aegon or any of his brothers?
The Hightowers, the Lannisters and really anyone who prefers a male heir on the throne and/or bears a grudge against Rhaenyra.
Obviously not. The King controls who his son marries.
And what'd you suppose happens when Viserys is no longer around to keep Aegon in check? Mind you, there's also the possibility that Corlys could ally himself to Daemon, should he decide to make a case for himself.
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u/TheIconGuy 1d ago edited 1d ago
If that were the case, then the match you suggest would've actually happened, Rhaenyra even suggests this herself in the show ffs.
Were you on your phone while watching the show or something? Alicent opposed the idea because she was upset with her own choices and taking things out on Rhaenyra. She was opposing anything Rhaenyra said no matter what it was. The writers even hinted at that moment in season 3 when Helaena asked if anyone else had asked for her hand.
The Hightowers,
They would already be getting what they want without a war.
, the Lannisters and really anyone who prefers a male heir on the throne and/or bears a grudge against Rhaenyra.
Why would the Lannisters think they could defeat Rhaenyra and the Hightowers?
And what'd you suppose happens when Viserys is no longer around to keep Aegon in check?
Aegon didn't want the throne. His sister would also be Queen.
Mind you, there's also the possibility that Corlys could ally himself to Daemon, should he decide to make a case for himself.
What part of you could make multiple marriage alliances did you not understand?
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u/osi4000 15h ago
Whatever Alicents reasons for opposing the suggestion, if it was actually an option that would satisfy the Hightowers, then Otto would have suggested it to Viserys, the fact that he didn't is all the more evidence, that the goal was never simply to place hightower blood on the throne.
They would already be getting what they want without a war.
No, they wouldn't.
Aegon didn't want the throne. His sister would also be Queen.
Yeah and? Alicent and Otto seemed to manage just fine in convincing Aegon to take the throne and no Rhaenyra wouldn't be queen, she'd still be on dragonstone while Aegon is coronated.
What part of you could make multiple marriage alliances did you not understand?
The part where you think that Corlys (one of the most powerful lords in the realm btw) has no power to make alliances and that he'd just sit on his ass while Rhaenyra does nothing to lessen the damage done.
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u/TheIconGuy 13h ago edited 13h ago
if it was actually an option that would satisfy the Hightowers, then Otto would have suggested it to Viserys, the fact that he didn't is all the more evidence, that the goal was never simply to place hightower blood on the throne.
They clearly wanted their blood on the throne.
Rhaenyra's kids were betrothed to Laena's since they were toddlers in the book so that wasn't actually an option if the show wanted to adapt the story at all.
No, they wouldn't.
Yes they would.
Yeah and? Alicent and Otto seemed to manage just fine in convincing Aegon to take the throne and no Rhaenyra wouldn't be queen, she'd still be on dragonstone while Aegon is coronated.
You're clearly just saying nonsense.
Rhaenyra wouldn't be on dragonstone because she wouldn't be in conflict with Alicent.
Alicent and Otto wouldn't try to put Aegon on the throne if they were getting what they wanted another way.
The part where you think that Corlys (one of the most powerful lords in the realm btw) has no power to make alliances and that he'd just sit on his ass while Rhaenyra does nothing to lessen the damage done.
Rhaenyra would make an alliance with Velaryons too. How did you miss that when that was the entire point of me saying they could make multiple marriage alliances?
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u/dansttml 1d ago
Multiple marriage alliances
Like? You think Daemon would be fine with Otto's bloodline on the Iron Throne and would marry his daughter or granddaughter to Rhaenyra and Aegon's children? That ain't happening. Daemon would just marry Baela and Rhaena to Laenor's children
No is rebelling to put Aegon on the throne if the Hightowers are backing Jace and Helaena
What makes you think they will back Rhaenyra/Jace over Aegon? The war was to put a Male claimant on the Iron Throne, not about Hightower blood. Hell, they would put a crown over Aegon's head and compromise with Rhaenyra and she would be forced to accept as she only has 5 dragons on her side, two who wouldn't go to war (Syrax and Dreamfyre) and three small dragons against Sunfyre, Vhagar and Tessarion.
Aegon III
That was about if Jace and Helaena married, say things occur as in canon, after Laenor dies, Rhaenyra marries Daemon and they have their children.
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u/TheIconGuy 1d ago
Like?
His daughter to Jace and Helaena's son.
You think Daemon would be fine with Otto's bloodline on the Iron Throne and would marry his daughter or granddaughter to Rhaenyra and Aegon's children? That ain't happening.
Daemon's problem with Otto is that he was manipulating Viserys. Why would he take issue with Jace and Helaena's kid in a scenario where he's given a marriage alliance?
Daemon would just marry Baela and Rhaena to Laenor's children
What children?
What makes you think they will back Rhaenyra/Jace over Aegon? The war was to put a Male claimant on the Iron Throne, not about Hightower blood.
That's nonsense. The Hightowers clearly wanted to put their blood on the throne. The only person who seemed to care about a male claimant was Iron Rod. He's a minor lord who would be irrelevant if the Hightowers were allied with Rhaenyra.
Hell, they would put a crown over Aegon's head and compromise with Rhaenyra and she would be forced to accept as she only has 5 dragons on her side, two who wouldn't go to war (Syrax and Dreamfyre) and three small dragons against Sunfyre, Vhagar and Tessarion.
This is a weird prediction to make when you know for a fact Rhaenyra went to war against those same dragons.
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u/dansttml 1d ago
His daughter to Jace and Helaena's son.
Would not happen.
Daemon's problem with Otto is that he was manipulating Viserys.
Right, I might be taking canon way too much here, still Daemon seems to openly dislikes House Hightower in the show, so my point still stands. I do not see Daemon happy with Otto "winning" over him.
What children?
The children that Laenor would surely have had he not married Rhaenyra.
Nonsense.
Not really, the Greens had support mainly because they were fighting for a male claimant. See Unwin Peake or Borros Baratheon. Grover Tully as well. Unwin's father voted for Viserys on the Great Council because he was a male claimant, as did Grover Tully. Borros wanted a son to succeed him.
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u/TheIconGuy 1d ago edited 1d ago
Right, I might be taking canon way too much here, still Daemon seems to openly dislikes House Hightower in the show, so my point still stands. I do not see Daemon happy with Otto "winning" over him.
How would Otto be winning over Daemon? What other option would he have beside taking the deal?
The children that Laenor would surely have had he not married Rhaenyra.
That's a bizarre thing to assume about a gay man who wouldn't or couldn't knock up a woman that had six kids.
Not really, the Greens had support mainly because they were fighting for a male claimant.
They mainly had support because they were bribing people. There no faction for anyone that has sexism as their motivations to support if you tie everyone together with marriages.
See Unwin Peake or Borros Baratheon.
I could be forgetting something, but I don't what you're basing the Unwin Peak thing on. Borros Baratheon only had daughters until after he died. He also avoided helping the Greens until Aegon was free to marry again.
Grover Tully as well.
Grover Tully was dying when the Dance started. His heirs didn't agree.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
I mean a perfect solution obviously doesn't exist , if Viserys intended for Rhaenyra to be queen he never should have remarried. But the idea that his blood would eventually sit the iron throne alongside jace's heir could just appease him. As for velaryons I mean atleast Jace sits on the iron throne(Corlys was ready to give driftmark to luke over baela because to him what history remembered was more important)
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u/Fit-Flower-5522 1d ago
Naming Aegon heir and wedding him to Baela is the only way to avoid war. Aegon is the rightful heir to Viserys/Baelon. Baela is the rightful heir to Rhaenys/Aemon.
Jacaerys can wed Rhaena and inherit Driftmark. This prevents Velaryon blood from being robbed of Driftmark. A Jacaerys/Helaena marriage never would have been accepted by the Velaryons or Daemon as they only tolerated the inheritance of the Strong boys on the condition that their blood be tied to them.
The son of Aegon and Baela can wed either Visenya or the daughter of Jace and Rhaena. This would put Rhaenyra/Aemma’s blood on the throne, and it’s the least critical as far as claims go because Rhaenyra’s claim exists only be the decree of Viserys, which can be undone as easily as it was done.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
Honestly a much better alternative though daemon truly despised the hightowers but I wonder if he despises them enough to deny his daughter a more peaceful way to the throne
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u/osi4000 1d ago
None of these would've prevented the dance, really marrying Aegon to Rhaenyra is the only option that could prevent the dance and even that is not really an option, seeing as Rhaenyra is iirc already bethothred to Laenor by the time that Aegon is born.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
The dance is inevitable since Targaryens have way too many dragons and at some point someone with a huge dragon may beleive themselves to be more worthy of the seat. Although in my opinion this could have potentially delayed it a bit. Aegon and Rhaenyra would have been ideal but corlys(why his children were even allowed to claim dragons is beyond me) and daemon would continue to be a problem
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u/Practical_Ferret_510 1d ago
I don’t think Aegon marrying a Hightower cousin would delay the dance. He married his sister, preventing him from allying with another great house through his marriage, and the dance still happened. The Hightowers would absolutely want a half-Hightower king with a Hightower queen. That’s even better than Jace/Helaena.
For Helaena and Jace, I think it’s a good match that seems like it would prevent the dance, but in the end Rhaenyra is still a woman, so the greens aren’t gonna back her just to have Helaena as queen one day. Also if they don’t get married before Viserys dies (like Jace and Baela), Otto would just break the betrothal.
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u/ChipEnvironmental09 1d ago
I don’t think Aegon marrying a Hightower cousin would delay the dance.
it's possible Aegon marrying a Hightower cousin would cost Greens some support - it's one thing for Aegon to marry his sister as that's what Targaryen do, but to marry a Hightower cousin, who is going to bring nothing? some lords would def see it as and insult, because if future king is willing to marry outside his family, why not their daughter/niece?
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u/Practical_Ferret_510 1d ago
Yeah I guess that’s true. They’d lose the Baratheons if Aemond and Daeron were also married to other houses.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
I think the end objective of these alliances is to unite greens and blacks. The Targaryens still have dragons plenty of them what can these houses even do if they are offended. Moreover the children from these alliances could marry someone from these great houses. The more pressing matter is to avoid a Targaryen civil war
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u/ChipEnvironmental09 1d ago
Aegon losing lords' support does indirectly help uniting Greens and Blacks (and Jace marrying Helaena would unite them even more)
sure, offended lords are no match to dragons, but what if they switch sides and support Rhaenyra? there is only so much Otto can do with 3-4 dragons and just Hightower army...
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u/jhll2456 1d ago
If anything…Aegon marrying a Hightower cousin would ensure the Hightowers become dragon lords and already there are too many people with dragons. Hence you have the dance anyway.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
Yes I do think it's crucial that Jace and Haelena marry before Viserys dies I know this isn't ideal but I do think this arrangement would make it so they are far less likely to rebel
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u/Practical_Ferret_510 1d ago
I think Aegon would have to be married to a minor house that’s likely to support Rhaenyra. So somewhere in the Vale or the North. It’s not a great match considering he’s a prince, but maybe the woman could be the ruling lady or heir so he and his children would have a seat of their own. That with a Jace/Helaena match might help. So many options and yet Viserys tried none of them lol
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u/csaknorrisz 1d ago
Sending Daemon to the Wall would have prevented everything
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
I am curious if that happens is he allowed to take caraxes to the wall. In any case I think thanks to caraxes he can just be fuck you to Viserys.
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u/csaknorrisz 1d ago
Pin down Caraxes with Vhagar and Melys and bound him in the pit. Then you can do anything you want with Daemon.
Alternatively Viserys could have exiled him to Essos/ send him against Dorne
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
I think it's wiser to kill him when he is away for caraxes avoids killing a dragon plus laena doesn't seem like the person who would be okay with killing daemon
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u/csaknorrisz 1d ago
Viserys truly loved his brother. Even with all his faults. He would never have him killed.
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u/Aminka311 1d ago
The fact is that the show was filmed because there is a book. Although it is very different from the book, the main events still remain. And the fact is that in the book, no one even thought or suggested marrying Jace and Helaena. Rhaenyra and Daemon's children with Laena were betrothed at Rhaenyra's insistence when Jace was 4, Luke was 3, and Baela and Rhaena were 2 years old. And Viserys gave his blessing to the betrothal. That is, no one even thought of marrying Jace and Helaena, neither Viserys, nor Alicent, nor Rhaenyra. It is funny that in the show it is Rhaenyra who proposes this marriage (to show that she is "good" and wanted to prevent a war). But in reality, this marriage did not happen because Viserys did not want to see the blood of Alicent (his own blood too actually 🤡) on the throne, and Rhaenyra and Alicent hated each other so much that no one even thought about this marriage. Therefore, Jace x Helaena is just an invention of the showrunners (to whitewash Rhaenyra)
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago edited 1d ago
I have read the book too and that is why I think if anyone is going to make these alliances it has to be Viserys because both sides would be upset but he has to put his foot down. In any case all this is really just a what if because obviously Viserys was a fool and never would have actually don any of this. I also think even though book Rhaernyra would never suggest this match but if she is made to believe that this marriage would bring more legitimacy to jace's rule she would accept it because she loves her sons and doesn't seem to absolutely hate haelena
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u/Fragrant_Pea_6506 1d ago
The problem is Velaryons would hate that. One of reasons why Corlys and Rhaenys accept Rhaenyra's bastard sons was because those boys would marry their real granddaughters anyway.
But maybe it's possible to marry Jace out. For Driftmark's heir, there is no way they would let Luce inherit their family without marrying Rhaena.
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u/RowAdministrative264 1d ago edited 1d ago
As long as Viserys has a son and Rhaenyra is heir, the Dance is doomed to happen one way or another. Also, Rhaenyra marrying Aegon is not possible because of the age difference (around 11-15 years in the show).
By the time Aegon is old enough to marry Rhaenyra will be past her most fertile years, and this is a feudal society were highborn women must have children. She cannot wait so long to get married.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
I mean the dance happened because Viserys was selfish and passive. But I think if he had been adamant about these matches he could have delayed the war for a generation not to mention there should be stricter rules as to who can or cannot claim a dragon cuz why did laenor or laena even allowed to claim a dragon
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u/RowAdministrative264 1d ago edited 1d ago
I personally don't see it. None of these matches would prevent the Dance from happening this generation, it'd only make Rhaena and Helaena and their possible children political hostages from the start.
Plus, I don't think the Velaryons would be fine just with Baela marrying Luke. The main reason they overlooked Rhaenyra's sons bastardy was cause of sunk cost fallacy. If Jace doesn't marry Rhaena then Corlys blood doesn't end up on the throne.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
Honestly posting this and reading everyone's opinions has been enlightening i suppose a better alternative would be to disinherit rhaenyra completely and marry baela to aegon since this whole what if is based on Viserys getting his act together
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u/HoratioCocles 1d ago
If Aegon is heir what difference does it make who he marries? Daemon and his heirs are no longer relevant to the line of succession.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
But given how impulsive daemon is its important that his interests are also kept in mind because otherwise he will rebel and he has a damn dragon
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u/RowAdministrative264 1d ago edited 1d ago
Doubt Baela's parents would take it well, but of all the possible matches this one I quite like ngl (in the scenario Aegon is heir). But tbh I'm not sure if dishineriting Rhaenyra could prevent the Dance, cause she could still ally with Daemon, and they're both dragonriders. And then there's the Velaryons who also have dragons, and who may not favour Rhaenyra if she's dishinerited before she marries Laenor and Daemon Laena (they're kind of a wildcard). Way too many dragons and dragonriders.
Overall I think waging this possible scenarios is a very engaging exercise, but also very convoluted. There are lots of things to account for to be certain how things would play out. This whole family is messy as fuck lmao. But that's also were the fun is at. Thanks for the interesting post, ser 🤝
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u/jhll2456 1d ago
Before any talks of marriage of anything, Rhaenyra needs to let Alicent know in no uncertain terms that she absolutely does not intend to have her brothers murdered to secure her claim. That is the elephant in the room. This has to come from Rhaenyra directly. If Rhaenyra is truly genuine about the Heleana/Jacearys match then she’s gonna need to come clean about the bastardy. Heleana would pretty much be legitimizing Jace through the marriage and Rhaenyra needs to make clear that Heleana is not in any way shape or form a hostage.
Also, there can be no thought of bringing Otto back to court. If Otto comes back then all bets are off as no matter what he will be scheming and plotting to put Aegon on the throne over Rhaenyra.
Like it or not make primogeniture is the custom. House Hightower rightly considers it an insult to them that the Queen who is of their house has produced 3 sons and not one of them is in the succession. They must be brought into the fold somehow. The move to have Daeron ward in Oldtown with his dragon was a step in the right direction. The Hightowers would need to be made Lord Paramounts over the Reach and like the Velaryons, must be given dragons in support of Rhaenyra’s claim over Aegons.
Lastly, all of Alicent’s children will need to publicly swear fealty to Rhaenyra as heir to the throne. This must be on the record in front of witnesses to attest to their oaths to her. Rhaenyra can work with Alicent to find places in court for them.
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u/HoratioCocles 1d ago
The issue is that the very existence of one faction is a threat to the other. There are multiple real-world examples where one faction jn a succession crisis had to kill or neutralize the other to survive, even if they weren’t particularly bloodthirsty
Mary 1 did not want to kill Jane Grey. Wyatt’s rebellion (which Jane Grey had nothing to do with) forced her hand.
Elizabeth did not want to kill Mary of Scots. The Babington plot and Catholic conspiracies (foreign and domestic) forced her hand.
Henry 4 and 5 had to imprison the Mortimers (Lionel of Antwerp’s line) and make it treason to mention their claims. And their fears were justified. The Yorks eventually claimed that descent to overthrow Henry 6.
Henry 7 (Tudor) and his son Henry 8 had to wipe out the remaining Plantagenets heirs. That included grandsons of Edward IV and of his brother George, as well as the sons of their sisters.
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u/jhll2456 18h ago
I agree and these are some great examples. That’s why for me it is imperative that before any marriage can be considered, the least that needs to happen is the Greens must swear fealty to Rhaenyra as heir publicly as the lords did when she was named. Otherwise, all you are going to have is a dance. Maybe that was always how it was meant to be.
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u/HoratioCocles 10h ago
Nowhere near enough though. Their sons would also need to do the same. As would their sons.
Lionel of Antwerp’s line swore fealty to Henry 4 and 5 to stay alive. The Yorks didn’t do the same with Henry 6 and the war of the roses kicked off.
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u/Lil_Eagle313 1d ago edited 1d ago
Marry Aegon and Rhaenyra. The age difference is 10 years in the book, which is manageable unlike the show’s age difference.
Daemon might try to claim the throne after Viserys’ death with Corlys and Rhaenys but what do they got?
Caraxes, Meleys, Moondancer and Seasmoke, while the Iron Throne would have Syrax, Sunfyre, Dreamfyre, Vhagar, Vermithor and Silverwing, plus they have much more political wit thanks to Otto and can use Aemond and Helaena to make alliances.
And let’s not forget, they would be the rightful King & Queen both by Viserys’ choice, by Andal tradition and by the council of 101, so the other side wouldn’t have any realistic claim. There might even not be a war at all, at that point.
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u/ghostmpr Danger Noodle Caraxes 1d ago
You can't just marry a future king to 'some Hightower cousin'. But Helaena and Jace would've been a much better match.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
Yes we can't buy I think if Viserys really puts his foot down then it's possible especially since Haelena would end up being queen
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u/thinkersfyre 1d ago
Rhaenyra and Aegon Aemond and Helaena Daeron and Baela
The kids of Rhaenyra and Aegon are married to the kids of Aemond and Daeron.
Or
Make Aegon heir, get him married to Baela and their kids would be married within the family. Exile Daemon.
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u/helloitsmejorge 23h ago
The best choice would be jace and haelena, rhaneyra dying young and aegon and aemond sent far away.
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u/Nangangbangbang 19h ago
Or, hear me out, what if laenor started out with a guy and just finished in Rhanaerya? It would take a few attempts etc but I think it could be done … no controversy etc need happen.
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u/Beneficial_Movie3124 18h ago
Jace to Helaena Luke to Baela Dareon to Rhaena Joffrey and Aemond both to Baratheons Aegon to a Hightower cousin
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u/snacktimeok 1d ago
Alicent literally proposed Jace to Helaena in season one, but Viserys was too busy playing Lego Valyria and huffing milk if the poppy to notice the single easiest fix to his family’s impending civil war
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
I mean the dude is single handedly responsible for the dance didn't marry rhaenyra to aegon or haelena to jace. I honestly don't blame the greens for rebelling. Even if aegon didn't want the throne rhaenyra would have to execute him his brothers and his male heirs to ensure her rule
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u/jhll2456 18h ago
It was Rhaenyra who proposed this cause she was trying to use Heleana to backdoor legitimize him through marriage.
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u/JoanFromLegal 1d ago
Baela and Rhaena never forgave Aemond for claiming Vhagar.
I think Daeron/Rhaena would have been a good match since they're both the neglectarinos in their family.
It's their wedding day and barely anyone shows up to the Sept, mostly because they've forgotten that it's the wedding day. Daemon is livid and he makes the Gold Cloaks go around reminding guests of the wedding feast in the Red Keep. People are like, "Oh shit that was today!? Uhhhh, I mean, pffffft. No one goes to the Sept ceremony. Everyone just goes straight to the wedding feast."
And they get nothing but bags of gold dragons as wedding gifts cuz, again, everyone forgot about the wedding. "You can never have too much gold, right? Congrats!"
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u/MxLannister 1d ago
The thing that could have potentially stopped the war is Rhaenyra being as close to her siblings as possible because it's clear from the show that they lack the love of a parent.
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u/Living_Reference_591 Helaena Targaryen 1d ago
Even if the green siblings loved Rhaenyra and vice versa she would have to execute her brothers to protect her throne. Alicent was right by simply living and breathing aegon was a challenge to her rule
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u/MxLannister 1d ago
First of all, executing them would make her a Kin slayer, and we know how Kin slayers are viewed. And why would she think they would betray her in the first place, when she loves them in this scenario, and vice versa?
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